by Press Association on September 8, 2010
Manufacturing production in the UK saw a month-on-month rise of 0.3% in July, new figures have shown.
The Index of Production released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that the index of manufacturing increased year-on-year by 4.3% in the three months to July – the sector’s best result in the category in 15 years.
Growth in manufacturing is now at an annual rate of 4.9% – the best pace since the end of 1994, according to the report.
The ONS said output of the wider production industries, which includes the utility and mining industry, increased by 0.3% in July, following the fall in June due to maintenance shut-downs in the oil and gas sector.
However, experts said that the sector has recently gained from customers replacing exhausted stockpiles, predicting that the temporary effect will reduce as the year progresses.
Manufacturers are also concerned about the anticipated weakening in demand as global austerity measures are launched.
David Kern, chief economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Although the manufacturing sector’s performance this year is pleasing, there is no room for complacency. The recovery is not yet secure, particularly as there are worrying signs of a slowdown in the global economy.”
Copyright © Press Association 2010
by Press Association on September 7, 2010
Breakfast meetings are emerging as the preferred choice as workers believe they are more focussed and productive in the morning, a poll has shown.
A nationwide online survey of 3,000 workers conducted by OnePoll found that 42% of employees regularly attend breakfast meetings.
About 67% of workers claim they are more likely to pay attention during morning discussions, while more than three quarters (79%) claim the practice makes them more efficient.
More than a third of those polled (36%) believe it is easier to ‘pin someone down’ first thing in the morning and 32% said they felt it was a nice start to the day.
The study revealed that a quarter of those polled admitted to having cancelled an afternoon arrangement because they were struggling to concentrate.
Two thirds of those polled said early meetings are gaining popularity as bosses, confronted with busy schedules and tight budgets, are trying to utilise the enhanced staff productivity levels.
More than four in 10 workers said they had encouraged their bosses to arrange an early meeting because they are more likely to get better results.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
by Press Association on September 6, 2010
More and more companies are recuperating from the economic meltdown by planning to increase their workforce, according to a survey.
Research by the Clydesdale and Yorkshire banks discovered that as many as 56% of firms are intent on hiring more staff by next year, with over 52% of Scottish companies hoping to recruit skilled workers and 32% planning to employ managerial staff.
Many businesses and industries have also listed out their priorities, with 39% saying that workforce recruitment and retention are the most important and 33% citing training as their major concern.
The survey results, which were described as “encouraging” by Scott McKerracher – the regional director for Scotland at Clydesdale Bank – also showed that 66% of media and marketing related firms, 65% of IT and telecommunication companies and 63% of engineering and construction firms in the UK are planning to recruit.
Many firms hope that the workforce boost will help them grow over the next year.
Mr McKerracher said: “It continues to be a challenging time for businesses and many will have had to make tough decisions to protect their business. However, few will have lost sight of the fact that their staff are their most important asset.”
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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