The academic year for Infant, Primary and Special Education will begin on September 7th, one week earlier than has been the case in the past. For Secondary Education, the commencement date will, at least for the time being, remain at September 15th.
Change to academic year?
Trade Unions have been protesting against a draft decree which, if approved, will bring forward the start of the academic year in schools throughout Andalucía. The decree affect the Infants Second Stage, Primary Education and Special Education and would see the start of the academic year brought forward from September 15th to September 7th.
12,000 calls relating to domestic violence
The number of calls made to the toll-free information centre run by the Instituto Andaluz de la Mujer increased by 44% during 2008. The vast majority of calls, 12,000 of them, related to domestic violence and the IAM has managed to place 369 victims of violence in secure accommodation. The freephone number is: 900 200 999
The 24 hour company
The Government of Andalucía has approved a new measure to speed up the process of setting up a new company, a process which currently takes between 30 and 40 days.
Only 39% of municipalities have submitted their projects under the ‘Zapatero Plan’
Under the Plan Estatal de Inversión Local, a measure to combat the economic crisis, the government is providing some €1,426 million to the municipalities of Andalucía for local infrastructure projects.
Extension of free school transport system
The Junta de Andalucía is to extend the free school transport system to include the second infant stage, namely three to six year olds.
Focus on consumer safety
Last year, inspectors from the Junta de Andalucía ordered the withdrawal from the market of 37,405 products considered hazardous to the consumer. To strengthen controls on consumer products, the Junta de Andalucìa has approved a government decree and will be setting up ‘Red Alert Andalucía’, a system of fast exchange of information by electronic means that will improve the security …
Hostelry trade wants extension to opening hours
The hotel and catering trade in Andalucía is planning to renew its request to the Junta de Andalucía for an extension to opening hours to help combat the effects of the current economic crisis. They are seeking at least a one hour extension to opening hours for restaurants, bars, terraces, cafés and clubs in order to make up for the …
November sees sharp decline in tourist numbers
The number of foreign visitors arriving in Andalucía in November was 17.3% down on the same period last year, a figure which is six points above the national average.
November vehicle sales down in Andalucía
Sales of 4×4’s in Andalucía during November fell by 63.5% compared to the same month last year, a good ten per cent above the national average. Car sales in Andalucía also slumped, falling by 53.5 % compared to last year.