jan 2012 net news
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Jan 2012 NoETRANSCRIPT
Wales TUC CymruY Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Network of Excellence
Net NewsJanuary 2012 Ionawr
Please do copy & paste for your own newsletters and circulate widely. 2012 is the International Year of Cooperatives http://www.uk.coop/2012
Wishing all Network members a Happy New Year, Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.
We have changed the format of Net News. What do you think? Is it easier and quicker to read? Let me know -Thank you
In this issue:
I will try something new this year 2
Dyslexia in the workplace courses 2
5 weeks to nominate! 3
Intensive Welsh courses 4
Iaith! Gwaith! 5
Power Point doesn’t kill meetings 6
Qualpass 6
A request for information please 7
CHTL Adult Learners’ Week 8
Work your proper hours day! 9
Seminar: part time study in HE 10
Learning and teaching conference 11
Green team 12
World Book Night Givers Wanted 12
Welfare Reform 14
Network of Excellence meetings in February.Book your place by emailing Bernice, [email protected]
Cardiff Thursday 2nd FebruaryAge Cymru, Tŷ John Pathy, 13/14 Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff CF24 5PJ
Port Talbot Friday 3rd FebruaryMargam Castle Education Centre, Margam ParkSA13 2TJ Tel: - 01639 881635
Brecon Tuesday 7th FebruaryTourist Information Centre, Cattle Market Car Park Brecon LD3 9DA Tel: - 01874 622485
Caernarfon Wednesday 8th FebruaryMaxim Training Services 1 Lon Cae Darbi, Cibyn Industrial Estate Llanberis Road, Caernarfon, LL55 2BDNetwork meetings are informal, friendly and importantly, useful.
If you are not on the Net News circulation list and want to add your details please contact: Bernice Waugh Network of Excellence Y Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Wales TUC Cymru ebost/e-mail: [email protected]/Tel: 07917 415601
Network News
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I will try something new this year…People in Wales are being urged to start the New Year by trying a new skill which could help them take control of their lives and futures.
Whether you are struggling to get their first real job or feel you have hit a dead end in their current career, a website, I Will..., has all the information you need about how you can try learning something new.
Whether you’re looking for funding to deal with redundancy, going for promotion or changing careers, or looking to improve your skills, study at home, at work or at college this website has all the information you need to get started. www.yourfuturechoiceaction.org.uk
Dyslexia in the workplaceUniversity of Wales Trinity St David and Dyslecsia Cymru/Wales Dyslexia are pleased to announce two new modules:
Introduction to Workplace Assessment and Dyslexia This module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the main issues related to dyslexia in adults and how it affects their performance in the workplace
Equality for the Dyslexic Individual in the Workplace This module aims to enable the learner to gain knowledge and understanding of the Equality Act 2010 in relation to dyslexia in the workplace. It describes and demonstrates the responsibilities of the employer related to a range of reasonable adjustments they can make.
These courses will be of significant benefit to public and private sector employers, employees and trade union learning representatives. Each course is worth 10 credits at level 4. Both are needed to obtain Workplace Assessors Accreditation. The majority of the content of each module (75%)consists of work-based learning, supported by 10% e-learning and 15% teaching sessions.
Dates Teaching sessions for Module 1 - February 22nd and March 21st.Teaching sessions for Module 2 - April 18th and May 16th.
Location University of Wales, Trinity St David (Carmarthen Campus)Course fees £175 per moduleHow to applyPlease contact Christine Hall, Business Development Officer, Dyslecsia Cymru/Wales Dyslexia, for more information about how to register for these modules. See more course details on the Wales TUC website http://www.wtuclearn.org
Looking for a course?Everything from a course in Dressmaking to a Masters in Astronomy! There are over 30,000 learning opportunities on the database to choose from, offered by schools, colleges, universities, community education and private companies. http://www2.careerswales.com/coursesinwales/default.asp?module=LCD&page=LCD_ADVANCED
Dear all, Just a reminder that there are only a few weeks left to nominate your outstanding tutor and adult learner. The Awards are being held in North Wales this year. Don’t forget that everyone nominated receives a certificate of achievement; for more details see below, and click on “nominate now” to send us your nomination.Thanks! Rachel
5 weeks to go!This year, for the first time, the tutor and mentor awards will become part of the main Inspire! Adult Learner Award Ceremony. You may wish to nominate outstanding learners, tutors, mentors and trainers from further education, higher education, the workplace or the community.
