The University of York's Sustainability Clinic has won a prestigious Green Gown award. The Clinic, which forms part of York’s suite of interdisciplinary modules and is available to students from across the University, was recognised for its work in student engagement. The University was up against 14 other finalists and triumphed at an awards ceremony in Liverpool, with guests from across education and sustainability sectors celebrating the exceptional stories and achievements of colleges and universities this year. Local community To date, 300 students and 51 partner organisations have participated in Clinic projects, which brings together students and the local community to tackle pressing sustainability issues. Working in teams, students are given a project brief that has been co-produced with a community organisation, charity, SME or local government, focusing on a sustainability challenge faced by the organisation. All projects are designed to develop students’ employability skills while adding capacity to local organisations to tackle the challenges of environmental sustainability. Scale of engagement The Green Gown judges said they were “impressed at the scale of engagement” and “the project clearly articulated the benefits to stakeholders and serves as an adaptable model for other institutions.” York now progresses as a finalist for the international awards as a regional winner. Professor Stephen Levett, Director of the Sustainability Clinic said: "We are absolutely thrilled to win this award - the whole SC team has worked incredibly hard to get the Clinic up and running." “The range of sustainability projects our students have been working on is fantastic - everything from biodiversity surveys on local farms to possible underground sources of energy at York Minster to sustainable travel plans for English Rugby League." “Their enthusiasm and commitment is starting to deliver tangible results and we are looking forward to building on this success." Collaboration Professor Claire Hughes, Associate Dean for Teaching, Learning and Students in the Faculty of Sciences, added: “I am delighted that the Sustainability Clinic has received this award. The Clinic is the result of a fantastic collaboration between colleagues from across the University." “We are hugely excited about the great work Sustainability Clinic students will do in the coming years to help solve sustainability issues within the City and region. Well done to all involved in establishing and running this great initiative.” Initially piloted as voluntary activity, from 2023/24, the Sustainability Clinic is now available as an interdisciplinary undergraduate and postgraduate elective module. The Sustainability Clinic has been developed in partnership by Careers and Placements, the Baroness Hale Law Clinic, York Environmental Sustainability Institute and Environmental Sustainability at York.

The Humber Wellbeing Hub , an emotional wellbeing organisation set up at the Humber Bridge Country Park in response to an increase in tragedies at the Humber Bridge, has received £5,000 of unrestricted funds from John Good Group’s Grants for Good Fund, plus further support with resources from the Matthew Good Foundation. The growing organisation attracted overwhelming support from John Good Group employees, many of whom work at Hesslewood Business Park, right next door to the Country Park. The Humber Wellbeing Hub works closely with the Humber Bridge Board and local authorities to provide a much-needed community resource; A safe, welcoming environment, staffed with trained volunteers, offering wellbeing information, support and advice. Some who access the facility are referred to specialist support, whilst others just pop in for a cuppa and a chat, or to access the wide range of wellbeing activities on offer in the beautiful surroundings of the Country Park. With some sessions delivered by their own experts and volunteers, and others by external partners, they currently provide activities including menopause support groups, bereavement support groups and host Andy’s Man Club. Since the hub opened, their dedicated team of volunteers have been saving lives just by being available to talk, but they are not currently able to open every day. As part of their search for the funds, volunteers and partnerships necessary open daily, they applied for Grants for Good. Grants for Good is a charitable fund from the John Good Group that grants £60,000 annually to small community groups, charities or social enterprises that have a positive impact on people or planet. It is just one of the many CSR initiatives managed for the Group by the Matthew Good Foundation, whose mission is to amplify small charitable causes doing high-impact work that is often unseen and underfunded. Every quarter, the fund receives more than 400 applications to receive a share of £15,000, with just five making the shortlist. John Good Group employees then vote on the final five to decide which organisations get the biggest share, with the winner of the employee’s vote receiving £5,000. In November 2023, the Humber Wellbeing Hub was announced as the winner of the latest vote, securing the highest possible grant of £5,000, which will go towards the cost of increasing activities at the hub including volunteer expenses, training, DBS checks & communication materials. Adam Walsh, John Good Group CEO, and Tim Good, John Good Group’s largest shareholder, along with Michelle Taft, Matthew Good Foundation Executive Director, visited the hub to get to know the team better and discover how they could continue to support them. Adam said “During our visit to the Humber Wellbeing Hub, we discovered that not only are they directly saving lives through suicide prevention, but also using their platform to do amazing work helping all kinds of people with their emotional wellbeing." "Jo and the hub’s volunteers are clearly extremely experienced, and I was impressed by the dedication of their team, who have recognised that emotional wellbeing is something that we all might need support with at some stage in our lives, and have positioned themselves to ensure people in many different situations can get the support they absolutely deserve. We look forward to seeing them grow and be able to help more people. The Country Park is a perfectly situated and beautiful space for the work they do, and with the John Good Group head office based just next door, we look forward to being able to support our neighbors further in their mission.” Since winning Grants for Good, the Matthew Good Foundation has offered to help the Humber Wellbeing Hub further to gain the exposure it needs, working with them to start production of a promotional film through the Amplify Charity Films programme, and also planning to help them with volunteering support with access to their corporate volunteering network, with many supporters from the John Good Group working just next door to the Hub. In addition, John Good Group employees have offered their support to the charity in the form of grants they can personally apply for through John Good Group’s employee giving programme, meaning they have received an extra £750 of support. Jo Kent, Director of the Humber Wellbeing Hub said “We are absolutely thrilled to receive support from the John Good Group, their employees, and the Matthew Good Foundation, as it will allow us to be able to offer more services and support to our local community, and improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and their overall quality of life. It will enable us to take a huge step forward, providing a foundation for future growth and the motivation, encouragement, and support to keep going. Ultimately it will help us reach many more individuals.” Charities and service providers looking for space to host their programmes, volunteers looking for opportunities to make a meaningful contribution, or funders looking to support a high impact organisation with the robust local support it needs to succeed, can contact the hub on info@emotionalwellbeinghub.com. The hub is also open to the public and welcomes visitors every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for open sessions and refreshments, with free parking available at their site on the Humber Bridge car park, off Ferriby Road.

