Insurer adopts hi-tech solution

Australian insurer and bank Suncorp plans an office innovation by inviting staff to bring their own laptops and smartphones to work, as a way of creating a more appealing workplace than an attempt to cut costs, according to a company spokesman. With 20,000 workstations for its staff, Suncorp believes the policy, expected to be executed in August, is a response to the growing need of workers who want the same technology experience at work as they do at home. The company will use a combination of Citrix and open-source tools to create a secure interface that will ensure staff only have access to company approved applications.Reuters

US retailer faces huge lawsuit

The world's largest retailer Wal-Mart Stores might encounter the largest class-action sex-discrimination lawsuit in history by women employees who seek billions of dollars for allegedly paying them less and giving them fewer promotions than men at 3,400 United States stores since late 1998. At issue in the Supreme Court showdown is whether the small group of women who began the lawsuit 10 years ago can represent a huge nationwide class of present and former employees that could total millions. Reuters

Recession takes its toll

Due to unemployment, nine million Americans joined the millions already uninsured during the recession, according to a report, which also states that last year 52 million Americans went without health insurance, compared to 38 million in 2001. The Americans who lost their jobs and health benefits often had no way to regain affordable health coverage, leaving them and their families at risk of financial ruin. In addition, 71 per cent (19 million) of Americans who tried to purchase an individual plan found it difficult or impossible to find one they could afford or that met their needs, or they were turned down or charged extra because of a pre-existing condition, the report says.Xinhua

World Bank focuses on Africa

The World Bank has approved a new plan, "Africa's Future and the World Bank's Support to it", for the continent, which is facing an opportunity to transform itself, and will emphasise the need for attention in key areas such as competitiveness and employment. The strategy will assist in diversifying Africa's economies and generating jobs, especially for the seven million to 10 million young people entering the labour force each year. Apart from helping the country close the gap between infrastructure needs and investments that cost US$48 billion annually, it will focus on building the skills of workers, the World Bank says.Xinhua