Commenting on reports that the government’s consultation on aviation capacity will be delayed, Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The government has spent years working on a strategy for UK aviation, so reports that there will be yet more delays beggar belief. Businesses are tired of indecision and equivocation on aviation. Ministers can’t tell businesses to look for new opportunities in emerging markets like Brazil and China, and then fail to provide the basic infrastructure needed to get there.
The consequences of inaction are stark. If the government does not act swiftly to increase capacity in the South East, strengthen our regional airports, and support the development of more connections to emerging markets, the UK will lose both investment and jobs. Our research shows that business leaders in high growth or emerging economies see direct air links as vital to maintaining the UK’s prospects in global markets. Nine out of ten (92%) of these business leaders say direct flights influence their inward investment decisions; while eight in ten (80%) say they would trade more with the UK if flight connections were improved to their home markets.
Trade with fast-growing markets requires Britain to have a strong, resilient hub airport. New runways, at Heathrow and elsewhere, will be required to safeguard the UK’s status as a global aviation hub in both the short and long term.
Continued delays only put the UK further at a competitive disadvantage. Aviation strategy must be at the heart of a credible plan for growth, not a political football.”
The EU has signed an ambitious and comprehensive Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru. Once fully implemented, the agreement will open up market opportunities for a number of key export industries in the EU which will be able to benefit from the removal of tariffs.
The Commission estimates that the trade deal will relieve EU exporters of €270 million (£217 million) in duties each year. It will eliminate tariffs in all industrial and fisheries products, increase market access for agricultural products and improve access to public procurement, services and investment markets.
The agreement will also further reduce technical barriers to trade and establish common disciplines including, for example, on intellectual property rights, transparency and competition. In addition, it will allow for the protection of over 100 EU geographical indications for foodstuffs on the Colombian and Peruvian markets.
A number of sectors are due to benefit. For example, it is estimated that the automotive and car parts industry will reap over €33 million (£26.5 million approximately) in tariff reductions, whilst the chemicals and textiles industries should benefit from reductions in the region of €16 million (£12.8 million) and €60 million (£48.2 million) respectively. Other noticeable tariff reductions will be in pharmaceutical and telecommunications products.
By opening up the EU market to exporters from Peru and Colombia, the agreement is expected to have a direct impact on growth and jobs in these countries and contribute to the sustained move up in the value chain of their economies.
The proposed deal also includes an agreement on the protection of human rights and the rule of law as well as commitments to implement effectively international conventions on labour rights and environmental protection. Civil society organisations will be systematically involved in the monitoring of the implementation of these commitments, which will also be subject to an arbitration system.
All EU Member States are parties to the agreement and have already signed it. This signature allows for the formal ratification procedures to kick off in the EU as well as in Colombia and Peru.
The European Parliament (EP) will be the first to act by voting on consent this year while Member States’ Parliaments are expected to adopt the text at a later stage. In the meantime, the Trade Agreement will be provisionally applied between the parties – provided EP consent is granted and ratification procedures are also concluded in Colombia and Peru.
More about EU-Andean trade relations including the full text of the Peru and Colombia Trade Agreement can be found here.
There has been a further significant development in the long-running saga of the interplay between an individual’s right to take annual leave and their need to take sickness absence.
It is well established, as a result of a number of decisions by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), that an individual’s right to take annual leave enshrined in the European Working Time Directive (2003/88/EC) is distinct from their need to take sickness absence. It is now clear that an individual’s holiday entitlement continues to accrue during periods of sickness absence, and that an employee who is absent due to sickness and is unable to take holiday has the right to take it at a later date (or to be paid in lieu of the holiday if their employment is terminated).
Does it matter when the period of sickness starts?
Until recently, it was not clear whether or not an employee is entitled to take annual leave at a later date regardless of when they fall sick, whether they fall sick before the period of leave is due to start or fall sick during a period of leave. The ECJ has now given its judgment in the case of Asociación Nacional de Grandes Empresas de Distribución (ANGED) v Federación de Asociaciones Sindicales (FASGA) and others (Case C-78/11 ECJ).
The ECJ has made it clear that the point at which a worker’s sickness arises is irrelevant; a worker is entitled to take paid annual leave which coincides with sickness at a later time, irrespective of the point at which the incapacity for work arose. If necessary, and in accordance with the ECJ’s previous decisions, a new period of annual leave may be scheduled outside the normal reference period for holiday (i.e. beyond the holiday year).
Carrying forward holiday
The ECJ has also recently held that the period in which unused holiday can be carried forward must be “substantially longer” than the reference period. In KHS AG v Schulte (Case C-214/10 ECJ) it held that a carry-over period of 15 months was sufficient; in Neidel v Stadt Frankfurt am Main (Case C-337/10), a period of nine months was held not to be sufficient.
In the UK, we currently have two conflicting decisions from the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) on the issue of whether an individual can carry forward their unused holiday entitlement to a subsequent holiday year, even if they have not requested to take a period of holiday during their sickness absence. One of these decisions, Larner v NHS Leeds, in which the EAT held that it was not necessary for the employee to give notice of her request to take annual leave, has been appealed to the Court of Appeal and judgment is expected shortly.
