National Conversation Week - Let's talk finances

APPARENTLY, it's no longer 'good to talk' that's according to research that shows 48% of people shy away from speaking to friends, family, and professionals, about general life issues. The survey of 1023 British adults; compiled as part of the annual National Conversation Week; has revealed that 47% of recipients never, or rarely, seek advice on everyday subjects such as health, home, work and family. In fact, only 4% of people always turn to their loved ones to get reassurance on life's worries.

James Loder, is Proposition Director at Paymentshield - the leading provider of insurance to the mortgage intermediary market which is behind the national awareness week. She said:- "Sadly, when it comes to important decisions and issues in life, it seems people would prefer to go it alone, rather than open up to family and friends; and even seek impartial advice. With mobiles, messenger services, social media and email, continuing to dominate our lives, it seems the art of conversation is gradually declining; even when it comes to issues such as friends, work and home life."

The survey showed that bottom of the list of things people are most likely to confide in their nearest and dearest about was the home (one per cent), with finance topping the list (21%). However, despite this, half of respondents confessed that they never, or rarely, talk about finance. In fact, 50% of people surveyed said they'd never reviewed their finances (with a professional), while 17% admitted it was more than 5 years ago.

James added:- "What's particularly worrying is that those people choosing to go it alone, when it comes to dealing with important finance decisions, are potentially leaving themselves open to problems in future. For example, of homeowners who said that they don't thoroughly read their policies, 46% admitted that it was because it's too time consuming, whilst just under a ⅓ said it's because it's too complicated, whilst one in four confessed that it's because it's too boring.  It's absolutely essential that people understand what they're entering in to and the risks, if any, that they face. The value in having meaningful conversations with people face to face can never be underestimated, particularly when it comes to financial decisions, such as investments, insurance and pensions."

National Conversation Week 2019, that ran from 18 March to 24 March 2019, encouraging everyone in the UK to try and be more open when it comes to their finances. Paymentshield wants to help people learn how they can manage their finances in a better way, whilst highlighting how professionals can help at each financial stage in life.

Shortfall in Scientists could leave UK in Science Black Hole

The UK is awash with pioneers when it comes to cutting edge science, with no fewer than 10 Nobel Laureate winners over the past 10 years alone. Yet, the UK is facing a major black hole in science, running the risk of falling behind the rest of the world unless the matter is addressed. A new study, by Roche, a leader in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics which employs more than 90,000 people globally, looks at the reasons why students are turning their backs on science. The research reveals that whilst 76% of teenagers aged 14 to 18 from the North West said they enjoy science classes, only 26% would consider a career in the field of science, such as medicine, research and pharmaceuticals. The study also found that while 76% of children say that science is "fun," interest drops into a black hole when it comes to turning that enjoyment into a career choice; even though 76% believe that studying the subject would lead to great job opportunities. The reasons for this huge fall in interest seems to be complex. 19% of kids say they feel they are not bright enough to pursue a career in science. On top of this, 57% say there are not even going to University because they can't afford it and it's not worth the debt.

Claire Jarvis, Pharmacist and Pipeline Lead at Roche UK said:- "The UK's position as a world leader in science innovation is at risk if the field cannot attract new talent from our Schools and universities. Science underpins some of the greatest developments and discoveries in history, from penicillin to putting mankind on the moon. I'm privileged to work in a fulfilling and rewarding sector which has the potential to find a cure for cancer or develop medicines which can change people's lives. It's critical that our next generation is inspired in the right way so they can make a huge change in the world."

Roche is inspiring the next generation of Scientists with its Generation X initiative; a programme of activity that aims to inspire and motivate students to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Through a series of interactive workshops and classes, the programme aims to show the next generation how exciting and rewarding a career in STEM can be whilst giving them the potential to change the world.

39% of professionals in Liverpool don't know how to ask for a pay rise

A study conducted, by CV Library, the UK's leading independent job board, has discovered that 39% of professionals in Liverpool don't know how to ask their employer for a pay rise. A further 51.7% revealed that they've never even negotiated on parts of a job offer. What's more, the survey of 1,200 British professionals reveals that 49.2% of professionals in Liverpool haven't received a pay rise in the last 12 months to 18 months. Of those who did, 56.7% received a minimal increase of up to 2%. Below, CV Library reveals that Liverpool is 1 of the top 10 locations in the UK, where Brits are least likely to negotiate on salary:-

► Cardiff (68.8%)

► Glasgow (64.3%)

► Leeds (63.2%)

► Sheffield (55.6%)

► Manchester (50.5%)

► Newcastle (47.3%)

► Liverpool (44.1%)

► London (42.8%)

► Bristol (41.5%)

► Edinburgh (39.4%)

Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV Library, comments:- "Our survey highlights that a natural fear around bringing up the subject of pay is holding many professionals back in their careers. Being able to negotiate a pay rise will not only bring you financial reward, but the sense of achievement and increased morale in the workplace.  If you do feel nervous about discussing your pay with your boss, I'd advise doing your research before approaching them. Find out what other companies are offering for similar positions, or even what your own company's range is for new hires. Determining your worth is the 1st step towards knowing how to ask for a pay rise."

Professionals in Liverpool are in a fantastic position for negotiating pay right now, with salaries for new jobs in Liverpool rising, by an impressive 12% since 2018. This suggests that candidates who don't know how to ask for a pay rise could be missing out on the chance to improve their job offer.  Biggins continues:- "In the current UK job market, it's important to be aware of your worth. With Brexit imminent and unemployment being at its lowest in 50 years, businesses are desperate to not only attract top talent, but hold on to the employees that they've got. So, if you're after a pay rise, now's the time to start negotiations!"