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A landmark international study has identified a link between Rugby Union career length and the risk of the degenerative brain condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). In a world-first collaboration between leading laboratories at the University of Glasgow, Boston University and the University of Sydney, researchers find new evidence to link playing rugby – either at amateur or an elite level – with risk of developing CTE. Led by Prof Willie Stewart at the University of Glasgow, the work follows major findings from his group last year which reported neurodegenerative disease risk among former Scottish international rugby union players approximately two and a half times higher than expected. CTE is a degenerative brain condition which has been shown to be, at least in part, a result of exposure to repeated head impacts and head injuries. Over the past decade or so, there have been increasing reports of the unique pathology of CTE following postmortem examination of the brains of former contact sports participants, including football, American football, boxing and rugby. This latest study, which is published in Acta Neuropathologica , looked at the results of detailed postmortem brain examinations of 31 former amateur and elite rugby union players whose brains were donated for research purposes to one of three leading centres in the UK, United States, and Australia. CTE was found in around two thirds (68%) of the brains examined, and in both amateur and elite players. Importantly, risk of CTE pathology was associated with length of a player’s rugby career, with each additional year of play adding 14% to risk of CTE. Player position or level of participation, either amateur or elite, did not appear to influence risk of CTE. The current study, which is the first research collaboration between these leading international research groups, is a continuation of the University of Glasgow’s ground-breaking research into brain health outcomes associated with traumatic brain injury and contact sports. Among sports, rugby union is known to have a high risk of mild traumatic brain injury (concussion), with injury rates highest in the professional game. To date, the only recognised risk factor for CTE is traumatic brain injury and repeated head impact exposure. Professor Willie Stewart, consultant neuropathologist and Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow, lead author of the study, said: “In this study, we have combined the experience and expertise of three leading international brain banks to look at CTE in former rugby players." “These results provide new evidence regarding the association between rugby union participation and CTE. Specifically, our data show risk is linked to length of rugby career, with every extra year of play increasing risk. Based on this it is imperative that the sport's regulators reduce exposure to repeated head impacts in match play and in training to reduce risk of this otherwise preventable contact sport related neurodegenerative disease.” In this latest study, the average rugby career length was around 18 years, with an equal number of forward and backs. Twenty-three (74%) played rugby exclusively as amateurs, with 8 (26%) reaching elite level, either as professional or representative internationalists. Ann McKee, MD, director of the BU CTE Center and UNITE brain bank, and co-author of the study, said: “CTE is a preventable disease; there is an urgent need to reduce not only the number of head impacts, but the strength of those impacts, in rugby as well as the other contact sports, in order to protect and prevent CTE in these players.” The director of the Australian Sports Brain Bank, Associate Professor Michael Buckland, points to the conclusions drawn by the Australian Senate Inquiry into Concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sports. He said: “The findings of the recent federal government inquiry are unambiguous: there is clear evidence of a causal link between repeated head trauma and concussions and subsequent neurodegenerative disease such as CTE. Sports regulators need to develop and implement CTE risk minimisation protocols as a matter of urgency.” Brain autopsies for the study were accessed from three international sites: the Understanding Neurologic Injury and Traumatic Encephalopathy Brain Bank (UNITE), Boston University School of Medicine, the Glasgow TBI Archive (GTBI), University of Glasgow and the Australian Sports Brain Bank (ASBB), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of Sydney, Australia. The paper, ‘Risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in rugby union is associated with length of playing career’ is published in Acta Neuropathologica. The work was funded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Aging, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, The Concussion Legacy Foundation, Nick and Lynn Buoniconti Foundation, Andlinger Foundation, and an NHS Research Scotland Career Researcher Fellowship. The ASBB is supported by Sydney Local Health District and unrestricted philanthropic donations.

