A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Air travellers told to act fast over lost bags

The UK European Consumer Centre (ECC) is advising travellers whose baggage has been lost during the recent security alerts at British airports to make insurance claims as quickly as possible, even though it is not yet clear if insurers will pay out.

"The Association of British Insurers says it expects its members to use their discretion in dealing with claims arising from the new security measures at British airports, but as this is an unprecedented situation it's difficult to predict exactly what to expect," said UK ECC director Ruth Bamford.

The UK ECC is advising people who are travelling soon to check the terms of their insurance policy and not to bring valuables with them unless absolutely necessary. If luggage is lost or delayed, it should be reported while still in the airport.

At least 10,000 bags checked in by British Airways have gone missing since the security alerts began.

Workers expect too much sick pay

Most workers overestimate their entitlements to sick pay, leaving them financially exposed in the event they are out of work for long periods, according to insurance company Friends First.

The insurer said that 29 per cent of Irish workers believe their employers will provide them with either full or partial sick pay for as long as they are out of work. However, less than 15 per cent of workers in Irish companies will receive sick pay from their employers for more than a six-month period.

Friends First said it paid out around €11.2 million in claims made under its income protection policies in 2005, with orthopaedic and psychiatric claims the top causes for claims among its policyholders.

Warning over 'lookalike' brands

Consumers have been warned to be careful of "lookalike" brand names on digital cameras sold in Spain, particularly in the Canary Islands.

The European Consumer Centre (ECC) in Dublin says it has received an increasing number of complaints from consumers who have bought cameras under the impression that they are well-known makes, only to later discover that they have a very similar name but are not the same brand.

Some of these "lookalike" brand names can be sold legitimately and, therefore, are not deemed to be counterfeit.

Axa launches six new products

Axa Insurance has launched six new motor insurance products with each policy aimed at a different sector of the market.

The Axa Familyfirst policy is designed to give families reduced rates for teenagers or younger drivers on the policy, while giving the younger drivers the opportunity to start earning their own no-claims bonuses.

Freedomfirst, aimed at older drivers, gives lower premiums to drivers with long claims-free records and low annual mileage. Named drivers can be added on a temporary basis.

The other new Axa policies are aimed at owners of expensive cars, younger drivers, women and the general market.

RaboDirect raises its deposit rate

RaboDirect has increased its deposit rate from 3.5 per cent to 3.6 per cent, effective from next Monday.

The Dutch bank's savings account is an instant access deposit account with no minimum deposit.

Bank of Ireland has also passed on the European Central Bank's quarter-point increase in interest rates in full to its Special Savings Incentive Account (SSIA) holders.

The bank also followed other lenders by increasing the rates on its loans and mortgages.