The University of York has been ranked the ninth most sustainable university in the UK and 29th in the world, according to the QS Sustainability Rankings 2024. The rankings assess the ability of 1400 universities around the world to “tackle the world’s greatest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues.” Methodology Universities were measured on their Environmental Impact, Social Impact as well as a newly added Governance category, in which York came joint first globally, In the overall ranking, York moved up seven places, coming in at 29th place in the world. Sustainability Initiatives York’s sustainability initiatives include: Green flag campus status held since 2013 - we meet the national standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces in the UK. 100% divestment from fossil fuel companies - we no longer have investments in the fossil fuel industry 26,000kWh per year of solar energy generated by 80 solar panels installed across our University campus The YORCUP Scheme which has saved over one million single-use plastic cups from being thrown away Research on environmental sustainability and resilience – by collaborating widely and working across disciplines, researchers at York are helping to shape a more sustainable future for us all. University Community Mark Clough, Sustainability Manager at the University of York, said: "It is fantastic to be recognised for the progress we have made on embedding sustainability throughout our University community. The high ranking achieved for our positive governance measures shows we have a strong foundation for our varied sustainability works." “We are committed to making a real impact on addressing some of the world's biggest challenges and this ranking is a positive reflection on the progress and quality of the sustainability actions undertaken across the University."