Former double-weight world boxing champion Nigel Benn was a huge hit at an event hosted recently in Leicester by Ingeus , which delivers justice services across the city. More than 60 guests joined Nigel at the Voluntary Action Leicester office on Newarke Street. They included people on probation and youth programmes; Ingeus peer mentors and staff with lived experience of the criminal justice system; and representatives from the police, prison service, and violence reduction network. Attending on behalf of Ingeus partner Pure Insights International , he spoke candidly about his own life and talked at length with those attending. Now living in Australia, Nigel was born in East London and described the repressed anger he felt after the death of his 17-year-old brother when he was just eight years old; a traumatic event that rocked his family. He recalled the self-discipline he learned serving in the army and how he transferred this to his boxing career, winning his first 22 fights by knockout and earning him plaudits as one of the greatest Super Middleweights of all time. Yet describing how his chaotic behaviour almost cost him everything, including the loss of his family, Nigel spoke with emotion about his love for his wife, and his faith. The former champion has since dedicated the last 20 years to charity work, counselling people with addiction and marital issues. He is visiting the UK to support his son Connor Benn, a welterweight fighter, with whom he shares ‘an breakable bond’. “My faith and family have given me the chance to re-build my life,” said Nigel. “The high I get from helping others means more to me than any of my boxing accolades." “Changing your mindset can help you achieve anything and if I can influence just one person’s life for the better then that’s good enough for me.” Working with specialist partners and the probation service, Ingeus delivers Commissioned Rehabilitative Services to help people on probation settle back into their communities across the East Midlands. Support with physical and mental wellbeing is crucial to remove obstacles to rehabilitation. Pure Insights International provides counselling services to Ingeus participants. “Nigel’s courage and resilience shone through; you could hear a pin drop at times,” says Adam Hart, Chief Operating Officer of Ingeus UK, who attended the event. “We were delighted he could spend the afternoon inspiring and motivating our participants – they were hooked!” As part of its Commissioned Rehabilitative Services contract, Ingeus delivers personal wellbeing services in the East Midlands (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire), West Midlands (Staffordshire, Warwickshire), Yorkshire and the Humber (West Yorkshire, Humberside) and the North East (Northumbria).

A fledgling group of students aspiring to forge careers as chefs in the hospitality and catering industry have joined one of Cumbria's leading culinary academies. The latest cohort of trainees enrolled on the English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Culinary Academy includes local youngsters Hannah Jones from Levens and Dora Preece from Kirkby Lonsdale, as well as 26-year-old food writer and fine cuisine enthusiast Doris Lam from Vancouver. Recruitment for this year’s academy intake has involved a wider catchment area due in part to its growing reputation. Shantel Adjei has moved from Milton Keynes to take up her place on the course at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, whilst Doris will learn her trade at The Wild Boar Inn along with fellow new recruit Ethan Livesey from Lancaster. The class of 2023 is completed by Ioana Stiop, originally from Romania, who will be based at Lancaster House Hotel, and Leo Nkumalo from Leicester who is working at Low Wood Bay. Delivered in partnership with Kendal College, the English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Culinary Academy is now into its sixth year. It offers trainees a one year apprenticeship, with students training to attain Level 2 Commis Chef and Level 3 Chef de Partie qualifications. The fully accredited courses allow the students to hone chef skills whilst earning a wage with the hotel group across its venues in the Lake District and North Lancashire. Daniel Winstanley from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues says: “It’s been heartening to see applicants from across the country, and in this case from overseas as well, keen to come and train with us and develop their careers in Cumbria." “We’re also still working with local schools to maintain baseline catering skills provision and pathways into the hospitality industry wherever we can, and that includes offering demo sessions for schools who get in touch." “Doris’ successful application obviously stands out as she was determined to join us from Canada. And we can already see in his work and approach that Leo has a very creative mind. He is particularly interested in 1950s cuisine and aims to run his own restaurant one day. I’m greatly looking forward to working with the whole group over the next two years.” In the past 3 years, the Culinary Academy has attained 100% achievement with all apprentices on Level 2 and Level 3 programmes. Over 90% of the students have progressed on to further studies with the academy or have taken up full time roles within the hotel group. English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues is currently recruiting for staff across a range of hospitality industry disciplines. To find out more about available jobs and to apply, visit their website here

