15/08/2007 by admin.

A new report reveals that workers yearn for the return of the tea trolley, believing that it would make offices become more sociable and relaxed.

The survey of 1,000 office workers showed that an afternoon break to buy tea and cakes from a trolley would make staff feel more motivated.

The research by recruitment firm Office Angels, also revealed that the top workplace tradition that workers most wanted to make a comeback was being able to take a full hour for lunch.

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15/08/2007 by admin.

The BBC is seeking candidates for its Dragon’s Den programme, where entrepreneurs receive an opportunity to attract investment in return for equity in their business.

In the last series 10 entrepreneurs received investment from the Dragon’s Den. These included a sauce producer who went on to launch in 607 major supermarket stores with his first batch selling out across the country after one day, a teddy bear with an integrated multi-media player which is going to launch later this year, along with a new idea for business stationery.

Entrepreneurs can ask for any amount of investment in return for equity in their business, however they must have the full amount they ask for agreed or they will leave with nothing. The ‘Dragons’ will listen to a pitch for any kind of business but they must be convinced that it will make money.

The series is looking for ideas, businesses and products that meet some or all of the following criteria to stand a good chance of securing interest.

The BBC will be holding auditions throughout the coming months.

For further information and an application form please contact Tel: 09011 110825 (calls cost 25p from a BT Landline, other operators and mobiles may vary) or Email: dragonsden@bbc.co.uk or visit: www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden

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15/08/2007 by admin.

The Government has asked the Low Pay Commission to examine a number of aspects of the National Minimum Wage, to assist with recommendations which will be made in a report during February 08. The consultation seeks responses on the National Minimum Wage, compliance and its enforcement.

In the Commission’s 2007 report to the Government it made recommendations for the minimum wage to be increased in October 2007, aiming to take a year-by-year approach to its recommendations.

The Low Pay Commission is seeking views on the monitoring, evaluation and review of the National Minimum Wage and its impact, with particular reference to the effect on pay, employment and competitiveness in the low paying sectors and small firms, the effect on different groups including age groups, ethnic minorities, women, people with disabilities and migrant workers, the effect on pay structures, and taking into account any forthcoming changes to the statutory annual leave entitlement

The report will go to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Trade & Industry by the end of February 08.

For further information and to respond please contact the Low Pay Commission, 6th Floor, Kingsgate House, 66-74 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6SW Tel: 020 7215 8249 Fax: 020 7215 4233 Email: lpc@lowpay.gov.uk or visit: www.lowpay.gov.uk

The deadline for responses is 28th September 07.

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15/08/2007 by admin.

The Welsh Assembly Government is urging farmers in Wales to make the most of the Farming Connect services, such as training and free demonstration day.

Farming Connect has helped a large number of farming families to maximise the potential of their farm business. Under the new Rural Development Plan for Wales which will be launched later this year, a new phase of the service will begin, but farmers can still access support and advice in the meantime.

Farming Connect is also continuing to fund the Lantra training course where farmers can receive 50% off the cost of a wide range of agricultural and environmental training courses to help improve their business.

Farming Connect will be present at a variety of regional shows this season, with staff on hand to answer queries and talk farmers through the services available to them.
For further information please contact Farming Connect on Tel: 08456 000 813 or visit: www.wales.gov.uk/farmingconnect

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15/08/2007 by admin.

A new networking Group for North Wales is being set up and the organisers would like to hear from anyone interested in attending events. Read more…

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15/08/2007 by admin.

Workers in the UK will still get fewer holidays than their counterparts in Europe even after their entitlement is raised from 24 to 28 days. Read more…

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15/08/2007 by admin.

An engineering graduate at NEWI has fulfilled his dream of launching his own business after winning a Dragon’s Den-style entrepreneurship competition. Read more…

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15/08/2007 by admin.

£2m of funding from the Sports Council for Wales will create opportunities for Welsh businesses to cultivate a healthier workforce. The scheme is aimed at both the private and public sector.

The Active Workplace Challenge Fund aims to demonstrate how easy it can be for businesses to create a working environment that incorporates regular physical activity throughout the year.

Funding is available to support active travel plans, to fund physical activity instructors and co-ordinators, along with the purchasing of equipment such as bikes, badminton posts, basketball hoops and pedometers.

Chair of the Sports Council for Wales, Philip Carling, says: “It is important that workplaces are able to demonstrate a real commitment to creating a solid healthy living ethos among its employees and a desire to get them more active, more often. Physical activity is a straightforward and cost-effective way of helping employees to be healthier and happier. Taking a broader approach to the health and wellbeing of your workforce and looking after their physical, mental and social wellbeing will not only benefit staff but the business at large”.

For further information please contact the Sports Council for Wales regional offices:
- North Wales - Tel: 0845 045 0908
- South East Wales - Tel: 0845 045 0902
- South West Wales - Tel: 0845 045 0906
or alternatively Email: scw@scw.co.uk or visit: www.sports-council-wales.org.uk

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