The National Enterprise Network (NEN), the country’s leading representative of enterprise support for start-up, small and micro-businesses, has released the results of its 2023 Business Barometer, one of the country’s largest surveys of new start-ups and early-stage businesses. NEN conducted the Business Barometer survey in collaboration with Enterprise Northern Ireland (ENI) in order to best understand the challenges small businesses face and the support they need to address these challenges. More than 1,000 respondents, who included the owners, founders and senior managers of largely micro, small and self-employed businesses and sole traders from a broad spectrum of business sectors, took part in the survey. While the majority (52%) were looking to grow in 2024, almost every business surveyed said they would need additional support to hit growth and net zero targets. More than three quarters of the businesses surveyed (77%) said they would be needing finance in the coming year and 20% of them said finance was needed to help them transition to net zero. The importance of transitioning to net zero also featured in the Business Barometer survey’s Top Business Needs where ‘Introducing and embedding green sustainability practices in your business’ came eighth. It appeared again when respondents noted the need for skill development, with one of the top categories being ‘Green / Sustainable Practices’. Speaking at NEN’s recent conference, A Manifesto for Change in Enterprise Support, Alex Till, NEN Chairman said: “The worldwide commitment to net zero targets will change priorities and rules around who businesses can work with. Many businesses will need support in understanding what this means for them, and how they can remain competitive.” “Often, small businesses lack in-house resources and it is too expensive and difficult to get reliable advice. So, we have to find a way to enable them to make that transition to a new landscape and get contracts with the bigger companies that are now demanding greater sustainability in their supply chains.” Carol Daniels, Operations Director at NEN added: “Small businesses are the key to a net zero future. It is evident from the findings in the Barometer that small businesses are eager to evolve and transition to net zero and it is our responsibility, as enterprise support organisations nationwide, to be able to provide guidance and support if they reach out." "At the NEN we will continue to represent the enterprise support sector to key government stakeholders and policymakers for essential resources to do exactly this.” 52% of the businesses surveyed reported that they are expecting growth within the coming year, while 40% have seen their profit increase this year and 26% have recruited additional staff in the past year. However, 77% report they are likely to need additional financing in the next 12 months. Specifically, 19% of those businesses are seeking finance to help them decarbonise operations and transition to net zero. The full survey results are available here

The CBI’s top governance bodies, including the CBI Board, have today approved the nomination of Rupert Soames OBE, as the next President of the CBI. Rupert Soames will work with the current President to permit a smooth transition early in the New Year. As with previous appointments, and in line with the CBI’s Royal Charter, Rupert will be formally elected by members at the next AGM in June 2024. Soames started his career at the General Electric Company (GEC) and brings to the CBI nearly 40 years of experience running global businesses in manufacturing, services, IT, and engineering. Having been one of the longest-serving public company CEOs in the UK – including 11 years at Aggreko and 9 years at Serco – he brings with him a wealth of boardroom experience from some of the biggest companies in the UK. Currently serving as Chair of FTSE medical technology manufacturer Smith & Nephew, and with over 20 years of board experience, Soames will also provide deep experience in corporate governance. Brian McBride, outgoing CBI President, said: “I’m pleased to announce that after a robust search process, Rupert Soames will be taking on the role as the next President of the CBI. With the CBI back influencing at the highest levels across the UK again, there is no better person to pass the baton to. Rupert’s track record as one of the UK’s longest serving and most successful CEO’s makes him the ideal choice.” Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Executive, said: “Rupert is a fantastic advocate for UK business, and I am delighted to enter the new year working alongside someone with his depth and breadth of experience to ensure the CBI delivers a strong voice for our members, trade associations and for the UK business community." “As we head into 2024, leadership from business is vital in delivering sustainable growth and a positive vision for the UK economy, and I look forward to delivering that together.” Rupert Soames, incoming CBI President, said: "I am pleased and honoured to have been nominated to be the next President of the CBI. After a decade of disruption and distraction due to Brexit, Covid, inflation and labour shortages, business and government need to work closely together to deliver a prosperous future where economic growth will lift living standards and sustainably fund the UK’s vital public services." “The CBI is needed more now than at almost any time in its history, and it will be a privilege to lead the organisation in the coming years."

Leicester College has again been rated as ‘Good’ in all aspects by Ofsted after an inspection in October 2023. The College’s last Ofsted inspection in 2017 also rated it as ‘Good’. The College achieved ‘Good’ ratings for all aspects of its provision: for quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management; education programmes for young people; adult learning programmes; apprenticeships; and provision for learners with high needs. The new report from Ofsted highlights that: ‘Students, adults, apprentices and learners with high needs gain confidence in themselves and what they can achieve. They are well prepared to take their next steps in education, employment or living more independently.’ ‘Students and apprentices demonstrate high standards of behaviours at all sites.’ ‘Teachers have considerable knowledge of their subjects and use this well to teach the curriculum.’ ‘Almost all younger students participate in useful work experience that supports them to develop their personal skills and vocational expertise. Many progress to employment or further study at college or university.’ ‘Learners with high needs benefit from suitably planned courses that meet their individual needs.’ ‘Students and apprentices have access to a wide range of support and activities to help them with their mental and physical well-being.’ ‘Leaders establish productive links with a wide range of stakeholders and employers.’ ‘Leaders and managers prioritise developing the skills of teachers and staff. It has a positive impact on the quality of the teaching, learning and assessment that students and apprentices receive.’ ‘Leaders and managers focus closely on decreasing social disadvantage in the city and region.’ The full report can be viewed here. Verity Hancock, Principal and CEO of Leicester College said: “We are delighted with this excellent report which reflects the high standards of teaching, learning, support and facilities available to all of our students and apprentices." "This grading is testament to the hard work and expertise of all our staff in helping to ensure a great experience and successful outcomes for our students and apprentices.”

