What if Britain was like Greece?

The BBC have done a feature with audio and pics about what Britain would be like if it was experiencing a depression on the scale of Greece. Using perscentages and stats from Greece they have applied them to the larger UK population. We would have over 7 million unemployed, minimum wage would be less than a fiver, thousands of schools would be merging, hospital staff being axed. It would be terrible, lets hope it does not get that bad, and poor Greece they ARE experiencing all this as I type. Lets hope they can one day return to prosperity.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17202274

BOGOF Nivea Suncreams

I noticed Tesco were selling Nivea suncream sprays and after sun as BUY ONE GET ONE FREE. Although the winter has been quite mild it's probably not something you were thinking of buying, but it might be an idea to get some now and keep for the summer months and holidays rather then spend double in a few months time.

Price of Bananas to go up

The price of bananas is expected to rise 10% due to increased demand across the world, bad crops from poor weather and disease and the exchange rate.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/303835/Shopping-bill-goes-bananas

Free CV Review

A free CV review from a company advertising on the Telegraph. Link to send your CV below. Here are some testimonials;

''A huge ‘Thank You’ to The Fuller CV. I was invited for an interview after applying for a job with my new CV and it was a success. I’ve really found the whole experience of using The Fuller CV helpful, not just in getting interviews but in understanding more about my own skills and abilities.''
VG, Project Manager, Derbyshire

''Just thought you'd be very pleased to hear that I have been offered a really good job today based on the CV that was written for me. It must have really stood out as it was seen on Telegraph Jobs and the recruiter asked me for an interview the following day! I really appreciate the service I have received and consider it money very well spent. Thanks a million.''
Edward, IT Project Manager - London

''Thanks for my new CV... you will be pleased to know that I sent off for 2 management positions today, and have already got an Interview!! What a fantastic service.''
Graham – Retail Manager


http://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/fullercv.aspx?utm_source=tmg&utm_medium=td_fullerCV&utm_campaign=fullercv1502

Samaritans

If you are feeling down, useless, even suicidal, the Samaritans is a wonderful organisation that is there to listen to your problems, no matter how big or small. They will not judge you, they will not tut tut at your past mistakes of perhaps over spending and getting in debt. They will simply let you air your concerns, worries etc. Talking to someone can be a great help, rather than bottling up all your stresses and strains, and you can stay anonymous. Sometimes it is easier to talk to someone you do not know rather than family members who might worry, or react to what you have to say. If you are very down even go to see your GP, try and stay strong and remember tomorrow is another day, just keep fighting and never give in. Good luck.

http://www.samaritans.org/

UK Unemployment rate.

There is now 2.67 million unemployed people in the UK. Percentage wise this means that 8.4% of the working public is out of work. The unemployment rate is 22.4% for 16-24 year olds. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17039513

BBC Victoria Derbyshire Unemployment Debate

Here is a debate about unemployment in the UK. Really interesting, with members of the public telling their experiences.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/victoriad

Jobsite.co.uk

REVIEW - Jobsite.co.uk

I like this job search site, it's regularly updated with plenty of interesting jobs across the UK in a wide variety of sectors. It's nicely laid out and easy to navigate. Easy to use without being over fancy. You can register to upload a cv, but also you can also just send a CV direct via the job listings withut needing to register.

The search function is uncomplicated and you can also sign up for job alerts, so you get relevant vacancies straight to your inbox. The site is used by quite a few recruitment agencies, but also has jobs available direct from companies recruiting.

I'd give this site an 8 out of 10.

http://www.jobsite.co.uk

Charles Dickens Mr Micawber Quote

It seems fitting on the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens being born to quote one of his famous characters, Mr Wilkins Micawber from his novel, David Copperfield.

Mr Micawber was a jovial chap that was always optimistic about money but had money problems. He always believed 'something will turn up". He ended up in debtors jail. The sad thing is, is that the character was based on Charles Dickens own father, who had to sell all his household belongings to pay creditors, and then when Charles was 12, was sent to debtors jail for owing money.


"Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen pounds nineteen
shillings and six pence, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery."


So, the moral of the story is to try and always stay within your budget and don't spend more or get into debt, as happiness comes from not owing money and living within your means, whereas being in debt and overspending is a recipe for misery. You can see why Dickens became such a much loved writer.

Co-op Apprenticeships

The Co-op is a great company, and they are now looking for 2,000 trainee apprentices to train and work in many of their different sectors, from banking, retail to farming.

