leicsmac Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 I agree that now more than ever people have to keep on top of their skills, but I don't agree that it's an employers market except right at the bottom because there is such a huge supply of unskilled, mostly immigrant labour. It's definitely an employees market in most private sector professions and skilled occupations. Well, I guess two years could be a long time in such matters. Guess I'll find out more when I return. The STEM market certainly seemed saturated the last time I took a whack at it.
MooseBreath Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 Well, I guess two years could be a long time in such matters. Guess I'll find out more when I return. The STEM market certainly seemed saturated the last time I took a whack at it. Google STEM skills shortage UK. Endless articles from a variety of perspectives about how the industry is desperate for talent.
Guest MattP Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 I wouldn't want any money at all riding on Tredinnick losing Hinckley/Bosworth. Worth remembering that in 1997 the Tories nationally suffered their biggest massacre in decades just after Tredinnick had been suspended from parliament over a "cash for questions" scandal......the good people of Bosworth still voted him back to Westminster even in those circumstances. So, the idea that they'll ditch him for the Lib Dems at a time when the Tories are well in contention nationally and the Lib Dems are polling 8% seems a bit ambitious, surely? - Tories to win most seats but Miliband to give Queen's speech: £5 @ 7-1 I agree on Bosworth, looking at the figures it's almost impossible to see him losing, the definition of a safe seat and I don't see where the support for the Lib Dems is coming from at this point in time to win a lot of their own marginal seats let alone start winning safe Conservative ones. That second bet is well worth a punt, I can seriously see a situation here where Miliband becomes the PM despite the Tories winning the most seats and the most votes I'm sorry, MC, but I'm not in the right head-state to discuss this without us falling out, and that's something I'm not willing to do. My problem, not yours. I really don't get your reaction here Buce, how can you take such a response to such a sensible post, MC didn't say anything outrageous at all. It was a perfectly normal response to a person who claims to have to walk two hours a day to get to work. The employment game has changed with the recession. It's an employers market now and the era of much job stability in the vast majority of fields is pretty much done, whether it's jobs being outsourced or replaced with various tech. It's a nomadic era where retraining and moving frequently (and the stresses that go with it) are going to be de rigeur for most. I don't feel sorry for those who won't adapt, but I do feel sorry for those (perhaps older) who can't adapt. I disagree with this, obviously the lower end will be a massive employers market given we've got masses of unskilled Eastern Europeans with a free passport to get here and compete for those jobs but if you have qualifications behind you then the market looks pretty good for the employee from what I'm looking at. People have always had to adapt, there is no need to feel sorry for them, I'm going to have to go back to nightschool and finish off some qualifications as well, it's not going to do me any good sitting around moaning about it though, of all the countries in the World this is one of the best to be in if you need to learn new skills and gain new qualifications to help you. I've started seeking out some work in the last few weeks and I'm looking at being paid 10-15% more than when I stopped doing the same sort of job in 2011.
Sol thewall Bamba Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 Well, I guess two years could be a long time in such matters. Guess I'll find out more when I return. The STEM market certainly seemed saturated the last time I took a whack at it. Not as I'm seeing it, I recruit in the Geo-Environmental sector and we have clients calling us daily after candidates, that simply aren't there because of how hard the sector got hit in the recession. Lack of people entering the sector through the downturn has really come back to haunt people.
leicsmac Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 Not as I'm seeing it, I recruit in the Geo-Environmental sector and we have clients calling us daily after candidates, that simply aren't there because of how hard the sector got hit in the recession. Lack of people entering the sector through the downturn has really come back to haunt people. Not interested in a Physics grad about to take advanced course in Science Communication, are you?
Sol thewall Bamba Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 Not interested in a Physics grad about to take advanced course in Science Communication, are you? Haha afraid not mate, but if you know any GeoEnvironmental Engineers with 15 years experience in Berkshire let me know!