When Christmas season arrives, many people eagerly anticipate the sumptuous feast that has become synonymous with the holiday – the Christmas dinner and for many people around the world it is the one time of the year that they eat turkey and the turkey takes centre stage. The tradition of enjoying a beautifully roasted turkey during the Yuletide season has a rich history, and its roots can be traced back to a combination of historical, cultural, and practical reasons. The tradition of consuming turkey during the Christmas season has historical roots dating back centuries. The indigenous peoples of North America, where the turkey is native, were among the first to domesticate and cultivate these birds. When European settlers arrived in the New World, they discovered the turkey and introduced it to their own culinary traditions. The turkey was a symbol of abundance and feasting, making it a natural choice for special occasions like Christmas. In the 16th century, during the reign of Henry VIII in England, the practice of serving large, roasted birds at Christmas celebrations became more widespread. While Henry VIII didn't introduce the turkey to England, he is known for popularising the tradition of serving larger birds, such as swans and peacocks. However, the turkey's more practical size and abundance made it a more accessible option for the general population. Turkey's affordability and ample availability make it an ideal choice for holiday feasting. Turkeys are typically large birds, which means they can feed a large family or a group of guests, making them a cost-effective centerpiece for holiday dinners. Their popularity and wide distribution also ensure that most people can easily find a turkey during the Christmas season. As Christmas traditions developed over time, the idea of sharing a festive meal with loved ones gained significance. The turkey's capacity to feed many people made it a symbol of togetherness and shared abundance. Roasting a turkey is a labour of love, often requiring hours of preparation and cooking. Families coming together to partake in this culinary masterpiece which creates memories and for many has become a cherished holiday tradition. Turkey is known for its versatility, making it an excellent choice for a festive feast. Whether roasted, smoked, deep-fried, or prepared in various other ways, the turkey can be adapted to suit a wide range of culinary preferences, ensuring that it pleases all palates. It also enables the chefs amongst us to use up the leftovers in a myriad of ways from cold cuts to soups, pies and curries so that there is no waste either. The tradition of eating turkey at Christmas is a harmonious blend of history, practicality, and shared cultural values. It's a tradition that has stood the test of time, signifying abundance, togetherness, and the joy of the holiday season. Whether you're enjoying a classic roasted turkey with all the trimmings or exploring creative culinary twists, the Christmas turkey remains a symbol of celebration and a heartwarming holiday tradition for people around the world.

As Christmas is a time of giving, Executive Head Chef at Craig Rogan at The Collective, Craig, shares what he is calling ‘achievable tweaks’ that will elevate traditional elements on a dish and leave guests wondering how even the most novice of cooks managed to pull off a festive feast to remember. Starting with a firm favourite, the humble Yorkshire Pudding. Craig says, “there’s no denying a Yorkshire Pudding should take pride place on the plate – so why not dress them up for the occasion.” He continues, “Instead of using standard oil in the Yorkshire Pudding tray, make a simple switch to black truffle oil which will give your puddings a slight hint of truffle – then for that extra special Christmas touch, fry off some shallots to create a crispy and delicious topping for your puddings.” Sprouts scream Christmas, but they are also often the butt of the joke at Christmas – until now. “Serving sprouts whole, in a bowl without showing them any love is the reason this token tradition gets a bad rep,” says Craig. “Firstly, why serve them whole? My tip is to quarter them and instead of boiling them in water, part-boil them in chicken stock to enrich the flavour." “Next, dice smoked pancetta and fry it off in hazelnut butter. Once cooked, throw in the quartered sprouts, and toss them in the smokey, buttery mix – heat through and then serve.” Finally, no Christmas Day dinner is complete without gravy, which should be meaty and morish, whilst not overpowering the plate. Craig says, “the ultimate gravy to accompany any turkey is a combination of chicken stock and turkey juices." “As Christmas Day can be somewhat manic, a good chicken stock tastes even better if it’s made the day before, ready to combine with the turkey juices and a mix of red wine, red wine vinegar and unsalted butter on the day." "The result will be a richer, fuller gravy with bold and deep flavours that will certainly wow guests this Christmas.” Appointed Head Chef at The Collective, a unique retail and restaurant space on Boar Lane, Leeds, Craig has been serving up a Sunday lunch menu since he took over the kitchen in September 2023. Craig Rogan at The Collective is launching an 8-course Christmas taster menu, where guests can expect a variety of Christmas classics with a modern-British twist using locally sourced ingredients. Completing the menu is Craig’s take on a classic After Eight desert set to take guests on a trip down memory lane. Christmas with Craig Rogan at The Collective launches on Monday 4th December and booking is essential.