Amendments to the Working Time Regulations
In 2011, as part of its Modern Workplaces Consultation, the Government consulted on its intention to amend the Working Time Regulations 1998 to take into account developments as a result of ECJ decisions. We can also expect guidance for employers on dealing with the issue of sickness absence coinciding with annual leave. It had been suggested that the amended Regulations would take effect in 2012, but as the draft Regulations have yet to be published, it now appears unlikely (although not impossible) that we will have the amendments in place this year.
In the meantime, employers should be aware that employees who fall sick before or during a scheduled period of annual leave should be permitted to take the holiday at a later date, even if this means carrying it forward to a new holiday year. Employers should ensure, however, that employees follow the usual procedure for reporting sickness absence, even if they are on holiday. Employees should be required to self-certificate or provide a doctor’s certificate to cover their period of illness.
Employment law experts from Steeles Law will be examining this topic in more detail, together with a number of other ‘tricky issues’, in the forthcoming HR Forum which is taking place at Dunstan Hall on 12 September 2012, from 2pm
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have published its latest report on regulation, which was featured exclusively in the Telegraph. For the second time, the BCC undertook an extensive study into the progress made by the government to improve the architecture through which new regulatory proposals pass, and thus reduce the burdens placed on companies.
The BCC analysed the transparency and efficiency of the regulatory process and whether the burden of red tape has successfully been decreased. Regulation affects businesses in all aspects of their day-to-day activities and BCC will be working hard in the coming months to ensure that businesses are not burdened with unnecessary or poorly designed legislation.
The weather stayed dry and warm for the Chamber’s Summer Social held at Costessey Park Golf Club on July 12, allowing attendees to have a delicious BBQ, enjoy a glass of Pimms on the patio and make full use of the excellent golfing facilities.
There were a number of different networking activities on offer throughout the evening, including a tutored wine tasting, hosted by Brian Sullivan of HarperWells who brought three ‘cheeky’ wines to taste from his exquisite collection. There was also a putting competition, won by Active Norfolk’s George Webster and a ‘Beat the Pro’ competition, where delegates competed against Costessey’s Junior Pro as to who could get nearest to the green on the first hole, won by Adam Beeney of Sprowston Manor.
Three 60 Second Spotlight speakers also managed to profile their company against the clock, with attendees hearing about The Forum Trust, I Want More Sales and Winsor Bishop.
The relaxed and informal atmosphere of the Summer Social provided the perfect environment for business networking and making great connections, but don’t just take our word for it:
@NorfolkAmy “Great event tonight, the combo of golf, wine and networking worked surprisingly well!”
Lambda_Alex “Had a great evening at the #ChamberSummerSocial. Definitely enjoyed the @HarperWells wine-tasting”
Photos of the highlights from the event can be found on the Norfolk Chamber’s Facebook & Google Plus pages.
Our next evening social networking event isLook the Business:Fashion, Beauty & Business the John Lewis Way – Get you and your business ‘bang on trend’ by hearing the story of John Lewis’ success from their Operations Manager, Lesley George. Plus a skincare and make-up demo and fashion workshop showcasing business dress trends for men and women, plus the opportunity to network and do business in a relaxed atmosphere. For full details click here.
“What’s clear is that these announcements are long overdue. Business expects speedy action, rather than yet more unfulfilled promises.”
Commenting on the announcement of new guarantee schemes to kick-start infrastructure projects and support exports, Caroline Williams, CEO Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Ministers’ newfound willingness to use the government’s balance sheet to kick-start stalled projects is a positive development, particularly as the BCC has called for urgent action on infrastructure for many months. The business community will be heartened to see the Treasury showing signs of innovative thinking on infrastructure financing. With luck, this indicates officials are willing to consider more radical funding options for bigger and longer-term projects.
“For too long, businesses have had to put up with deficient transport infrastructure that adds delays, uncertainty and cost. With traffic snarled on the A303 in the South West, the A1 and A19 in the North, and the A14 between the Midlands and East Coast ports to name a few, ministers must use both their chequebook and their legal powers to get Britain moving. The new scheme must also move swiftly to kick-start housing and energy projects – not tie them up in a long and complex application process.
“What’s clear is that these announcements are long overdue. The question must be asked: when infrastructure investment provides immediate confidence, followed by jobs and greater competitiveness, what has taken Whitehall so long? Business expects speedy action, rather than yet more unfulfilled promises. Only visible results on the ground will make this announcement, and the government’s National Infrastructure Plan, worth the paper they’re written on.”
On long-term export guarantees:
“The announcement of £5bn in long-term export guarantees will help many British firms seal significant deals overseas. This has the potential to support not just major companies, but many hundreds of others in their supply chains across Britain.”
Channel 4 is looking for businesses to take part in a new series aimed at helping small, independent, consumer-facing businesses improve profits and build a stronger customer base.
