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Levels of corruption during the admittance process in Czech universities are low, according to a study by Transparency International. The corruption watchdog group conducted a survey of 4370 students, of which most did not reveal involvement in corrupt practices to secure a place in Czech universities. However, the report suggests that many have indirect or hearsay experience with such practices. The report also found that many Czech students are unaware as to their rights during the university admissions process. However, Transparency International has warned that this survey is by no means definitive as the largest number of respondents came from law faculties. Instead, TI notes, the survey is designed to open up a discussion about the often heard allegations that some schools indulge in nepotism and even bribery during the admissions process.

Shadow Health Minister David Rath has called on Christian Democrat MPs to vote for a Social Democrat proposal to abolish health fees. Mr Rath has also stated that he intends to call on Green Party MPs to do the same. Both the Greens and Christian Democrats are members of the coalition government, which introduced the controversial health fees early this year. The Social Democrats have long signalled their opposition to the fees and recently attempted to introduce legislation to abolish payments for minors and seniors. Concurrently, the Social Democrats are seeking to abolish the fees in regional hospitals as they put together local governments following their recent election victories. At present, Czechs pay 30 crowns for a prescription, 60 crowns for a day in hospital and also 60 crowns to visit a doctor. The government argues that the fees are essential to raise money and also combat absenteeism.

The government cabinet has agreed on a number of proposals, during a meeting on Wednesday. Amongst these is allowing father’s of newborn children to be able to have one week’s holiday. Other proposals include the creation of an institute to help parents as well as laws designed to make work hours more flexible. In a separate move, the cabinet also approved three of four healthcare reform proposals put forward by Helath Minister Tomáš Julínek, with the most controversial part dealing with health insurance being shelved. The proposals must all be approved by the Czech Parliament, Senate and President before becoming law.

Unions representing workers of Tesco stores in the Czech Republic have issued an ultimatum to the retail giant: address chronic understaffing of face strikes. The ultimatum comes after intense negotiations between union representatives and the retail giant. Tesco is accused of understaffing its stores, particularly with Christmas approaching, leaving its staff chronically overworked. Tesco has stated that it is working to address the situation, hiring more help over the Christmas period.