7 MAR 2024
Spring Budget FE Reaction, Flexible Working, Student Engagement in 2024 Elections
Jeremy Hunts spring budget has been the big talking point this week. We've gathered a selection of stories with sector reaction, along with other noteworthy stories that you may have missed:
Spring budget is an "own goal", warns AoC
David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges, said: “The Chancellor missed another opportunity today to back his quest for economic growth by investing in the skills which will drive it. The lack of much-needed funding for colleges in today’s spring budget will mean skills shortages will continue to hamper employers who are struggling to find the skilled people they need to grow. There is a simple reality, that the Prime Minister’s economic priorities cannot be achieved without an boost in investment in skills through colleges." Read the full statement here.
HR & employment experts react to the Chancellor's Spring Budget 2024
Hunt announced a series of changes key to businesses and the HR function, including National Insurance cuts and support for working parents. HR Grapevine have collected reaction from HR professionals across the country. View article.
Is flexible working the key to boosting performance and teacher well-being?
The following article by Joanne Moseley at Irwin Mitchell discusses the benefits of implementing flexible working in schools, FE Colleges and Independent Training Providers, including improved staff retention, well-being, and productivity, based on government guidance and research findings. View article.
Survey reveals over a third of workers have experienced ‘imposter syndrome’ during their career
Reed.co.uk, one of the UK’s leading jobs and careers sites, reveals new survey findings showing 40 percent of workers have experienced ‘imposter syndrome’ – or self-doubt in one’s own abilities – during their career, with the most common reasons being feeling out of depth at work or inferior to colleagues (both 38 percent). View article.
What will the further education teaching mission be in the future?
FE News discuss the future of teaching in further education and the opportunities and challenges that digital and online learning bring. They explain the need to balance improved in-person learning with online options and outline strategies for success in a world increasingly driven by lifelong learning. View article.
Five ways to support students to engage in elections
2024 is going to be an important year for students to use their voice, with local, regional and national elections all taking place in the next few months. Currently, only 16 per cent of young people between the ages of 16 and 18 are registered to vote, and colleges are key to helping young people get onto the electoral register. View article.
53% of professionals would start new job hunt if they had to work more days in-office
The findings are from a recent poll of 2,000 UK professionals & employers conducted by specialist international recruitment company Robert Walters. This comes as a recent survey by KPMG found that 63% of UK CEOs predict a full return-to-office by 2026. View article.