WORK WISE WEEK 2007

PROGRAMME for Work Wise Week announced.  Work Wise Week (16 May  to 22 May), will consist of a number of themed days and events including National Work from Home Day on Friday 18 May 2007:-

Wednesday 16 ay will feature the Work Wise Summit at the QEII Conference Centre in London. The summit will cover most of the elements of smarter working through a series of keynote speeches and panel discussions, including organisations such as TUC, CBI, BT and Transport for London. The emphasis will be upon making the UK more competitive in the face of growing economies in Asia, enabling a second industrial revolution to make the UK the most progressive economy in the world.

Thursday 17 May will focus upon Stern Report, published late last year. The day will look at the significant positive impact of smarter working on the environment both in terms of the reduced need to travel and also a longer term reduction in resources and infrastructure to support a smarter working workforce.

Friday 18 May will be National Work from Home Day. Employers and staff around the country are being encouraged to work from home on this day, so that everyone can experience the benefits. This is not giving a day off for those participating, but an opportunity to demonstrate that without the stress induced by the workplace environment and the long commute most have to endure, people can be more productive occasionally working from home.

Weekend 19/20 May will be Wise Work Weekend, a consumer-focused initiative to provide guidance and help to those people who would like to work smarter.

Monday 21 May will look at the transport impacts of smarter working. The Eddington Report has recommended road charging as a solution to congestion – this day will focus upon smarter working as a significant part of that solution. A fall in the need to travel, and the staggered time of travel, resulting from smarter working will significantly help in solving the problem of traffic congestion and overcrowding of public transport.

Tuesday 22 May will focus upon employee benefits and social impacts of smarter working in terms of improving work-life balance, leisure and family benefits, and the knock-on effects on health and relationships. Various organisations with interests in these aspects will be involved in the day, both nationally and in the host region(s). The emphasis will be upon promoting a better work-life balance – working smarter, living better.

Work Wise UK is a national not-for-profit initiative to promote ‘smarter working’ practices such as flexible, remote and mobile working, and working from home. It is supported by a number of leading organisations including the CBI, TUC, British Chambers of Commerce, BT and Transport for London. The objective is for half the working population, some 14 million workers, to have had the opportunity to work smarter by 2011.

For more information visit:- www.workwiseuk.org.

RideSafe Rendezvous message – Born again ? Train again

FOR years now, many riders who first tasted the freedom of the open road on a moped or scooter have been returning to motorcycle riding in there thirties and forties. Astride a new and much more powerful bike, they rejoin this increasingly popular leisure pursuit and become a part of one of the highest "at risk" groups for motorcycle casualties. But as Shelby Williams – Road Safety Adviser for Lancashire Police - explains, this needn’t by so;- "Born-again bikers will often buy a bigger motorcycle for pleasure or to get to work and yet don’t immediately think of taking instruction on how to ride again safely. Our roads are busier than they have ever been and the performance capabilities of road bikes increases constantly. Every biker would benefit from additional training to ensure that they are competent, confident and able to enjoy there riding".

Training courses, education and information form the main theme of the up coming RideSafe Rendezvous at Fairhaven Lake, Lytham St Annes on Sunday 15 April. The free, 1-day show, organised by the RideSafe BackSafe initiative will give riders of all ages and experience an opportunity to talk to organisations such as the Institute of Advanced Motoring, the Motorcycle Action Group and the British Motorcyclists Federation, as well as Police motorcyclists.

Shelby continues;- "Bikers and those thinking of joining the fold will all enjoy the show. Entertainment will include stunt performances by Dave Coates, the Xtreme Trials Display Team and the MPC Ural Motorcycles and TT racer Maria Costello will add a little glamour. But we also want visitors to take the time to talk with the experts about improving their riding skills. It is possible to buy a powerful bike without knowing techniques such as defensive riding, progressive braking and how to filter safely through traffic and yet such skills would enhance a rider’s knowledge and enjoyment. The RideSafe Rendezvous is our way of helping bikers to help themselves".

More than 50 trade and dealer stands will satisfy any urges to shop for new and used bikes, clothing and accessories, whilst the Classic Bikes Display will recall a time when relaxed riding on deserted roads was the norm.  The RideSafe Rendevous takes place from 11.00am until 4.00pm and is free to all visitors.

More information can be viewed at ridesafebacksafe.co.uk.