Berry Recruitment has appointed a new Regional Director to run its three branches in Southampton and Gosport – an economy with more vacancies than workers. The highly experienced Max Perceau now heads up the Berry Recruitment Southampton offices as well as the branch in Gosport. Having a cluster of branches in the Solent area enables the company to serve its clients more efficiently and also offer more roles to job-hunters. The Berry Recruitment branches offer permanent and temporary jobs in a variety of sectors. These include driving, hospitality, catering, industrial, warehouse, office and professional and construction – as well as roles for events. Max said: “I have worked for Berry Recruitment in Southampton for a number of years and previously worked for the branch that Berry acquired. We have a large team over the three branches that understands the area and the employment market extremely well. You can’t buy experience and we have a great deal here which benefits both candidates and businesses." “The Solent area is proving strong with high employment and businesses growing in a variety of sectors. Workers remain in high demand and unless companies get the staff they need they won’t fulfil their potential – and that is why recruitment companies are so important." “We have many large clients who rely on us to provide their workers and the market really is candidate-driven. The need for staff will grow in the run-up to Christmas with retail, driving, warehouse, catering and hospitality all recruiting. The outlook for the branches and the local economy is positive with businesses really looking to grow and expand.” Max has taken over from Angela Milne, who recently stepped down after a 25-year career in the recruitment industry. After working for a big recruiter in Southampton, Angela set up Green Personnel in 1999. She expanded and soon had branches in Gosport and Eastleigh and a number of large clients in the region. Her success attracted the attention of Berry Recruitment and in October 2012 she sold the business to Berry Recruitment and agreed to stay on for a year – but carried on for another 11 because she loved it so much. Berry Recruitment works from nearly 40 locations in England and Wales and has recently launched the Berry Recruitment jobs app to help people find local work quickly and easily.

Three of independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame’s beers have been recognised at the Great British Food Awards. The Faversham-based brewery has won a Gold award for Spitfire Amber Ale (4.2% ABV), a Silver award for Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager (4.5% ABV), and a Bronze award for Bishops Finger (5.2% ABV). It is the ninth year of the awards, launched to celebrate the very best of British artisanal produce in the food and drink industry. The judging panel comprises some of the most acclaimed chefs, food critics and influencers in the country, with the Beer and Lager category judged by Australian professional rugby league footballer Jacob Liddle. Explaining his decision to award Spitfire Amber Ale a Gold Medal, Jacob said: “Probably the most "British" of the contenders in terms of packaging and potentially style, it is a classic old-style amber ale well executed. Refreshing, and ultimately very enjoyable.” It is the latest in a series of honours for Shepherd Neame’s beers, with other recent wins including Bishops Finger scooping Gold at the British Bottlers’ Institute Awards, International Beer Challenge and Taste of Kent Awards; India Pale Ale and Double Stout receiving Silver at the International Beer Challenge; and Singha, which has been brewed under license at Shepherd Neame for the UK market since 2022, awarded a Diploma of Excellence by the British Bottlers’ Institute. First brewed in 1990 to commemorate the Battle of Britain which was fought in the skies above Kent 50 years earlier, Spitfire Amber Ale is a classic premium Kentish Ale, which carries a Royal Warrant. Jacob added: “The name and imagery are quintessentially British and a nod to the past. The beer is brewed with Kentish hops and the reference "The Bottle of Britain" is entertaining and adds to the British embodiment of the beer.” Shepherd Neame’s Director of Brewing Mike Unsworth said: “We are delighted that three of our brands have received national acclaim in the Great British Food Awards, with glowing praise for our Great British classic Spitfire Amber Ale. We have a fantastic team of brewers at Shepherd Neame and this is well-deserved recognition for their passion, knowledge and skill.” For more information visit: www.shepherdneame.co.uk