Tutors might work in essential skills, vocational qualifications, languages, online through e-tutoring and / or in a voluntary capacity as a tutor, mentor or trainer. Learners can be studying any subject from Archaeology to Welsh or from Construction to Art.
Please find below the link to the online Inspire! Awards nomination form which, once completed, will be sent electronically to us. You can also choose to complete your nomination as a Word document, which can also be sent to us electronically via email. Nominations as Word documents can also be printed and posted to us. Any format will be accepted by us, but the online form or the Word Document by email are the preferred options as they will help us reduce our carbon footprint and enable us to streamline the judging process.
Due to a peculiarity of the software, if you wish to make more than one nomination through the online system you (as the nominator) have to use a different e-mail address per nomination. Each completed online nomination form will generate a "thank you for nominating" e-mail from NDC which will go to the nominator's e-mail address as stated on the form. So, if you ask for somebody's permission to use their e-mail address to make another nomination, they will need to be briefed to expect the confirmation e-mail from NDC.
Nominate now
The deadline for nominations is 10th February 2012.Please ring Steve Martin, Rhydian Thomas or Essex Havard on 029 2037 0900 if you need further clarification regarding the online nomination process.
We look forward to joining with you in celebrating the success of inspirational learners, tutors, mentors and trainers from across Wales.Good luck!The Campaigns & Promotions Team NIACE Dysgu Cymru
Apprenticeship week 2012Get involved in Apprenticeship Week 2012, which takes place from Monday 6 to Friday 10 February. By working jointly together we have the opportunity to celebrate the value and benefits of apprenticeships on a national scale. More
New for 2012 Online Language Courses from Learndirect To kick off the New Year, learndirect have launched new online language courses. eCourses in French, German, Spanish, Italian and Welsh are financially supported through the Welsh Government for individuals and organisations alike who need to work with European counterparts. Each course comes in 4 levels (beginner, beginner plus, intermediate and business).
The courses are designed to support a self-study approach, using interactive games and quizzes to quickly develop vocabulary and pronunciation. A further benefit is that the support language can be set to another language – so you could learn, say, French as a Welsh speaker etc.
In addition to the funded courses, there are an extra 100 languages to choose from ranging from Arabic to Zulu that start from £20. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact [email protected].
Intensive Courses for Welsh Learners, Lampeter CampusOur intensive courses at the Lampeter campus are ideal for those wishing to learn to speak the language over a short period of time.Easter Course Summer CourseLocation: Lampeter Campus Days: Monday – Friday Dates: 16 - 20 April 2012 and 18 - 22 June 2012Time: 9.30 am - 16.30 pm Duration: 5 days For further details, contact Gwen Davies, Course Coordinator, Phone: (01570) 424898E-mail: [email protected] Website:http://www.ydrindoddewisant.ac.uk/en/courses/coursesforwelshlearners/lampeterintensivewelshcourses/ Please visit our website:http://www.trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk/en/courses/coursesforwelshlearners/welshonlinecoursesforbeginners/
Say Something in Welsh - in SwanseaPractice your Welsh, all Welsh learners welcome – whatever your level. Every Wednesday, 7.30-9.30 in the Pumphouse in Swansea Marina. Easy to get to, everyone friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
For more information, have a look at: http://www.saysomethingin.com/welsh/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=6134
The Learning Rep – spring 2012Read about Wales TUC Cymru ULR of the Year Unite Rep Keith Moore – page 2 and the Network of Excellence - page 28 http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/about/learn-4414-f0.cfm
Order extra copies for your department and/or workplace: -http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/publications/index.cfm?frmRequestPublication=209
Iaith! Gwaith!Starting January 26 and 27, 2012 there’s an opportunity for people to improve their job opportunities by using their Welsh language skills with a new course:
Iaith! Gwaith! will be held at Tŷ Pobol Peblig, Caernarfon and Capel y Drindod, Pwllheli. The course covers writing CVs and letters for employment, job searches, and tips on how to create a good impression. There’ll be real work experience: to try things out and to be seen! as well as an opportunity to gain qualifications.
The course has been very successful, with people going on to better things. This learning, uses basic literacy skills in Welsh to help individuals to go for jobs where Welsh is important. The course is for Welsh speakers residing in Peblig and Pwllheli, of any age, who are looking for work.
