Minimum Wage Increases set for October 2015

There has been good news for some of us as the Government recently announce a rise in the minimum wage.  But one area in particular that I was happy to hear was the 21% increase of the minimum pay for apprentices.

As a company CSM support apprenticeships and are delighted to have some very promising individuals on our team.

I personally feel that apprentices are really important to businesses, and apprenticeship schemes should be embraced by as many companies as possible.  It’s unfortunate that not all talented people are in a position to access further education or attend University for one reason or another.  So for some to have an opportunity to earn at the same time as study for a qualification and learn a trade first hand in a real workplace is a really important thing and should be championed by as many as possible.

I’m a firm believer that if you are shown how to do something you are better equipped to do that task, than someone who knows the theory behind why it should be done a certain way, so in the long run surely an apprentice would be at an advantage a few steps further down their career road.

If anyone needs persuading about apprenticeship schemes they need look no further than Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, where he recruited 15 young apprentices to work with 25 professional chefs and mentors, with the view of opening a reputable restaurant.  This was in 2002, twelve years on and it is continues not only to thrive, but to train and mentor more young individuals.

I hope the financial increase for apprentices entice more people down the path, it could open so many opportunities for young people.

Possitive Parking Changes to be Introduced

Did you hear the news last week that drivers will soon be given 10 minutes grace on their car parking before a fine is issued?  What great news for shoppers and hopefully it will help our high streets too!

Occasionally we all lose track of time, or have an unexpected hold up, so this new allowance comes as a welcomed lenience.

Did you know that this is not the only change that’s being introduced? 

Soon CCTV systems designed to record your entry and exit of a car park, which are used to issue automated parking tickets are to be banned.  So there will be no more blanket parking tickets being issued.

Another measure being introduced are new powers for parking adjudicators which should give drivers protection against parking fines being issued when there are issues such as poor signage in council run car parks.  Also councils will not be able to issue parking fines at metres that are out-of-order when there is no alternative method to pay for the parking.

There is even a new right coming in that will allow residents and local businesses to demand that the council reviews the parking in a certain area.  This right enables people to challenge parking charges and even the use of yellow lines.

For a change it feels like measures are being introduced to help the public rather than penalise them, surely this can only be a positive thing!

Smoking Ban in Cars Carrying Children

The UK Government have recently released their second-hand smoke campaign to draw attention to the dangers that second-hand smoke in vehicles and homes can cause to children’s health.

This campaign was launched at the same time as new laws were announced stating it will be illegal to smoke in private vehicles whilst carrying passengers under the age of 18 will be banned.  This law will be enforced from 1^st October 2015.

There is no questioning that these new laws will protect children from the health risks associated with passive smoking, but perhaps this will offer a further incentive for those looking to stop smoking too.

The NHS have a widely known ‘Smokefree’ service (www.nhs.uk/smokefree), which comprises of a range of free support and advice on quitting smoking.  But in addition to these there are other alternative methods to stop smoking, such as hypnosis or acupuncture.