Pâtisserie specialist Tipiak has launched its gluten-free French macarons selection into wholesale giant Booker. The authentic ‘thaw and serve’ macarons are now available frozen nationwide to food service operators and retailers via more than 170 sites operated by Booker. It is the first time that Tipiak-branded macarons have been available direct to retailers and businesses in the UK. Certified gluten free by the French Association of Gluten Intolerance (AFDIAG), each case of the French macarons features 36 individual pieces in six different flavours – lemon, caramel, vanilla, raspberry, chocolate and pistachio. Before consuming they just need to thaw in a fridge for one hour plus 15 minutes at room temperature before serving. Marie-Emmanuelle Chessé, international development project manager at Tipiak, said: “We are delighted that our authentic, thaw and serve French macarons are now available to customers via Booker. Our sweet and savoury pâtisserie products have been available to the UK food service sector for many years but in partnering with Booker, we are making our Tipiak-branded French macarons available to the UK retail and business market for the first time.” Made in France – the home of the macaron – the French macarons are packaged in eye-catching colourful window boxes and are ideal for both retail and food service. In food service, they can be served as accompaniments to tea or coffee, as part of an afternoon tea or café gourmand, or as decorations and toppings for desserts, ice cream and shakes. A macaron tower makes a show-stopping centrepiece for any buffet, wedding, or event. Based in France, Tipiak is a well-established business operating in the food sector since 1962, offering pâtisserie, party food, crusty bread, dry grocery products and frozen ready meals. For UK product information, visit their website here

Joe McGuigan, the Director of Aspray Glasgow North and South, has successfully completed an extraordinary 8-day cycling journey from Vietnam to Cambodia alongside his friend, Shaun McGrandles, all in the name of charity. The daring adventure covered an impressive 534 kilometres, averaging 65 kilometres (or 41 miles) per day. Joe and Shaun, along with a dedicated group of fellow cyclists, collectively raised over £200,000 for the Marie Curie charity. This remarkable journey began with a shared commitment to supporting Marie Curie, a charity known for its invaluable work in providing care and support for people living with terminal illnesses and their families. Joe McGuigan, whose sister battled cancer, holds a deep personal connection to the cause, making this epic cycling challenge all the more meaningful. The 8-day cycling expedition took participants through the mesmerising landscapes of Vietnam and Cambodia, featuring lush forests, breath-taking mountain views, and vibrant local communities. Along the way, Joe and his fellow cyclists had the opportunity to visit an orphanage and local schools, which became a profound highlight of the journey. The group's efforts to raise funds for Marie Curie have not only made an impact on healthcare but have also touched the lives of countless individuals and communities. Joe McGuigan expressed his gratitude for the support and motivation he received throughout the journey, saying, "This journey was truly an experience of a lifetime. Riding alongside my friend Shaun and the amazing group of fellow cyclists, while contributing to such a great cause, has been both humbling and inspiring. Our visit to the orphanage and schools was a powerful reminder of the positive change we can bring to the lives of those in need. The memories and connections formed during this ride will stay with me forever." Despite the gruelling physical demands of the journey, Joe McGuigan and his fellow cyclists remained committed to the cause and pushed through the challenging terrain. Their dedication led to an outstanding fundraising achievement of over £200,000 which will go directly to supporting Marie Curie's essential work in providing end-of-life care and support for individuals and families facing terminal illnesses. Upon his return to the United Kingdom, Joe McGuigan displayed his unwavering commitment to helping others. Scotland faced the brunt of Storm Babet, which caused severe property damage in various areas. Joe quickly transitioned from his cycling adventure to actively assist policyholders in managing their property insurance claims. As the Director of Aspray Glasgow North and South, his experience and expertise in property insurance claims make him an invaluable asset to the community during these challenging times. Marie Curie, the charity chosen by Joe McGuigan and his fellow cyclists, is dedicated to providing end-of-life care and support for people living with terminal illnesses and their families. The funds raised during this charity cycle will help Marie Curie in delivering vital services and support to those in need. Joe McGuigan and his team's fundraising accomplishment serves as a testament to the power of individual commitment and collective effort in making a positive impact on society. Their journey from Vietnam to Cambodia, both physically demanding and emotionally rewarding, has not only enriched their lives but also contributed significantly to a noble cause.