Example Apprenticeships

Role: Arable or Fruit Crafts Person

Location: Kent, Cambridgeshire and Herefordshire

Time: 2-year programme with 4 residential courses in one week blocks spent at Reaseheath College, Cheshire

Availability: Up to 8 vacancies

Salary: £10,000 plus overtime in Harvest season

We are looking for people who are passionate about fresh food and the outdoors and who want to become the future of farming. For us, farming is much more than growing food. It is about a sustainable business that cares for the environment, protects local wildlife and raises awareness about food. We are big in both arable and fruit farming, including potatoes, strawberries, cider apples and peas, all of which go into our stores. Our aim is to expand the range of foods we grow and provide high-quality British produce for our customers.

Role: Administrator or Customer Service roles

Location: Based in Stockport/Skelmersdale

Time: 18 - 24 month Apprenticeship

Availability: 80 vacancies

Salary: £8,625 - £11,500

This is an exciting time, as a co-operative renaissance coincides with a changing mood among people.

People increasingly want to do business with an organisation that puts their interests first, shares their values, strives for a sustainable future and puts something back into society. In short, people want to do business with The Co-operative.

We are transforming our financial services business by building the banking group of the future.

This banking group knows its customers and understands their needs, has a brand that sets it apart from the rest, branches on every major high street and fully integrated mobile, web and phone channels. It delivers a great experience every time customers transact, understands how to attract and engage customers, how to deepen relationships with them and retain them at key moments.

This banking group has a great culture that values its people for their contribution and rewards them accordingly: a culture that helps colleagues grow and develop. This is an organisation where customers do business with people who clearly enjoy working there.

You can help us to transform our business, whether as an apprentice Administrator or Customer Service Advisor.

Qualifications
You will complete an apprenticeship in Customer Service or Business Administration

Role: Pharmacy Assistant

Location: Nationwide

Time: 12-month Apprenticeship

Availability: 10 vacancies

Salary: £9,470 - £12,168

You may not already know, but we are the largest British owned pharmacy chain in the UK. With nearly 760 branches, we have plenty of opportunities!

We are not just about dispensing medicines. We believe in listening to our customers and giving them personal advice on lifestyle and health issues. Because of the extra care we take with our customers, we are leading the industry, achieving 91% customer satisfaction!

We are bringing in new ideas and services, updating our branches and investing heavily in training our people, from launching an apprenticeship programme like this to leadership programmes for managers and professional development for pharmacists.

So, what a great time to join our Apprenticeship Academy as a Pharmacy Assistant: the first point of contact for customers who are looking for good service and sound advice. You will be selling over-the-counter medicines and providing our customers with expert advice regarding their health and well-being, so this role is quite a responsibility. We will help you by giving you plenty of training and lots of support to achieve your qualification. This will ensure that you are able to recommend the right products and ensure that our customers get the professional advice they need.

Qualification
You will gain a Retail Apprenticeship qualification, a dispensing qualification, plus key skills in numeracy and literacy and a QCF Level 2.


For details on more types of Apprenticeships available and details on how to apply, visit;
http://www.co-operative.jobs/apprentices/

How to cut £4,000 from your household bills

A thought provoking feature on the Telegraph website, that might give you a few money saving ideas and tips.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/household-bills/9060170/How-to-cut-4000-from-your-household-bills.html

Free Tea Samples!

Twinnings Tea, (who unfortunately closed a factory in the North East and moved the 263 jobs to Poland) is giving away samples of their various tea blends for you to try. Well why not try them, but I certainly won't be buying anything off them. They come across as a real old British brand, but clearly aren't that interested in British people, more like they only care about British pounds.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1309231/Sacked-Twinings-tea-factory-workers-told-train-Polish-replacements.html

You can order English Breakfast, Green Tea's, fruit teas, and Earl Grey, you can choose 2 product samples from the list, and I'd imagine there is a few teabags in each sample. Here is the link, just fill in your details for the freebies. Now I'm just off to have a cup of tea (thats Waitrose own brand)

http://www.twinings.co.uk/discover-our-range#free-samples

Free Sample! Vaseline moisturiser

Boots has 25,000 samples of vaseline moisturiser to send out while stocks last. Just fill in your details on the Boots website below;

http://www.boots-samples.com/vaseline/essential-moisture/

How to become an Avon Lady

Avon has been around for decades and is a popular way for women to earn some extra money by selling cosmetics etc to friends and family. As well as many people making some extra money that can help with the bills or for those little extras such as designer shoes, holidays etc. There is also opportunities to make a lot more by building up a team of sellers. Full details about how to become an 'Avon Lady' can be found via the link below , and here is a vid about it.



http://www.avon.uk.com/PRSuite/your_dream_opportunity.page