International Volunteer Day (IVD) is a significant global observance celebrated annually on December 5. This day serves as a reminder of the crucial contributions made by volunteers worldwide and highlights the impact of their selfless efforts on communities, societies, and nations. Volunteerism, at its core, embodies the spirit of altruism and civic engagement. IVD provides a platform to recognize and appreciate the diverse range of volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, and energy to various causes. Whether it's environmental conservation, healthcare, education, or social justice, volunteers play a vital role in addressing pressing issues and creating positive change. One key aspect of International Volunteer Day is its emphasis on inclusivity. Volunteers come from all walks of life, transcending geographical, cultural, and socio-economic boundaries. This diversity in volunteerism fosters a sense of global solidarity, reinforcing the idea that collective action can make a substantial difference. The theme of each International Volunteer Day reflects current global challenges and encourages volunteers to address specific issues. From disaster relief to sustainable development, the themes guide volunteers toward impactful contributions aligned with broader global goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, IVD serves as a call to action, inspiring more individuals to engage in volunteer work. It raises awareness about the transformative power of volunteering, not only for the beneficiaries but also for the volunteers themselves. The personal growth, skill development, and sense of fulfillment experienced by volunteers contribute to the creation of well-rounded, empathetic individuals. In recent years, the role of technology in facilitating volunteerism has gained prominence. Digital platforms connect volunteers with opportunities, making it easier for them to find and contribute to causes they are passionate about. This intersection of technology and volunteerism broadens the reach and impact of individual efforts. While International Volunteer Day celebrates the positive aspects of volunteering, it also underscores the need for sustained support and recognition of volunteers. Adequate resources, training, and acknowledgment are crucial to maintaining a thriving volunteer ecosystem. Governments, NGOs, and communities must collaborate to create an enabling environment that encourages and values volunteer contributions. International Volunteer Day serves as a global celebration of the transformative power of volunteerism. It highlights the incredible work done by volunteers around the world, promoting a culture of compassion, solidarity, and positive change. As we commemorate this day, let it inspire individuals to join the ranks of volunteers, collectively shaping a better and more compassionate world for everyone.

Three students from the University of York have been recognised for their achievements at the Yorkshire Asian Young Achiever Awards. The University is also a sponsor of the awards, which are organised by the QED Foundation, a registered charity which exists to improve the social and economic position of disadvantaged communities in partnership with public, private and civil society organisations. Mohammad Malik won the award for Achievement in Education. He is studying for a PhD in Politics, but has had a challenging journey to reach this point, including needing to withdraw from University due to caring commitments. He now draws on his experiences to provide mentorship for students who want to enter higher education or study for a PhD. He is also active in the Student Action for Refugees group, organising fundraising events, trips to Calais to deliver clothes and toiletries to refugee camps, and helping Afghan refugees to settle in York. An advocate for inclusion and equality at the University, Mohammad has run workshops on anti-racist practice, produced a comprehensive report on the experiences of BAME LGBTQ+ students and created safe spaces for discussion. He has also recently received the VC’s Award at the recent Inclusive Impact Awards. Mohammad said: "The YAYA's celebrate Asian talent from across Yorkshire. It was a privilege to even be nominated amongst such fantastic change makers. To win the award was truly amazing. I've been at the University of York for less than a year, but to be a part of such a socially-conscious and supportive community has given me the opportunities I would never have had." Tanisha Jain is the first Asian woman to be York Sport Union President, and is committed to removing barriers and improving inclusion in sport. She won the award for Achievement in Sport. During her time in post, she has increased diversity in sport at York, with participation by the BAME and LGBTQ+ communities rising by around 30%. Tanisha said: “Winning the YAYA award in Sport means the world to me, to be able to educate and empower other people in a field so close to my heart is all I’ve ever wanted, and to be recognised for it feels wonderful! I hope this proves to everyone out there that sports truly is a place for anybody and everybody.” In further recognition for York students, Rohan Ashar was Highly Commended for the Not for Profit Achievement award. As YUSU Activities Officer, he promoted volunteering projects encouraging students to look beyond their academic life and engage with the local community.

