Golden Oldies

Do you want to hire ambitious young go-getters or experienced staff with a touch of silver in their hair?   The FSB survey of attitudes to skills reveals the older generation offer far more than their millennial rivals.  We asked employers “which skills are most lacking?” in recruits under the age of 24 and over the age of 50. Headteachers should take a long look at the results.  

Share this page:

Read More

EU referendum: pros and cons of Britain leaving Europe

So what are the advantages and disadvantages of being a part of Europe? Would Britain be better off staying inside the club or going it alone? Trade: One of the biggest advantages of the EU is free trade between member nations, making it easier and cheaper for British companies to export their goods to Europe. Some business leaders think the boost to income outweighs the billions of pounds in membership fees…

Share this page:

Read More

Will you have to work until you’re 75 or older to claim state pension?

Government review will examine whether pension age should continue to be linked to life expectancy. Speculation is rife that a new review of retirement age will lead to workers joining the workforce now not receiving their state pension until at least their mid-70s. The study, which will report to the government next May, will be headed by John Cridland, the former CBI boss. It’s a scheduled assessment due to be…

Share this page:

Read More

Changes in Law: Pensions & Gender Pay

There are some big changes in employment law in 2016, and companies need to be prepared Employment law is constantly evolving, as new rules and regulations come into force, and as such it’s imperative employers are informed and prepared. 2016 will see a number of important changes of which all employers should be aware Pensions State pensions are set to be radically overhauled in April with the introduction of…

Share this page:

Read More

Financial services rules broaden approach to whistleblowing

The new rules on encouraging staff to ‘blow the whistle’ in financial services firms are a significant development for whistleblowing in general. Firms must promote whistleblowing internally, and nominate a ‘whistleblowing champion’ by 7 March 2016 who will oversee the implementation of whistleblowing policies and procedures which must be in place by 7 September 2016. The changes stem from proposals last October by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and…

Share this page:

Read More

PENSIONS

Tasting the Freedoms:  savers have spent the money or held it in cash The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association has published its latest wave of research on patterns in retirement following the reforms. Of those adults aged 55-70 surveyed, the majority, 63%, had started to look at how they would take their pension, and 23 per cent had done nothing. Of those that accessed their pension, 18 percent spent…

Share this page:

Read More

The Week in Numbers – 4th February 2016

15% – Proportion of Ucits funds that could be “closet trackers”, according to the European Securities and Markets Authority 20% – Rise in revenue reported by Mattioli Woods following a spate of acquisitions 30 – Number of sales roles being cut by Aegon as part of a shift towards its platform business £600m – Value of build-to-rent deal entered into by Legal & General with Dutch asset manager PGGM.  The rental income from…

Share this page:

Read More

Legal Changes on the Horizon in 2016

The recruitment industry is, according to the REC, in rude health! It predicts that in 2016 more than 90% of employers will increase headcount.  However, one of the significant external influences that is going to hit the sector this year is the National Living Wage. From April 2016 individuals aged 25 and over will be entitled to receive the National Living Wage of £7.20 per hour, increasing to above £9…

Share this page:

Read More

February Report on Jobs: South (excluding London)

Key points from January survey: Weaker rise in permanent staff placements than 2015 trend Second-slowest increase in temp billings in current 33-month upturn Labour supply in South continues to drop sharply Staff Appointment:  Growth of permanent placements moderates in January Recruitment agencies in the South of England reported a slower rise in full-time appointments at the start of 2016. The rate of growth remained strong overall, but was weaker…

Share this page:

Read More

February Report on Jobs

Key points from the January survey: Permanent placements growth quickens Permanent salaries continued to increase, albeit at weakest rate in 27 months Candidate availability remains tight Commenting on the latest survey results, REC chief executive Kevin Green, said: “The jobs market has started 2016 with a bang – our latest data shows strong growth in demand for staff and in permanent placements.  Professional service jobs are among those leading…

Share this page:

Read More