The course has 2 elements: Classwork (10 sessions x 2 hours): covering language awareness, work preparation skills, and Welsh in the workplace; and Practical experience: placements in Welsh workplaces (4 x half-day session ... at least).Please share the information.
For further information about the Peblig Language Broker project visit www.broceriaith.orgDiolch / Thanks BetBet Huws Peblig Language Broker Ty Peblig, 3/4 Pensgubor, Caernarfon LL55 [email protected] Tel01286662624 / 07824832923 www.peblig.org http://www.facebook.com/?sk=2361831622#!/group.php?gid=91051112580
Learn Spanish Free (This is a USA website and looks pretty useful for Spanish learners. Let me know what you think) Why in the world do we offer so much for free?Two reasons, really. First, we honestly enjoy helping people. But we also know that if you're serious, you'll want to try our complete conversation course — the only course that includes 12 months access to this website. But maybe you want to start learning right now, for free.http://www.studyspanish.com/freesite.htm
Power Point doesn't kill meetings, people do! - A Lunchtime Byte Delivered to your Desk 09 February 2012Another in the free RSC Wales Lunchtime Bytes webinar series. In this session Russell Symmons will invite you to re-evaluate your approach to creating effective slides for online and face to face presentations. Power Point doesn't kill meetings, people do! - A Lunchtime Byte Delivered to your Desk
21 February 2012Another in the free RSC Wales Lunchtime Bytes webinar series. In this session Russell Symmons will invite you to re-evaluate your approach to creating effective slides for online and face to face presentations. Power Point doesn't kill meetings, people do! - A Lunchtime Byte Delivered to your Desk
Dear all,Mind Cymru is launching a second batch of digital stories at the Bangor Management Centre on Friday 10 February 2012, along with an anti-discrimination campaign by Ynys Mon and Gwynedd Mind. We wondered if anyone from TUC Network of Excellence in the area would like to come along? (We’ll be providing a buffet lunch if that’s an encouragement!) We’re finalising the programme at the moment but I’m attaching the diary marker below.Thanks, Rachel Invitation to Mind Cymru and Ynys Mon Mind event - 10 February / Gwahoddiad i ddigwyddiad Mind Cymru a Mind Ynys Môn - 10 Chwefror Mind Cymru will be launching the latest batch of Digital Stories and Ynys Mon Mind will be highlighting the ‘Don’t Mind Me’ anti-discrimination project at an event at Bangor Management Centre, Bangor University, on Friday 10 February 2012, 11.30 a.m.
We would be delighted if you would join us so please save the date. -Friday 10 February
Dear Bernice & all the Network of Excellence members,I would like to introduce you to QUALPASS in 2012. This is a new secure, web based qualification and competency database, for individuals and companies. You will find it has many practical advantages and not only addresses individual and organisational needs, but demonstrates evidence of training and competency to clients and enforcement agencies.
The benefits of registering with QUALPASS are: MANAGEMENT of training, qualifications and skills record of employees. MONITORING of expiry dates of date sensitive certification thereby ensuring
no employee loses vital competency proof. PROVISION of information to clients seeking evidence of workforce
competency electronically. AUGMENTATION of Health and Safety Management systems assisting
compliance with the enforcement authorities. IMPROVEMENT in environmental performance by reducing photocopying
and postage when proving competency to client COMPLIANCE with their own client quality systems.
If anyone would like a FREE, no obligation demonstration of the system, we will be happy to oblige, whether for an individual, or organisation.Feel free to browse the website www.qualpass.co.uk, telephone 01646 602131, or email [email protected] or me Jackie Owen at [email protected] wishes for 2012, Jackie.
Network of Excellence meetings in June 2012North Thursday 14 June BridgendMid Friday 15 June Milford HavenWest Tuesday 19 June MachynllethSouth Wednesday 20 June Rhyl Save the date!
14th March 2012 - Bring your Brain to Breakfast: InnovationThis free interactive meeting includes speakers, group discussion, networking opportunities and breakfast, and will get you thinking about how leadership and management development could help your business.Where: Hilton Hotel Newport, Chepstow Road, Langstone, NP18 2LX.When: 14th March 2012 - 8am start with breakfast - finish at 10amSpeaker: Christopher Rowell, project Manager, Architen Landrell Associates
Request for InformationThe Wales TUC is evaluating Networks of Excellence (NoE), which started in 2007, and has asked David Simpson to undertake a Review of its activities. David has conducted many pieces of research for the Wales TUC, and in recent years has concentrated on the learning agenda in workplaces and the role of ULRs.
