measures

Both north and south of the border, emergency measures have been used to let inmates out early - with mixed results.

An increase in energy bills helped push up the UK inflation rate, which measures price changes over time, to 2.3% in the year to October, up from 1.7% in September.

Much depends, as numerous members of the Bank of England have suggested, on the pass through of Budget measures into prices and wages.

Domestically, measures in the Budget, such as a rise in National Insurance paid by employers, has led to fears that the extra cost could be passed on in higher prices or fewer jobs.

The workers, however, were not provided with any information about air quality, health risks or protective measures to help them make an informed decision for themselves, she said.