Consumers have become more sceptical of companies' claims of ethical behaviour, in spite of the focus businesses have put on pushing their environmental and fair trade credentials.

The typical ethical shopper was identified a year ago as a well-educated 50-something woman. Now, in a repeat of last year's study, the GfK NOP's survey has found a much broader set of consumers focusing on environmental and fair-trade issues.This year's survey found that "emerging adults" and young families were becoming increasingly ethically aware in their shopping habits as such attitudes became more mainstream.

The UK Border Agency "is likely to be swamped" by last-minute applications from employers seeking to register under a new immigration points system being introduced this autumn.A survey of some of Britain's biggest employers, conducted by immigration consultants Sarah Butler Associates, reported that only 11 per cent had so far applied for licences allowing them to hire migrant labour.

Britain pumped out more greenhouse gases last year under the EU carbon trading scheme designed to cut emissions, according to figures released in Brussels.

The German telephone giant Deutsche Telekom is facing a criminal probe after staff carried out a systemic spying operation to track calls between top executives and journalists.

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