For this evaluation, David wants the views of ULRs and others who have used the NoE and/or participated in quarterly regional meetings, stakeholder conferences and the annual ULR Conference.
Do you have any views/opinions, good, bad or constructive on the NoE, its meetings, Net News, provision of information or any other aspects of the NoE?
David would like to hear from you on [email protected] He particularly wishes to hear views on the usage of the information from the NoE/Net News, and if possible could you list 3 websites or pieces of information that you have used.
He would also like to hear any views on the future direction of the NoE/Net News. All information received will be treated in confidence. In any Report written for the Wales TUC no individual will be identified, as the purpose is to obtain as many views as possible from as many sources as possible.Thank you in anticipation of your cooperation.David [email protected]
TUC Green reps survey 2012 - take part now!The Labour Research Department (LRD) is carrying out a new green reps national survey on behalf of the TUC and trade unions across the UK. We would be grateful if you could complete this questionnaire as soon as possible. You can complete this survey online at: http://www.lrd.org.uk/surveys/greenwork/We hope the survey will provide a useful picture of progress on trade union action on environment/climate change in the workplace and the role of the trade union movement in this vital area. It will track progress since our first survey in 2009. We plan to use the results in LRD and TUC publications and reports, including in a forthcoming LRD booklet.
Adult Learners’ Week 12th – 20th MayLearning at Work Day 17th MayAdult Learners' Week is a campaign which combines national promotion with local action. The campaign offers adults the chance to have a go at learning something new by trying out one of the hundreds of free taster sessions that happen across Wales during the week, and an opportunity for learning providers to showcase their provision.
If you are a Union Learning Rep you will want to make the most of the Adult Learners' Week campaign, by organising your own special events.
You will find a host of things to support you on this site http://www.niacedc.org.uk/campaigns/adult-learners-week
Adult Learners’ Week (ALW)- Last YearConnecting Health through Learning (CHTL) CHTL is a Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) funded Unison project based within the Health Sector across North Wales. The Project’s aim is to increase Health Sector staff’s basic skills set and to develop personally through such courses as confidence building and assertiveness. The Project offers free learning courses to Betsi Cadwaladar UHB and Health Sector staff. It is dedicated to support learners as they go on to attend more learning courses such as those the Project offers working in partnership with the Open University and Coleg Llandrillo.
Adult Learners’ Week 2011. Adult Learners’ Week was a particularly exciting time for CHTL. The Project got heavily involved in ALW and decided to set up promotional stands across the Health Board. CHTL used the theme days devised by NIACE Dysgu Cymru, such as Skills for Life Day, to work with Occupational Health to promote healthy living alongside learning. During the week the Project worked across six BCUHB sites and offered sessions such as ‘Express De-Stress’ with a confidence and assertiveness tutor, and ‘Meet our Tutors’ in which Open University tutors came along to discuss learning opportunities with staff.
ALW was a great success for the Project as we engaged with an impressive total of 228 people during the week.
The ALW stands were also a great way for the Project to promote its own courses. Throughout May the Project had been very busy not only with ALW preparation but in devising Connecting with Change (CWC), a course aimed at dealing with the instabilities many of the Health Sector workforce are faced with. It was evident during ALW that staff were very keen to attend this course as ALW’s promotion resulted in oversubscription!
Thanks to Maggi for her excellent ALW report.
Adult Learners’ Week and Learning at Work Day 2012Be prepared!
Is ALW and L@W in your calendar of events? Have you started to plan for it yet? Think about booking tutors/organisations/colleges early this year. The month of May will come around all too quickly........
Work Your Proper Hours Day -24 February Is the day when the average person who does unpaid overtime finishes the unpaid days they do every year, and starts earning for themselves. We think that's a day worth celebrating.
http://www.worksmart.org.uk/workyourproperhoursdayLong Hours Clinic : Advice from Professor Cary Cooper.
Check your balance: Find out your office working style.
The Work / Life Map: see how the UK works
the Breaktime game: can you work your hours?
