News in brief: Nuclear plants get seven-year let-off, BA seeks to reduce cabin crew by 400, Things look bleak as Northgate skids

French energy giant Edf today said it will extend the operating life of two of the UK’s oldest nuclear power stations by seven years until 2023.

The company said the extension of the lives of the Hinkley Point B and Hunterston B nuclear power stations has no bearing on the outcome on its proposed £10 billion investment in a new nuclear generator in a joint venture with British Gas owner Centrica. It expects to make a final decision on that project next year.

BA seeks to reduce cabin crew by 400

British Airways is looking to shed 400 senior cabin crew jobs. The airline, which stressed there would be no compulsory redundancies, today said it had entered into a 90-day consultation with the Unite union about making voluntary redundancy available to 400 cabin crew staff. Those being offered the package would be senior cabin crew employees, such as pursers and cabin service directors.

Things look bleak as Northgate skids

Northgate, the white-van hire group seen as a barometer of the smaller business end of the economy, saw profits slide 13% in the last six months as demand slowed. It said though average hire rates in the UK had remained stable, rentals in Spain — its other major market — fell by 1%. It has cut its fleet numbers and Panmure Gordon analysts said: “We think market conditions will remain tough across both of its markets.”