British Airways has completed the final phase of its lounge refresh, located at London Heathrow Terminal 5’s B gates, with a range of improvements for customers to enjoy ahead of their flight. The airline has introduced new features in its T5B lounge for its premium customers, including a live food preparation area with brand-new seasonal menu options. Customers can watch their meals being garnished with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Customers who wish to help themselves to food can select from a range of hot and cold dishes that are available in the airline’s redesigned deli area. The new deli station offers more choice than ever before, including a range of breakfast treats, sandwiches and light bites. Elsewhere in the lounge, the airline introduced new bespoke furniture, flooring and soft furnishings, to bring an elevated look and feel to the lounge. The airline has also introduced a quiet zone for those who wish to relax pre-flight. The completion of the airline’s lounge refresh follows the unveiling of British Airways' exclusive Whispering Angel bar earlier in the summer. The airline’s customers travelling through its lounge can enjoy a chilled glass of the famous rose ahead of their trip. British Airways also recently refreshed its First and Club (business class) lounges at London Heathrow Terminal 3. The Club lounge now features a new bar with new furniture and in the airline's First lounge customers will find an exclusive Concorde Bar and dining area. The airline has also installed a brand-new bar in its First lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5. Customers will be able to order a range of premium drinks from bubbles to mocktails, all selected by the airline’s Master of Wine. British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming, said: “We know that the airport experience is an important part of the journey for our customers, especially our premium customers, and we’re always listening to their feedback." "We want to ensure we offer something for everyone using our lounges, whether that’s providing an area for those who wish to relax, catch up on work or somewhere for our customers to enjoy our British Original-inspired dishes. We hope these changes go a long way in making a difference to our customers’ experience before their flight.” On board, British Airways has introduced brand-new snack boxes to all its long-haul flights for customers travelling in World Traveller (economy) and World Traveller Plus (premium economy). This includes a selection of sweet and savoury treats for customers to choose from, such as chocolates, biscuits and popcorn. The tuck box will be passed through the cabin by the airline’s cabin crew colleagues and offered to customers as a mid-flight snack, offering more choice on board. The airline recently announced improvements across its other lounges, with new furniture added to its Concorde Room and Arrivals lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5. Day beds will also be coming to its Concorde Room later this year. Elsewhere, British Airways is implementing new touches to its Edinburgh lounge in the coming months, as well as a brand-new bar and an enhanced menu offering in its Seattle lounge next year. Most recently, the airline announced that it has created the ultimate martini in its Concorde Room, in partnership with mixologist Mr Lyan and designed by engineering experts, Bremont and CALLUM.

Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) is thrilled, today, to announce the finalists of the VAL Awards 2023. The prestigious awards is proudly supported by Market Harborough Building Society as headline sponsor and honours the remarkable individuals and organisations that tirelessly contribute to our local communities. The VAL Awards, originally established in 2019, has become an annual tradition for the Leicester-based Voluntary Action Leicestershire charity ‘hub’ and a chance to shine a spotlight on the invaluable work of volunteers, community groups, and charities that go above and beyond to make a positive impact, and whose dedication and passion make Leicester and Leicestershire a better place for us all to live. The ticketed event will be held on Friday 10 November in the Grand Hall at Leicester’s The Grand Hotel. The awards are made possible by the generous support of local businesses, which include headline sponsor, Market Harborough Building Society. Confirmed category sponsors include Aspire Pharma Ltd; Fraser Urquhart Media; PPL PRS; Meesh Consulting and Paragon Sales Solutions. Monies raised allow the event to run without charge to nominees and their chosen guests. Finalists for each category are as follows: City Charity of the Year 1. One Roof Leicester 2. Big Difference Company 3. Cook E-Learning Foundation (E2) County Charity of the Year 1. Helping Hands Community Trust 2. Falcon Support Services 3. The Jubilee Food Bank Social Enterprise of the Year 1. Team Hub 2. The Hub Educational Services CIC 3. Leicester Community Links CIC Fundraiser of the Year – sponsored by PPL PRS 1. Darren Bradbury 2. Chris Shaw 3. Arif Voraji Trustee of the Year – sponsored by Paragon Sales Solutions 1. Glynis Wright 2. Eileen