Over five million people at work in the UK regularly do unpaid overtime, giving their employers £29.2 billion of free work last year alone. If you're one, why not take some time to reflect on how well (or badly) you're balancing your life? This is one day in the year to make the most of your own time. Take a proper lunchbreak and leave work on time to enjoy your Friday evening - You deserve it!
Long hours are not good for us; they cause stress; they're bad for our health; they wreck relationships; they make caring for children or dependents more difficult; and tired, burnt-out staff are bad for business.
People do long hours for a variety of very different reasons, and work life balance expert Professor Cary Cooper has helped us put together a long hours clinic tool, to give you tailored advice to fit your own situation.
You can also use our online balance check to diagnose what your workplace's working style is, and then add yourself to our big interactive map to see how you stack up against everyone else. Or just check the map, to see what others have said.
Work Your Proper Hours Day for 2012 will be 24 February, but your own pay day may come earlier or later, depending on the hours you work above your contracted hours. Use our online unpaid overtime calculator to find out when you can celebrate paying off your long hours debt.
Online learning for repsThe TUC is at the forefront of developing innovative approaches to education and training. The aim is to enable all those at work to take part in and benefit from education. Online learning offers a convenient and effective solution to union representatives who want to develop their skills and knowledge.
"I recommend that people try online learning. Persevere and you will be surprised at how much you can learn." Barbara Peacock, USDAW health and safety and union learning rep. Read more case studies
TUC Education is committed to providing a high quality programme of online union reps courses suitable for reps that require an accessible and flexible approach to training.http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/education/index.cfm?mins=17#courses
Part-time Study in Higher Education for a Buoyant Economy and Social Inclusion Thursday 23 February 2012We would like to invite you to this seminar. We are inviting delegates with an interest in part time study, part-time employer-focussed provision in higher education and opportunities for progression from further education in Wales.
The event will take place on Thursday 23 February 2012 in the Park Plaza Hotel, Cardiff, CF10 3AL, with registration from 10 am and the seminar closing at 4 pm.Speakers include:
Neil Surman, Deputy Director of Higher Education Division, Welsh GovernmentDavid Blaney, Director of Strategic Development, HEFCW
Martin Bean, Vice-Chancellor of the Open University
Our 2011-12 remit letter from the Welsh Government asked HEFCW: ‘to utilise research and evidence to inform future action and to build on the revised
arrangements for widening access with particular emphasis on part-time, employer-focussed provision and opportunities for progression from further education.’
The purpose of this seminar is to initiate dialogue with the sector and key stakeholders to inform our advice to the Welsh Government to be submitted in March 2012. We will consider a range of issues regarding the future of part-time study in higher education. A key focus of the event will be part-time study as it relates to social mobility and upskilling of the workforce, including flexible learning and continuing professional development (CPD). Delegate places are free of charge but, therefore, limited.
In nominating delegates, please liaise with colleagues to ensure that those attending can fully contribute to discussions relating to part-time study, part-time employer-focussed provision, and opportunities for progression to higher education.
To register your interest for this event, please contact Craig Brett on:Telephone: 029 2068 [email protected]
Future Directions: Foundation Degrees – where policy meets practice On 29 February 2012. For further information see:http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/events/detail/2012/academyevents/29_Feb_2012_Future_directions_event
Reaching Communities - the Toolkit This toolkit has been specifically developed for union learning representatives (ULRs), community learning champions (CLCs) and other learning advocates but can be used by any trade union and community representatives working to promote and support learning.http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/initiatives/learn-4405-f0.cfm
Learning and Teaching Conference.The Inaugural Future Directions conference – Graduates for Our Future will run on 26 April 2012 at Glyndŵr University in Wrexham.
The focus of the conference will be to showcase and celebrate the first Wales-wide quality enhancement theme – Graduates For Our Future, and its three work strands: Students as Partners; Learning in Employment; and Learning for Employment.
Wales’ Graduates For Our Future theme was born to help the HE sector in Wales address the priorities outlined in the Welsh Government’s For Our Future: The 21st Century Higher Education Strategy and Plan for Wales, in which two priorities for the sector are highlighted: delivering social justice; and supporting a buoyant economy.
