NG2 December/January 2020
Local business directory and community magazine.
Local business directory and community magazine.
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welcome to a new decade<br />
by Helen Jones<br />
Well here we are at the doorstep<br />
of another new decade. Where did<br />
the last one go? And where will<br />
the next ten years take you?<br />
Within the world of employment we have seen huge<br />
changes since 2010. If you’re not active on social<br />
media today do you even exist?<br />
The days of being chained to your desk are long<br />
gone – flexible, agile working is offered by many<br />
employers.<br />
Shared parental leave was also introduced in 2015<br />
which is a huge (and welcome) leap forward in terms<br />
of recognising that both parents have a part to play<br />
in the early years.<br />
In my volunteer role with a local secondary school<br />
I am delighted to see that careers provision is<br />
gradually being given the importance it deserves.<br />
Still woefully underfunded, I’ve seen a definite<br />
move toward engaging with outside organisations<br />
to seek the expertise and support required. This is<br />
the only way to tackle the skills gap – by effective<br />
communication between employers and education<br />
providers at all levels.<br />
Having stated all of the above, as an employer, the<br />
progress I’m most satisfied with is the recognition<br />
within the workplace that mental health matters.<br />
There is an awareness that definitely wasn’t there ten<br />
years ago. Depression and anxiety is real for a large<br />
proportion of the working population on a daily basis.<br />
Talking about it can only help.<br />
As I write, Brexit is still undecided and there are many<br />
other challenges facing us over the next decade. We<br />
must face those challenges head on with common<br />
sense and positivity.<br />
On behalf of myself and all my colleagues here at<br />
SOLOS we wish you a very Happy Christmas and a<br />
peaceful New Year.<br />
DOGLOST: REUNITING DOGS WITH<br />
THEIR OWNERS<br />
by DogLost<br />
DogLost is the UK’s<br />
largest FREE lost and<br />
found dog service. It’s<br />
an amazing resource for<br />
anyone who has lost or<br />
found a dog.<br />
DogLost boasts an impressive track record in<br />
reuniting dogs with their owners. The non-profit<br />
organisation has provided free assistance to dog<br />
owners nationwide since 2002, helping to reunite<br />
around 80,000 dogs. Its automated alerts and poster<br />
generation is supported by a network of volunteers<br />
who offer advice and support on the ground as well<br />
as the website. It works closely with the police, dog<br />
wardens and rescues and it is at the forefront of<br />
fighting back against the rising crime of dog theft.<br />
It’s free to join this national community of thousands<br />
of dog owners and volunteers. Simply register as a<br />
member to receive alerts of dogs missing in your<br />
area.<br />
Anyone who has lost or found a dog can<br />
see our handy guides of actions to take<br />
here: www.facebook.com/DogLostUk/<br />
posts/2432431010212795<br />
Our website is: www.doglost.co.uk<br />
Or you can call: 0844 800 3220<br />
To advertise call 0115 926 9777 or email: sarah@ngmagazines.org.uk 91
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