Do you run an independent consumer-facing business that is struggling to survive or expand? Channel 4 are keen to hear from all types of businesses, from independent tour operators to electronic shops, car dealerships to spas; motorway service stations to holiday parks and tourist sites. Whatever your business, if you’re struggling to make it a success we’d like to hear from you!
As part of this programme the successful applicant will receive advice and guidance from one of the UK’s Leading consumer-facing business experts to help you give customers great value-for-money and increase your profits.
The successful applicants will receive advice and guidance from one of the UK’s leading business experts. For more information, click here.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCI) works with the West Australian Corporate Acquisition Register (WACAR) to facilitate foreign business investment in Western Australia.
Strong economic credentials and a stable business environment have made Western Australia increasingly attractive to foreign investors. Foreign companies are looking for exposure to the mining and resources sector in Western Australia to take advantage of the general economic prosperity of the State.
WACAR works for and on behalf of purchasers to identify suitable acquisition targets, negotiate the transaction and locally manage the transaction process.
Further information can be provided by Keith Seed, Manager of International Trade Services, Tel: +618 9365 7637 or keith.seed@cciwa.com
The Bank of England Agents’ summary for July 2012 was issued today, outlining that there had been a slowing in the annual growth rate of consumer demand and that confidence had dipped due to worries about the economic outlook. To read the full report click here.
Despite the current economic crisis, the EU and its Member States have once again been confirmed as the largest providers of Aid for Trade in the world.
In fact, the EU accounted for around a third of total worldwide Aid for Trade in 2010, maintaining the record amount registered the year before and totalling some €10.7 billion in committed funding.
Aid for Trade helps developing countries to develop trade strategies, build trade-related infrastructure and improve their productive capacity in order to encourage growth and reduce poverty.
Activities supported by the EU include helping countries to build their capacity to trade through training and technical co-operation measures such as supporting national trade priorities, adjusting legislation on trade, and providing technical assistance for studies on trade-related subjects.
Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the main beneficiary of EU Aid for Trade.
Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said: “Increasing and improving trade opportunities is part of the solution towards inclusive and sustainable growth of developing countries. Indeed, no country has ever lifted itself out of poverty without trade, at regional and international level.”
Earlier this year, the European Commission adopted a range of proposals to make trade and development instruments work hand-in-hand to help reduce poverty across the world.
It proposed a number of ways to improve the effectiveness of EU trade and development policy, including reforming the Union’s preferential trade schemes to focus more on the poorest countries and stepping up negotiations on free trade agreements (FTAs) with developing country partners.
Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht said: “The EU provides more trade-related development assistance than the rest of the world put together. This underlines our unwavering commitment to support developing countries’ integration into the global economy.”
Since its launch ten years ago, Twitter has gone from strength to strength. In recent years, businesses have begun to take advantage of the ever-growing social network to help their brand flourish.
However, one thing that has always been a major stumbling block is trying to fit full sales messages, news headlines and general content posts into Twitter’s 140 character limit.
Twitter have now made life slightly easier for those of us who utilise Twitter as a focal point of our marketing strategies. Back in May Twitter announced that users would be able to make the most of 140 character limit by excluding media such as images and videos from the character count – this is now a reality!
Before this update images used to count for around 24 characters.
Example: when providing a link to your website, and an image to attract some more attention, you would only be left with roughly 92 characters to actually write your ‘message’ – not really enough, is it?
I’ve always been taught to include an image/graphic/video in as many of my tweets as possible. This helps to maximise engagement – an image on a Twitter feed stands out much more than just text. Looking at a recent top trend below, you can see what I mean. The tweet with the image attached is far more prominent than those that consist of just text:
We hope that in the near future we will see URLs excluded from the character count as well. But for now, thank you Twitter!
In the three months to May 2012 unemployment nationally fell by 65,000, compared with the previous quarter, while employment rose by 181,000
National youth unemployment fell by 10,000 but remains above one million. The number of people unemployed for over two years rose by 18,000, to its highest figure since 1997
Commenting on the labour market figures published today by the ONS, Caroline Williams, CEO at Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The latest employment figures are encouraging following recent pessimism about the UK economy. But some causes for concern still remain. The number claiming jobseeker’s allowance is up slightly, the increase in the number of people unemployed for more than two years is worrying and youth unemployment remains high. Nevertheless, it is clear that the private sector is creating jobs while public sector employment is shrinking.
“These figures highlight the puzzling contrast between continued growth in jobs and the decline in GDP, which is being reported by the ONS. Although economic growth remains weak, it is difficult to believe that the economy has been in recession since the final quarter of 2011. Although many commentators expect the ONS to announce a third consecutive decline in GDP next week, it is important to sustain confidence.
“But many uncertainties lie ahead. Continued difficulties in the eurozone create challenges for our exporters at a time when austerity measures are putting downward pressure on domestic demand. Unemployment is likely to increase further over the next twelve to eighteen months, but the peak will probably be lower than the 2.9m figure predicted in our latest forecast. These positive job figures must be supported by important policy measures, such as more deregulation and creating a state-backed business bank to help businesses drive recovery.”