Professor Craig Mahoney, Chief Executive for the Higher Education Academy, said: “I am delighted the HEA has had the opportunity to coordinate Wales’ first national Learning and Teaching conference and I am very much looking forward to chairing the event. The conference is the most important event in Wales’ Learning and Teaching calendar for 2012, and I’m confident that this conference will highlight excellent practice from across the Welsh HE sector. Wales has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share, and I’m delighted that we’ve received so much support from the sector on this project”.
Online event booking is available atwww.heacademy.ac.uk/events/detail/2012/26_April_FD_Conference_Glyndwr.
FreecycleFreecycle groups match people who have things they want to get rid of with people who can use them. Our goal is to keep usable items out of landfills. By using what we already have on this earth, we reduce consumerism, manufacture fewer goods, and lessen the impact on the earth. Another benefit of using Freecycle is that it encourages us to get rid of junk that we no longer need and promote community involvement in the process. How does Freecycle work?
Everything posted must be free, legal and appropriate for all ages. When you want to OFFER something - whether it's a chair, fax machine, piano or an old door, simply send an email to your group.
Maybe you're looking to acquire something yourself? Post a WANTED message and a group member may just have what you're looking for. Alert the group with a follow-up RECEIVED email.
After that it is up to the giver to decide who receives the gift from the responses only they receive and to set up a collection time, and finally post an item TAKEN message.http://uk.freecycle.org
If you have never tried Freecycle give it a go. We use it regularly and have found it to be very useful when having a clear out and have picked up some great free stuff for the house and the garden. http://www.freecycle.org/group/UK/Wales
New Green Team; Local government, sustainable energy, jobs and skillsDate Tue, 31 Jan 2012 Time 12:00 to 14:00 Location Congress house Cost FreeCome and take part in this important seminar to discuss how politicians, unions and employers could respond at national and local level to ensure that local authorities can create jobs and cut carbon in their communities. Caroline Lucas MP, Leader of the Green PartyFrances O'Grady, Deputy General Secretary, TUCCllr Richard Williams, Opposition Leader, Southampton CouncilSolar industry representative Mark Bramah, Assistant Chief Executive, APSEA new report for UNISON, supported by the TUC, shows how local government can play a major role in our economic recovery and in efforts to ensure that the UK meets its targets on carbon emissions and renewables. This approach involves bringing together local governments economic and environmental agendas together in a more systematic way, creating green & decent jobs through the installation of community scale renewables and roll out of energy efficiency programmes. The New Green Team was written for UNISON by the Association for Public Services Excellence (APSE) and was based on extensive interviews with local authorities. Such an approach requires a supportive framework from government. Recent announcements, especially the decision by the government to reduce the Feed in Tariff, suggest just the opposite. To register, please visithttp://thenewgreenteam.eventbrite.co.uk/Contact for more information Emma Hendy at [email protected]
TUC Green Reps Survey – TAKE PART NOW!The Labour Research Department (LRD) is carrying out a new green reps national survey on behalf of the TUC and trade unions across the UK. We would be grateful if you could complete this questionnaire as soon as possible.http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/initiatives/learn-4409-f0.cfm
Only two weeks left to sign up to be a World Book Night giver! Don't miss the chance to share your passion for reading and join tens of thousands of World Book Night givers in spreading the love of books across the UK this April 23.Signing up is easy and it only takes a few minutes but you must apply by 31st JanuaryClick here to apply now
All we need to know is a little more about you, which book you would like to give away, where you would give them out and to whom. If your application is successful you will receive 24 copies of your chosen title and join 19,999 other UK World Book Night givers in sharing the experience of giving an amazing book.
Last year a dozen or more ULRs gave out books in most parts of Wales – don’t be left out in 2012!
10 Key projections for the workplace in 2012 and beyondThe Welsh Government is seeking to expand and broaden the use of Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) across Wales. This is one of a regular series of articles which will be appearing in the DYSG newsletter and on the Learning and Skills Observatory website.
It's great to stay on top of the latest economic trends, but it's even better to be ahead of them and see where the labour market is going, not just where it is today. Working Futures 2010 – 2020 does just that. What will the labour market look like in 2020? Which sectors are expected to grow? Where are the best employment prospects?Here are 10 key projections from the report to get you thinking.
1. The economic growth rate for Wales in the coming decade is projected at 2.2% per annum. Whilst this is lower than the UK average, it is more than double the rate of growth between 2000 and 2010.