Eatron Technologies and About:Energy have been awarded funding from UKRI’s Faraday Battery Challenge to develop a first-of-its-kind AI-powered decision engine that delivers increased battery longevity, accelerates time-to-market, and cements the UK’s position as a global leader in AI-powered intelligent battery management systems. Current battery management systems (BMS) rely on simple, empirical methods that sacrifice accuracy in return for reduced computational effort. Conventional AI-powered methods, meanwhile, remain challenging to integrate within the BMS due to their complexity, demanding training process, and the need for large volumes of input data. The new project – dubbed aiMAGINE – brings together About:Energy’s pioneering high-fidelity electrochemical battery models that achieve rapid and accurate calibration with Eatron’s unique edge and AI-powered cloud platform. Combined they will deliver highly accurate assessments of state-of-charge (SoC), state-of-health (SoH) and patented remaining useful life (RUL) predictions. AI complements the electrochemical models, enhancing predictions by accounting for complex physical behaviours that cannot be modelled. As a result, the pioneering new AI-powered decision engine (AI-DE) will provide highly accurate operational parameters to the BMS, significantly increasing battery pack longevity and simplifying integration. “Implementing our novel AI-powered intelligent battery software layer with this revolutionary AI-DE can extend a battery pack’s first life by up to 20%,” said Dr Umut Genc, CEO of Eatron. “This makes it possible for OEMs to design optimally-sized, more cost-effective battery packs, and this actively contributes to our sustainable e-mobility goals by reducing raw material consumption and CO2 emissions.” “The use of our advanced electrochemical models vastly streamlines AI model training, and this facilitates both ease of integration and a reduced time-to-market for OEMs and Tier 1s,” said Dr Kieran O'Regan, Co-Founder and COO of About:Energy. “The high-fidelity modelling reduces the need for physical experiments while delivering a clearer, more accurate picture of battery health. Armed with this information, an AI-DE-equipped BMS can deliver not just a longer battery lifetime, but faster charging times, too.” Eatron and About:Energy will capitalise on their existing relationships with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to develop the system for use in both 2- and 4-wheeled electric vehicles. The two businesses collaboratively applied for the grant after sowing the seeds for a partnership at the Battery Technology Global Business Innovation Programme in Japan, where Innovate UK brought together some of the UK’s most promising innovators in the battery development and technology space. The funding from UK Research and Innovation’s Faraday Battery Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK, is part of an £11 million package that aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of state-of-the-art battery technologies in the UK and support growth of the supply chain in the UK battery sector. It forms a key part of the UK Government’s net zero transport goals and supports job creation in cutting-edge AI technologies and increased consumer confidence in electric vehicles.

The number of new jobs being posted has declined dramatically over the past year as firms rein in their hiring plans in light of ongoing economic uncertainty. That’s according to the latest data from the world’s largest network of job boards, Broadbean Technology . The firm’s latest data shows that the number of new roles has fallen by 22% year-on-year, with employers reluctant to increase headcount as a result of ongoing economic challenges. Despite the slowdown in hiring, skills shortages are still impacting firms, with the number of new applications for jobs also down 20% year-on-year. This latest news comes at a time when the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has lowered previous unemployment rates as it reviews the data from its Labour Force Survey. With these figures showing a larger decline in unemployment levels than previously thought, Broadbean has warned that skills shortages will remain a challenge despite the slowdown in hiring. Alex Fourlis, Managing Director of Broadbean Technology, commented: “The data clearly shows that firms are reining in their hiring which, perhaps given the current climate is unsurprising. However, the recent fall in applications during this period should be a concern for employers, particularly those looking to take on staff on short-term contracts to help them cover the busy holiday period in the next few weeks. Our data suggests that fewer people are applying for roles and, with Christmas approaching, many organisations may struggle to secure the skills they need in time.”