Richards 3. Jay Webb Inspiring Leader of the Year – sponsored by Aspire Pharma 1. Rehana Sidat - Jamila's Legacy CIC 2. Jaimini Bharakhada - Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing Association (BNCHA) 3. Dee Dixon - Goldhill Adventure Playground 4. Grant Paton - Advance UK 5. Lindsay Young - The Friendly Bench CIC Volunteer Led Organisation of the Year 1. Leicestershire Junior & Youth Disability League 2. Fleckney Kitten Club 3. The Baldwin Trust 4. Feed the Need Coalville Charity & Business Partnership of the Year – sponsored by FU Media 1. Pedestrian Ltd 2. Leicestershire Cares 3. Axiom Energy Kathryn Burgess Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by Meesh Consulting 1. Kathy Oliveira - Helping Hands Community Trust 2. Richard Bryt - Arnold Lodge 3. Wayne Francis - Home-Start Horizons 4. Graham Pote - Eyres Monsell CYP 5. Jas Kainth - Living Without Abuse (LWA) Kevin Allen-Khimani, CEO at VAL, commented: “It has been wonderful and awe-inspiring to see so many amazing nominees come through for this year’s VAL Awards – the first in my tenure as CEO. I am incredibly proud of the challenges the sector has overcome in the last few years, and very much look forward to celebrating all the amazing achievements on awards night.” Lesley Vernon, Chief Engagement Officer at MHBS: “Giving back is at the heart of everything we do and we’re proud to support an event that recognises the hard work and dedication of the amazing volunteers and charitable organisations in our local community. We look forward to honouring the remarkable nominees and coming together to celebrate their achievements next month.” Voluntary Action Leicestershire looks forward to an unforgettable awards ceremony and invites you to join them in celebrating the outstanding individuals and groups that make our community stronger and more vibrant.

One of only 20 attractions, and only English vineyard, to be recognised with top prize Balfour Winery, based just outside Staplehurst in Kent, has been recognised as one of the country’s top visitor attractions, and the only vineyard to receive a Gold medal accreditation by VisitEngland – according to the organisation’s Accolade Awards. The winery, which is just 45 minutes by train from London, achieved the top rating based on the scores obtained following an annual VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment. It comes amidst a big change in consumer habits, with a sharp rise in interest in both visiting – and enjoying the wines of – vineyards in Britain. Balfour are now eyeing attracting visitors from further afield, laying down a challenge to be one of the most visited wineries not just in the country – but around the world. They hope to welcome a new generation of consumers with a focus on sustainability at their 400-acre estate, alongside plans to open a restaurant in Winter 2023. Wine tourism is growing fast in the UK, with wineries expecting a further 20% increase in visitor numbers over the next five years. In 2015, Balfour was one of the first to build a dedicated visitor centre and in 2022 over 15,000 people visited Balfour Winery and 2023 is on track to be a record as more people discover England’s emerging wine country. The accolade puts an English winery in the same category as such culturally important venues as the Richard III Centre, Sherwood Forest and the Arsenal Stadium. Speaking after the Gold accolade win, Balfour’s Commercial Director, Sarah Easton, said : “The recognition from VisitEngland is really fantastic for us at Balfour. To be listed amongst some of the most popular and renowned attractions in England is really exciting, and shows just how far we are coming as an industry. It’s a massive testament to the team’s hard-work on our famous Balfour hospitality and also to what makes us unique at Balfour; our beautiful visitor centre, 400 acres of ancient woodlands, vineyards and wildflower meadows and famous hospitality." The boom in interest in English winery visits over recent years has been incredible to see. We’re now looking at some of the most iconic, and most visited, wineries in the world – and we believe we can compete in this country by offering a unique combination of world-class wines, service, and environmental credentials and by making it easier to visit us at Balfour with a free shuttle bus service”. According to VisitEngland, tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries, supporting hundreds of thousands of businesses, employing about 2.6 million people and, in 2022, generating £66.3 billion in domestic visitor spending. It also represents, on average, 24% of the income for English wineries. VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “These accolades are a testament to the outstanding experiences and customer service that attractions in England give visitors. They also recognise different aspects of the visitor experience with attractions who really go the extra mile, whether it’s offering exceptional food and drink or magical storytelling. The attractions honoured today go out of their way to make visits memorable, creating reasons for people to travel to new locations, also boosting local economies across England.”