leicsmac Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 I agree on Bosworth, looking at the figures it's almost impossible to see him losing, the definition of a safe seat and I don't see where the support for the Lib Dems is coming from at this point in time to win a lot of their own marginal seats let alone start winning safe Conservative ones. That second bet is well worth a punt, I can seriously see a situation here where Miliband becomes the PM despite the Tories winning the most seats and the most votes I really don't get your reaction here Buce, how can you take such a response to such a sensible post, MC didn't say anything outrageous at all. It was a perfectly normal response to a person who claims to have to walk two hours a day to get to work. I disagree with this, obviously the lower end will be a massive employers market given we've got masses of unskilled Eastern Europeans with a free passport to get here and compete for those jobs but if you have qualifications behind you then the market looks pretty good for the employee from what I'm looking at. People have always had to adapt, there is no need to feel sorry for them, I'm going to have to go back to nightschool and finish off some qualifications as well, it's not going to do me any good sitting around moaning about it though, of all the countries in the World this is one of the best to be in if you need to learn new skills and gain new qualifications to help you. I've started seeking out some work in the last few weeks and I'm looking at being paid 10-15% more than when I stopped doing the same sort of job in 2011. I hope you're right regarding the qualied and skilled opportunities available. As I said, I honestly don't mind retraining etc myself - I just feel sorry for those who had a stable job for a long time, lost it on account of the recession and are now stuck with drastic life changes for the first time in a long time. Some people simply can't adopt new skillsets, and it's a bit unfair that because of that they might well end up on the wayside through no fault of their own. Seems too social Darwinist to me. As for zero hours contracts, I'm with DB11 - if you don't know what your monthly income is going to be to a reasonable degree, how can you expect to plan for the future and make any kind of financial commitments? I thought economic conservatives valued that kind of approach, but instead they're backing a scheme that practically endorses the opposite. Haha afraid not mate, but if you know any GeoEnvironmental Engineers with 15 years experience in Berkshire let me know! Know just the guy But, in all honesty, that's the reason why stuff got backed up for me. Back when I applied a lot in 2012 the vast majority of STEM posts with companies were asking for experience as well as the relevant qualifications, and each grad posting that got advertised had a hundred applicants. It was too difficult to get your foot in the door. Still, if things have eased up now, that's gives me a little hope for when I make my way back.
Benji Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 Hmm so I just registered to vote and my new constituency: At 727 hectares, this is the smallest and most dense UK parliamentary constituency by area. Labour's Jeremy Corbyn has held the seat since 1983 and hada 12,000-plus majority at the last election. He won with 54.5% of the vote, followed by the Liberal Democrats on 26.7%, Conservatives 14.2% and Green 3%. Don't suspect my vote is going to do a lot.
leicsmac Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 Hmm so I just registered to vote and my new constituency: At 727 hectares, this is the smallest and most dense UK parliamentary constituency by area. Labour's Jeremy Corbyn has held the seat since 1983 and hada 12,000-plus majority at the last election. He won with 54.5% of the vote, followed by the Liberal Democrats on 26.7%, Conservatives 14.2% and Green 3%. Don't suspect my vote is going to do a lot. FPTP. Wonderful system, isn't it?
Webbo Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 FPTP. Wonderful system, isn't it? The chap's got 54% of the vote, he's won fair and square by any system.
Benji Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 FPTP. Wonderful system, isn't it? On the plus side if he's so popular he might be at the polling station on the day and make the mistake of trying to ask for my vote.
Guest MattP Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 I hope you're right regarding the qualied and skilled opportunities available. As I said, I honestly don't mind retraining etc myself - I just feel sorry for those who had a stable job for a long time, lost it on account of the recession and are now stuck with drastic life changes for the first time in a long time. Some people simply can't adopt new skillsets, and it's a bit unfair that because of that they might well end up on the wayside through no fault of their own. Seems too social Darwinist to me. As for zero hours contracts, I'm with DB11 - if you don't know what your monthly income is going to be to a reasonable degree, how can you expect to plan for the future and make any kind of financial commitments? I thought economic conservatives valued that kind of approach, but instead they're backing a scheme that practically endorses the opposite. When you speak to people looking for work with qualifications this is the impression I'm getting now, don't get me wrong it's not a nationwide acclaimed point of view, if you strike up a conversation with someone in a weatherspoons at 11am you'll probably get the response there is nothing out there and they can't get a job. I don't think zero hour contracts are actually supposed to be there for people planning a future, the companies who use them are places like MacDonalds and Sports Direct, I'd imagine the vast majority of people on these contracts are students, mothers and various other people who only want a few hours a week. I know you don't like Social Darwinism but people have to take responsibility for themselves, if you are 35 years old and serving fries part time you've probably made a bit of a balls up of your education and havn't bothered to rectify it despite being given ample time and opportunity to do so.
