Sep132017

Press release: Employment reaches another record high

HM Government

Official employment figures released today (13 September 2017) show that there are now a record number of people in work, the highest level since records began in 1971.

The figures, released by the Office of National Statistics, also show that unemployment is at 4.3%, the lowest since 1975.

The increase is due to people of all ages finding work, with employment levels of those over 50 in work reaching a record high, youth unemployment falling by over 40% since 2010 and the proportion of young people who are unemployed and not in full time education dropping below 5% for the first time.

These record figures have been driven by increases in full-time and permanent work. In the last year there has been a shift from part-time to full-time employment, 20,000 fewer people relying on zero hour contracts and full-time and permanent employment are both at a record high.

Minister for Employment, Damian Hinds said:

The strength of the economy is helping people of all ages find work, from someone starting their first job after leaving education, to those who might be starting a new career later in life.

Britain’s employment success is largely about a growth in full-time and permanent work, as employers invest in Britain and offer quality job opportunities that put more money into people’s pockets.

But there is more to do, and we will continue to build on our achievements through our employment programmes and the work of Jobcentre Plus.

Today’s figures also show:

Separate figures show 1.4 million claims have been made to Universal Credit. Of the 590,000 people now on Universal Credit, 39% are in work.

Follow DWP on:

Sep132017

Over 200,000 evacuated as Typhoon Talim approaches

East Asia

More than 200,000 people have been evacuated from Fujian and Zhejiang provinces as of Wednesday as Talim, the region’s 18th typhoon this year, moves rapidly towards China’s southeast coast.

The provincial meteorological department of Fujian forecast that Talim would intensify into a super typhoon with a speed of 180 to 200 km per hour within the next two days.

China’s national weather observatory Wednesday forecast that Talim would either move northwest and make landfall in Zhejiang from Thursday night to Friday morning, or move north into waters near Zhejiang on Friday and then turn northeast.

More than 120,000 people have been moved to safe places, 20,000 fishing vessels taken shelter in Fujian, and nearly 2,000 scenic spots and construction sites shut down. In Zhejiang, nearly 9,000 people have been relocated and more than 4,700 fishing vessels harbored.

In the meantime, Typhoon Doksuri, the 19th in the region this year, has been forecast to either pass the coast of south China’s Hainan Island or land in coastal areas of the province on Thursday night or Friday morning.

The Hainan weather bureau Wednesday morning issued an alert for the approaching Typhoon Doksuri.

Sep132017

BCC: UK labour market resilient but challenges remain

British Chambers of Commerce

Commenting on the labour market statistics for September 2017, released today by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“The continued rise in employment, coupled with falling unemployment, is further evidence that the UK jobs market remains resilient, with firms continuing to recruit despite a softening economic picture. 

“That said, the labour market continues to face a number of major challenges. With pay growth unchanged, inflation continues to comfortably outpace earnings growth, which is putting the brakes on consumer spending, a major determinant of UK economic growth. However, the continued weakness in real wage growth should give the MPC sufficient leeway to keep interest rates on hold, despite the pick-up in inflation.

“It is concerning that the number of vacancies remains well above the historical average –  a further indication of the continued skills shortage faced by business, which is weighing on productivity and growth prospects. Our latest research found that half of UK firms had faced skills or labour shortages over the past year.

“A key priority for the Autumn Budget must be to support firms looking to recruit and grow their business, including tackling the high up-front taxes and costs of doing business in the UK. As the Brexit process unfolds, a key focus must be on delivering a post Brexit immigration system that reflects the needs of the UK economy.”

Ends

 

Notes to editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with nearly 40 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

Media contacts:

Allan Williams – Head of Press and Communications

020 7654 5812 / 07920583381

Orla Hennessy – Press and Communications Officer

020 7654 5813 / 07825746812

Sep132017

Rates discount deadline for landlords

Northern Ireland Executive

If you’re a landlord, you may be eligible for a discount on your rate bills, but time is running out. Bills should be paid in full by Friday 28 September in order to receive an allowance deduction on your bill.

Allowance 

If you have an Article 20 or Article 21 rate account and are responsible for the rates on one or more rental properties which are occupied by tenants, you may be entitled to an allowance of 10 per cent. This is paid by way of a discount on your rate bill.

This discount does not include your residential address, second homes, or personal holiday homes.

If you have a property where the tenant is currently liable for the rates, you can sign up to a formal agreement for them to pay the rates on the property.

For more information, see the page below:

How to pay

You should allow a minimum of five working days for any payment to reach Land & Property Services (LPS) – this includes if you pay at a Post Office.

You can pay your rates online or by phone on 0300 200 7801 (choose option one).

Difficulty paying and arrears

Landlords having difficulty paying their rate bill should contact LPS as soon as possible on:

It may be possible to discuss alternative payment arrangements to avoid LPS taking legal debt recovery action.

LPS is actively pursuing landlord accounts with rate arrears. LPS is willing to help any landlord in arrears by agreeing mutually acceptable payment arrangements that could allow a discount to be awarded for current year rates.

More useful links

Sep132017

News story: Venturefest East: connect with businesses and investors

HM Government

Entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers and investors are invited to attend the second Venturefest East networking event next week. It will take place on Thursday 21 September 2017 at the Newmarket Racecourse, Suffolk.

Innovate UK is supporting the event. Entry is free.

Find out how to attract investment

Delegates can attend a session to find out what investors are looking for, to help them secure successful funding. The panel includes self-made millionaire Mike Greene, business angel and former CEO of FSE group, Sally Goodsell, and experts from Cambridge Innovation Capital and the Department for International Trade.

Pitchfest will give innovative businesses the chance to pitch their ideas to potential investors.

In addition, Innovate UK’s Access to Finance Manager, Bruce Colley, will be part of a panel discussion on attracting investment. Innovate UK’s Director – Health and Life Sciences, Dr Ian Campbell, is also a keynote speaker.

Get inspired

Attending Venturefest East will give you the chance to:

  • hear from some of the UK’s most inspiring start-up companies
  • learn about how to develop your business and speed up growth
  • find out how to reduce your time to market
  • network with innovators, investors and entrepreneurs
  • get advice on how to attract funding and support

You will also have the chance to view Innovate UK’s infocus women in innovation photographic exhibition. This highlights female role models and aims to change perceptions of what it looks like to be a female innovator.

About the Venturefest Network

Innovate UK and the Knowledge Transfer Network launched the Venturefest Network in 2014. Its aim is to strengthen connectivity between innovators, investors and entrepreneurs.