feral

What makes me laugh though is that the 'financial improvements' that many people experienced, is eventually taken away via different policies, when different party gets in, so really what is the point, in making people 'better off' in the first place?

I am aware, as stated earlier by others, that a lot of banks are inter-connected and have more exposure to debt than others. I am looking for banks that are a little more independent of that debt risk, to park my savings for a while, whilst I further develop my own investment skills.

What about the Co-Operative bank, would you say they are fairly safe to put savings in?

Some useful information form Business Insider (Jun '10') about the China restriction and Molycorp an US rare earths mining company who have recently had an IPO. Also some useful charts re: the types of rare earth metals. http://www.businessinsider.com/chinese-rare-earth-restrictions-2010-6

Hi Gardener Will your company be getting in, or offering you, support to look for other vacancies, support with CV etc..? If you are made redundant, make sure you find out what support is available out there... Ring Learn Direct, to see if there are any provision for graduate/professionals - 0800 100 900... Keep active, go to the gym, get into hobbies interests that you enjoy.. Don't become isolated and find out what is happening in your local community, for e.g. business start up support Hope this helps Feral