MiniFox Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 No offence taken Buce, I like you too, but perhaps you can elaborate on your response. Which bit is a fantasy? That in a two hour walking distance there are potential employers? Perhaps he lives in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales or Scottish Highlands and there are no other businesses, no loos or cars to clean, no bars or restaurants that need a pot washer or waiter. (Although, given they are tourist areas, it is likely there would be seasonal bar work etc). Not sure how what I said supports my religious beliefs either. I've said many times, I believe there needs to be a strong safety net to support those in need, and I truly believe in the NHS and other public services, as we should have a guaranteed standard of care. Walking 2 hours to work, for a zero hours contract, just sounds too ludicrous, and there must be other options, whether it is retraining or doing a less than rewarding job for a short-time. In some ways you're right, people make excuses, but on the other hand sometimes they can't help it, no qualifications, no money to get any, I never want to get stuck in this trap when I can help it (current student) but that doesn't change it for the people who are in this situation. But that doesn't mean just because some are alright the ones that aren't alright should be ignored. You say there must be other options, but maybe he really doesn't have any other options, you wouldn't know till you've walked a mile in his shoes (or 2 hours in this case)
Voll Blau Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 Sexual habits of voters for different parties. UKIP dominant, Labour like it rough and Tories boring apparently... http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/ampp3d/general-election-who-you-vote-5432542
MooseBreath Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 Not interested in a Physics grad about to take advanced course in Science Communication, are you? Isn't it about time you just got a proper job instead of messing around doing courses? What is science communication anyway? Journalism?
Merging Cultures Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 In some ways you're right, people make excuses, but on the other hand sometimes they can't help it, no qualifications, no money to get any, I never want to get stuck in this trap when I can help it (current student) but that doesn't change it for the people who are in this situation. But that doesn't mean just because some are alright the ones that aren't alright should be ignored. You say there must be other options, but maybe he really doesn't have any other options, you wouldn't know till you've walked a mile in his shoes (or 2 hours in this case) There are opportunities to get qualifications. Anyway, he seriously must want to do whatever the job is, and there can't be anything else. Otherwise why bother?!I reckon he has a job close by, but told his missus it is 2 hours away each way so that he can avoid her for 4 hours a day.
Ross-Kemp Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 When you speak to people looking for work with qualifications this is the impression I'm getting now, don't get me wrong it's not a nationwide acclaimed point of view, if you strike up a conversation with someone in a weatherspoons at 11am you'll probably get the response there is nothing out there and they can't get a job. I don't think zero hour contracts are actually supposed to be there for people planning a future, the companies who use them are places like MacDonalds and Sports Direct, I'd imagine the vast majority of people on these contracts are students, mothers and various other people who only want a few hours a week. I know you don't like Social Darwinism but people have to take responsibility for themselves, if you are 35 years old and serving fries part time you've probably made a bit of a balls up of your education and havn't bothered to rectify it despite being given ample time and opportunity to do so. Absolutely spot on.I was working in McDonalds at 16 because I thought I was the big boy at school, ballsed up my exams & left with zero qualifications. 7 years on, I've been employed by one of the biggest companies in the UK (have been for 3 years) and I'm now looking at taking steps into management. I've never claimed a penny off the state and I've never been un-employed for more than 3 weeks. Work ethic & drive! Unfortunately, you can't teach / buy it !
MiniFox Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 There are opportunities to get qualifications. Anyway, he seriously must want to do whatever the job is, and there can't be anything else. Otherwise why bother?! I reckon he has a job close by, but told his missus it is 2 hours away each way so that he can avoid her for 4 hours a day. There are some opportunities, but once people get to a certain age, just to take the likes of level 2/3 qualifications comes to thousands doesn't it? Someone on a zero hours contract, probably cannot afford to fork out thousands and not get paid, the only option for people like this is to get an apprenticeship imo, but still, it's not easy regardless, especially if you have a family.
Guest MattP Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 Absolutely spot on. I was working in McDonalds at 16 because I thought I was the big boy at school, ballsed up my exams & left with zero qualifications. 7 years on, I've been employed by one of the biggest companies in the UK (have been for 3 years) and I'm now looking at taking steps into management. I've never claimed a penny off the state and I've never been un-employed for more than 3 weeks. Work ethic & drive! Unfortunately, you can't teach / buy it ! Fair play mate, absolutely superb attitude to have.
