News

August 17, 2012

Also in the news this week - 17 August 2012

Freelancers fuel demand for flexible work options

There are now 1.6 million freelancers in the UK, a 12% rise since 2008. To meet the needs of this growing band of self-employed workers, www.mondaytofriday.com has launched Desk Space and Meeting Place services, allowing companies with spare desks to rent them out to freelancers and consultants. It also offers a search facility for finding suitable meeting locations. The service is free for freelance users and companies can advertise their spare desks and rooms for a fee.

Cost is a barrier to staff training say small firms

Research by the Forum of Private Business (FPB) shows that cost is a significant barrier for many small firms looking to offer their employees training and development. Traditional training solutions are used by almost half the firms polled — 48% use outside training firms and 41% use local colleges. But the Forum's training and skills survey finds that 61% of respondents see cost as the biggest barrier to providing training for employees. Cheaper options include handbooks (used by 22%), online training (28%), services from advisers such as accountants (38%) and mentoring (34%).

Most wanted — have you seen this tax fugitive?

Photographs of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) "Most Wanted" tax fugitives are being published online. HMRC is placing photographs of its Most Wanted on its flickr channel and asking members of the public to assist in finding them. These are tax criminals who have absconded after being charged with a crime or during trial. David Gauke, the Exchequer Secretary, said: "These criminals have collectively cost the taxpayer more than £765m and HMRC will pursue them relentlessly." You can report leads via HMRC's Customs, Excise and VAT fraud reporting hotline on 0800 595 000.

Non-sponsors finish ahead at 2012 Games

Nike was the most engaging brand on social media during the Olympics despite the fact that it was not an Olympic sponsor, according to figures by Socialbakers' CheerMeter. From the 27 July to the 2 August, Nike's Facebook fan base grew by 166,718 — more than double the growth of official sponsor Adidas. Nike dominated on Twitter too, with more than 16,020 tweets associating the brand with the word Olympic — 6,725 more than Adidas. In addition, non-sponsor Mars generated more than 29,740 Olympic-themed tweets, compared to sponsor Cadbury who attracted just 2,232. Jan Rezab, CEO of Socialbakers said: "There was a time when primetime slots around major sporting events were essential for maintaining position as a household name; but social media has levelled the playing field."