New data shows certain skilled staff are commanding salary inflation of over 37% in the next year and 63% of workers will reject a lowball pay offer. As the UK’s skills crisis intensifies, some employers are battling pay inflation demands of over 37%, adding to the financial strain that businesses are already facing. That’s according to new research by specialist recruitment firm Robert Half. The firm’s 2024 Salary Guide – which analyses and reports on market salaries, hiring trends, and skills requirements across the UK – revealed that almost a third (32%) of employers are finding themselves in the middle of a wage spiral, having to inflate salaries to maintain a competitive edge in the war for talent. A further 26% of companies are offering additional one-off bonuses to keep hold of their staff. While over a quarter (27%) of firms are planning pay increases in line with inflation, those looking to recruit in skills short markets are facing potentially budget-breaking salary increase demands. Some of the roles where pay inflation has spiked significantly are: Legal Counsel (0-2 years PQE):+37.9% Sales Ledgers / Billing Clerk: Accounting operations +36.2% Chief Financial Officer: +32.4% Paralegal: +28.8% Financial Accountant: +26.4% Purchase Ledger Manager: +26.0% Applications Support: Software Development and Testing: +24.0% Insufficient salary is the most common reason for rejecting a job offer. With 63% of workers ready to decline a new opportunity because the salary doesn’t suit, many hirers have little opportunity but to meet skilled employees’ increasing demands. Matt Weston, Senior Managing Director UK & Ireland, at Robert Half, commented: “Many employers may be shocked next year at the salaries that some of their most in demand roles will command. Without careful planning this will weigh heavily on company profitability at a time when businesses are struggling with costs." “It is no surprise to see financial incentives are perceived to be a top solution. However, continuous pay rises aren’t sustainable and firms need to consider how else they can boost hiring prospects and reduce attrition. With the UK continuing to face significant skills shortages and 75% of employers concerned about the attraction and retention of staff in 2024 according to our research, firms will find themselves with little option but to listen to the employee voice." “Yet, pay is not the ‘be-all and end-all’. A robust corporate culture and a tailored retention programme can be a cost friendly strategy. Our research shows, for example, that almost half (47%) of the workforce would reject a new job if the company didn’t offer flexible working, yet news reports continue to highlight brands that are enforcing office returns. And in many instances employees leaving a business do so due to deep-rooted talent attrition causes such as heavy workloads and a lack of development opportunities. Business leaders must address all aspects of the employee experience and must do so fast, since an increase in pay is the inevitable by-product of ‘jumping ship’.”

Leo Group is a finalist in this year's Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards in the Sustainability category. The award, which recognises the best businesses in Yorkshire, is a calendar highlight of the region and has seen some of the biggest names in business become winners in recent years. This year's awards attracted more than 260 entries, which were judged with great care and attention by a group of highly qualified judges in a two-stage process of individual assessments followed by a judging session last week. The finalists represent the full spectrum and diversity of business and industry, from young entrepreneurs to seasoned leaders in the public and private sectors. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Headingley Stadium in Leeds on Wednesday 22 November. The Sustainability Award is presented to a company that puts sustainability and the environment at the heart of its business. Danny Sawrij, CEO and owner of Leo Group, headquartered in Halifax West Yorkshire, said: "It is a great honour for Leo Group to be shortlisted for this prestigious award and a fantastic recognition of our continued commitment and hard work in introducing sustainable technologies across all our facilities over the last decade." Yorkshire Post Head of Business and Features Chris Burn said: “A huge amount of work went into picking out the best entries from a very crowded field which was testament to the strength of the region’s business community." "Just being shortlisted for an award is a real achievement so congratulations to all of those who are finalists.”