Papers ponder state of UK economy

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Britain is facing its worst economic outlook since the 1980s, reports the Financial Times.

More than 50 leading economists told the paper the government is being too optimistic in expecting recovery in the second half of this year.

In a sign of the times, the Daily Express says budget retailer Poundland is to create 1,000 new jobs.

While the Sun toasts J D Weatherspoon for cutting the cost of a pint to Â£1 - its lowest level for 20 years.

Environmental concerns

The Independent reports climate change scientists are becoming disillusioned by the failure of international agreements to curb CO2 emissions.

Their "plan B" would involve ambitious schemes to lower global temperatures artificially, including reducing sunlight or taking CO2 out of the air.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is concerning the Guardian.

It reports a severe slowdown in the rate of coral growth, probably because rising carbon dioxide levels have increased the acidity of the ocean.

Worse off

The Daily Mail says town halls are snubbing the government's plans for "pay-as-you-throw" rubbish taxes.

A survey of 100 local authorities found that none wanted to take part in trials to charge households leaving out too much non-recyclable waste.

"Married couples punished by the tax system" is the Daily Telegraph's headline.

It highlights a study by the think-tank, Civitas, which concludes married couples are thousands of pounds worse off than parents who live apart.

Honesty box

The Times reports that hundreds of rail ticket offices are facing closure in a cost-cutting exercise.

The paper says passenger groups oppose the move because people will have to use automated machines and may buy more expensive tickets by mistake.

The Daily Mirror tells the tale of a DIY shopkeeper in North Yorkshire who left his store open on Boxing Day with nothing more than an honesty box.

Tom Algie was rewarded by takings of Â£187 and no stolen items. The paper says the story has restored its faith in human nature.