Guest Kopfkino Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 I wouldn't want any money at all riding on Tredinnick losing Hinckley/Bosworth. Worth remembering that in 1997 the Tories nationally suffered their biggest massacre in decades just after Tredinnick had been suspended from parliament over a "cash for questions" scandal......the good people of Bosworth still voted him back to Westminster even in those circumstances. So, the idea that they'll ditch him for the Lib Dems at a time when the Tories are well in contention nationally and the Lib Dems are polling 8% seems a bit ambitious, surely? You are likely right, the last election was probably a more likely time for Tredinnick to be ousted because of the LD strength nationally but I get the feeling it's not going to be easy for him. I know of a fair few people of all age ranges that just want him gone but it probably is the case that they'll revert to voting Conservative on polling day because that's what they want nationally. Maybe a bet on the LDs is more out of hope than expectation. Tredinnick does **** all for the area, even his team can't give specific examples of things he's done for the local area, tbh I'd be surprised if he even knows half of the places in the constituency. The only thing he pushes is his alternative medicine agenda for which he regularly mocked by people in his own party, parliament and the national press recently. His role in the cash for questions and expenses scandals adds the cherry on top to crown him as one of those MPs that is the reason people hate politicians. He's a cvnt. The Lib Dems do well round here and they've got a good local candidate in Michael Mullaney who ran a good campaign last time and has been doing so this time round already. The party's fortunes nationally will most likely hamper him but he is he only candidate that can beat Tredinnick. Labour don't do very well around here and that isn't going to change this time, Ukip will probably poll well but not well enough to win. Hopefully they can take enough votes off the Tories to make it a little closer at least. You only have to look at South Leicestershire or Harborough to see what kind of majority the Conservatives could have round here if it wasn't for Tredinnick. Anyway Tredinnick rant over, I'll probably end up voting for him but I won't be around here much longer so who cares
Jon the Hat Posted 31 March 2015 Author Posted 31 March 2015 My cousin is standing as an independent in a strong Tory constituency as the Tories parachuted in a non-local candidate. He is probably going to lose, but he is doing a cracking job of getting out in the community and getting his odds down. The guy looks a natural, and the party lost him by not allowing him to be considered. I will have my fingers crossed. Would be hilarious if he won and held the balance of power.
sphericalfox Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 Absolutely spot on. I was working in McDonalds at 16 because I thought I was the big boy at school, ballsed up my exams & left with zero qualifications. 7 years on, I've been employed by one of the biggest companies in the UK (have been for 3 years) and I'm now looking at taking steps into management. I've never claimed a penny off the state and I've never been un-employed for more than 3 weeks. Work ethic & drive! Unfortunately, you can't teach / buy it ! Do you work for B&Q or Tesco?
Alf Bentley Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 My cousin is standing as an independent in a strong Tory constituency as the Tories parachuted in a non-local candidate. He is probably going to lose, but he is doing a cracking job of getting out in the community and getting his odds down. The guy looks a natural, and the party lost him by not allowing him to be considered. I will have my fingers crossed. Would be hilarious if he won and held the balance of power. Which constituency, Jon, or do you prefer not to identify him?
Buce Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 My missus gave up her contracted hours to go zero hours voluntarily, it helps us with child care. She works for the NHS and just picks and chooses the shifts she wants. It most certainly is not all bad on a zero hour contract. Its been that good for us, she probably won't seek contracted work after our youngest starts school. My missus used to work for the nursing bank too, Strokes; I think there's a subtle, but important, difference between bank-work and zero-hour contracts. Bank-work, as you rightly say, allows you to pick and choose which shifts you want to work: zero-hours, as I understand it, requires that you work whatever shifts are offered, often at short notice. Failure to do so results in dismissal. Also, unless the law has changed, you are not allowed to work for anyone else, something that isn't true for bank-workers.
sphericalfox Posted 31 March 2015 Posted 31 March 2015 My missus used to work for the nursing bank too, Strokes; I think there's a subtle, but important, difference between bank-work and zero-hour contracts. Bank-work, as you rightly say, allows you to pick and choose which shifts you want to work: zero-hours, as I understand it, requires that you work whatever shifts are offered, often at short notice. Failure to do so results in dismissal. Also, unless the law has changed, you are not allowed to work for anyone else, something that isn't true for bank-workers. it's not a subtle difference, it's a significant one.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.