2. Employment in Wales is expected to grow by 0.5% per annum, in line with figures for the UK. This is higher than Scotland and several other regions of the UK. Unemployment across Wales is projected to decline by 0.7% (to 8.3%).
3. At a UK level, employment growth is expected to be female-driven. In Wales, however, male employment is projected to increase by a greater proportion than female employment.
4. Across the UK, there is a trend away from full time employment to part time work, although far more employees should work full time by 2020.
5. Of those in total employment, the share of self-employment in Wales was above the UK average in 2010 and is projected to remain the same until 2020.
6. Economic growth is expected across all six broad industry sectors in Wales, with the largest growth in business and other services.
7. Employment growth in Wales is expected to be above the UK average for the primary sector (which includes agriculture, mining and quarrying) and utilities, construction and trade, accommodation and transport. Manufacturing employment is projected to decline in Wales, although this decline should be less pronounced than in the previous decade.
8. Skilled trades jobs are expected to rise in Wales, whilst declining elsewhere; high skill occupations are expected to increase with managers and senior officials gaining the most.
9. In Wales, increases in employment in the construction sector are expected to benefit men, whilst women are more likely to do well in the trade, accommodation and transport sectors.
10. In terms of qualifications, the proportion of those employed in Wales with no qualifications should halve, whilst the proportion with QCF levels 7-8 should rise significantly. By 2020, Wales should still trail the UK average.
We may not be able to predict the future with precision or certainty, but we can use these trends as patterns to prepare and plan. Dig deeper into the report for a more detailed analysis and equip yourself for what lies ahead.If you have any comments about the sorts of LMI you value in your work and how LMI has been of benefit to you, we'd like to hear from you. For this and further information about the LMI project contact Rachel Stephens, Senior Skills Policy Manager at the Welsh Government at [email protected]
Written Statement - Welfare Reform - Leighton Andrews, Minister for Education and Skills This statement is to update Members on the current position regarding the impact of the UK Government’s Welfare Reform agenda, and the Welsh Government’s response. More
The Welfare Reform Bill We’re very concerned about many of its implications, especially for disabled people, large numbers of whom face a reduction in benefits as the universal benefit Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is replaced by the more conditional benefit system of Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
DLA is currently available to disabled children and adults to help them meet the extra costs associated with having a disability. It’s not work or contribution dependent, and it comes at different levels, to take into account assessed needs for ongoing help with care and mobility. Under the new system, DLA recipients will have to claim again for PIP, it’s a fair bet many who were found to need assistance under the lower levels of DLA payment will no longer be given assistance.
Increasing the initial qualifying period from 3 to 6 months will see many people face extra months of hardship before they get assistance. Many current DLA recipients will face a further blow if they’re denied access to PIP, as DLA is a qualifying benefit, which means that being assessed to receive it then means you are eligible for other assistance. Losing DLA will see people getting those other benefits withdrawn.
The consultation for the Bill has been rushed through, run for two weeks shorter than usual, and with the legislation presented to Parliament before the consultation was even finished.
A group of disabled activists have come together online to research the reforms. They’ve used Freedom of Information powers to get a copy of the consultation results, and conducted a thorough crowdsourced analysis of the previously unreleased documents.
The “Responsible Reform” report that they have written and produced tells a remarkable story, with 74% of organisations and individuals responding to the consultation opposed to the overall plans, with even higher margins against on specific measures, such as 98% opposing the extension of the period people have to wait to receive benefits.
This tells a rather different story to the government’s claims of support from the consultation responses. What can you do?You can find the report online here. Please have a look at it (there's a helpful summary at the beginning, as there's a lot of material in there) and help get this important information used as widely as possible, by taking any or all of these actions online:1 Tell your friendsPlease tweet about the report, or spread the message to friends. The hashtag #SpartacusReport has been trending today, so please use that if you can to keep it in the public eye online. If you want to share the text of this email, you can find it online here.2 Add your nameAnd please if you’ve not yet signed up, add your name to Pat Onions’ petition to Number 10 for a pause in these hurried reforms – it’s reached over 20,000 signatures now, but needs more to be recognised by government.
Rushing this legislation through at a time of spending cuts and economic difficulties for vulnerable people is creating a perfect storm for many disabled people. A pause to ensure reform is carried out more fairly and effectively is desperately needed.