Mummy Mornings – The Prefect Start to the Day

THE Grange And Pyramids Shopping Centre is launching its Mummy Mornings on Thursday, 6 October 2011, but Dad’s are invited too!   Mummies, Daddies and even Grandparents can take the opportunity to relax, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee while the little ones are entertained in a safe and comfortable environment.  Entertainment will be providing by Early Learning Centre, so toddlers can play music and join in sing-along-songs, while the grown-ups enjoy some adult conversation.  Mummy Mornings will take place on the first Thursday of every month in the Pyramids’ Foodcourt from 9.30am, providing a perfect excuse for mums to get out of the house and meet new parents. The first mum’s to arrive will even receive a free coffee!   There will also be an opportunity for mum’s to learn about new baby and toddler products and services, as well as products for themselves. After a pleasant morning chatting and drinking coffee, attendees will receive discount offers for the stores at Grange & Pyramids.   Derek Millar Commercial Director says:- "We hope to provide a fun environment for the children and a place where new mums can relax for an hour and chat to other mums. Store representatives will pop along to discuss their latest offers or products, so we plan to provide a service for parents as well as an enjoyable meeting place."

New employment regulations come in to force this week!

THE Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) comes into force in the UK on Saturday, 1 October 2011, following years of debate in
Brussels and Westminster. The result of this debate will see 3 significant pieces of legislation coming into force, that will fundamentally affect companies and employees within the UK.

As of the 1 October, businesses will see the enforcement of the EU Temporary Workers Directive 2008, which gives agency workers the right to the same pay and other working conditions, as the hirer’s own workers have, after they complete 12 weeks of continuous service within the same role with the same hirer. This applies to pay, working hours, overtime, holidays, rest periods, access to vacancies and to other facilities.

The Default Retirement Age will also be scrapped, making it illegal for employers to force their workers to retire at 65. It is expected that by 2020, the workforce comprise of almost a third aged between 50 and 64, so now many unions and other employee representative bodies are calling for employers to adapt their practices and recruitment strategies to cater for this.

The Minimum Wage will increase from 1 October 2011, which will see the lowest paid workers receive a 2.5% pay rise to £6.08 per hour. Already this rise has been criticised for being inadequate, with many saying that it will not help the poorest families as prices for essentials such as food keep rocket.

Commenting on what the Regulations will mean for employers and workers in Keith Gallagher, North West Regional Director for the Recruitment and Employment Confederation said:- "These are complex EU regulations and not easy to implement. However, agency work will continue to provide flexibility for businesses and opportunities for workers in the region. Recruitment agencies have invested a huge amount of time and resource in preparing for implementation and are working with clients and candidates to limit any impact on jobs. The overall outlook for temporary staffing is positive with the vast majority of employers; 86% according to the latest data; planning to actually increase or at least maintain numbers of flexible workers over the next 12 months. Temporary and contract staff provide vital support to businesses in our region and should be well treated and rewarded. The reality is that this is already the case in the vast majority of cases with temporary staff in most sectors already earning at least the same as direct recruits. Businesses need to build flexibility into their workforces, especially in this uncertain economic climate. Recruiters can help employers get to grips with the new requirements and will ensure that that the overall value of agency work outweighs any concerns over the new Regulations."

With in the business community there are worries that this new law could prevent the worrying number of unemployed workers from finding new jobs, particularly those with seasonal demand for their products and services.

So what do you think about the new entitlements?

As the UK is now more and more reliant on larger and larger numbers of temporary workers, will this just mean shorter terms of hire for Agency Workers?

Do you think it that the concern about the effect this will have on companies will see a drop in the UK’s agency work opportunities?    Please email your views to us via our news room email address.

Charities pledge £1m to Southport Cancer Centre

TWO charities have pledged £1m towards refurbishing and extending a cancer treatment centre for patients in North Sefton and West Lancashire.

The Marina Dalglish Appeal and West Lancashire Community Hospice Association are giving £500,000 each towards the £1.3m project at Southport and Formby District General Hospital.

The refurbishment will see the centre, known locally as the medical day unit, significantly expanded to create a light, airy treatment space for patients, some of whom require up to eight hours of chemotherapy at a time. There will also be new consulting rooms and a more comfortable waiting area for patients.

“We are absolutely delighted to be involved in this project, particularly as it is for the community where Kenny and I live. I was astonished by how many people use the unit when I visited. I know patients, as well as the very impressive staff who care for them, will benefit immensely from the significantly expanded facilities these donations will make possible." said Marina Dalglish.

Community hospice association chairman Fred McClenaghan said:- "We welcome this initiative and are delighted to contribute on behalf of West Lancashire folk. Our charity was established to support non-inpatient care and this development compliments our funding of ‘Queenscourt Hospice At Home’ as it is delivered in West Lancashire."

Demand for chemotherapy treatments has grown by up to 15% a year since the medical day unit was last refurbished in 2005. This has been driven by people living longer lives and a growth in new treatments for cancer.

Sister Julie Marshall, who has day-to-day responsibility for the medical day unit, said:- "These donations are complemented by nearly £50,000 raised by the many fundraising events held by friends and families of patients, from legacies left by them and donations given in their memory. Investment in the unit also means we can continue to treat more people locally rather than them facing long journeys to specialist centres outside the local area."

Sir Ron Watson CBE, the Trust chairman, added:- "These fantastically generous donations will be of huge benefit to patients and families who depend on the skill and care of our staff to treat their cancer."

Work will start on the new centre in spring and is expected to be complete by Christmas. Patients will continue to be treated within the Trust during this period and will be advised of changes to appointment venues in the New Year.

MORE CCTV STILLS OF POSSIBLE OFFENDERS INVOLVED IN THE DISORDER IN SOUTH LIVERPOOL

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives investigating incidents of disorder in south Liverpool in the early hours of Tuesday, 9 August 2011 and the early hours of Wednesday, 10 August have released CCTV stills of possible offenders.   The images relating to Smithdown Road and Lodge Lane were taken on Tuesday, 9 August 2011.   The Force has set up a dedicated email address for anyone wanting to share information about those involved or submit their own images or footage of the disorder.  Anyone with information about the disorder or images of those involved are encouraged to contact the investigation team on:- 0151 709 6010 or email them.  Alternatively people who want to help anonymously can call Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.W