Cuba to introduce austerity measures

Cuba has announced that it will introduce an austerity programme next month to try to offset the impact of the international financial crisis and reduce energy use.



The authorities have warned that unless energy use is reduced over the summer there could be blackouts.



Details of the restrictions are yet to be announced but could include limiting the use of air conditioning at work and home, and shorter working hours.



Until recently the global recession has not been felt by most Cubans.



There have been no mass redundancies in the state-run economy where most workers have jobs for life.