People with disabilities have always faced barriers in joining, or re-joining, the workforce. However, firms who fail to recruit disabled workers are missing out on a huge talent pool, argues Jon Herbert. Worldwide, an estimated one billion people with disabilities have the potential to bring unique experiences, skills and talents to many different, diverse and Read More …
To help the UK meet urgent housing targets and thrive in a post-Brexit economy, MPs are arguing that small and medium-sized builders able to develop small sites need more Government support. Jon Herbert investigates. One pressing item on the new Government’s agenda is a housebuilding issue partially eclipsed by recent political events. As the general Read More …
Whether you walk for four or five miles to better health via 10,000 steps every day could depend on your individual leg configuration, metabolism, gait and speed, say researchers. Most important is the inspiration to get moving and stay reasonably active for the rest of your life, finds Jon Herbert. The pedometer “buzz” confirming that Read More …
District heating systems are set to play an increasing role in the UK’s drive to force down both energy prices and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The election focus, however, has been more on capping power bills and less on encouraging energy efficiency. But do low-energy bills create bad energy habits we can’t afford? Jon Herbert Read More …
A much faster than expected fall in costs is likely to see UK offshore wind energy emerge as the renewable energy winner of 2017 with continued expansion but intense competition between developers predicted in the years ahead. Jon Herbert reports. The Government is holding its first green energy auction in two years this spring; two Read More …
The circular economy is nudging construction waste up a gear, from recycling to higher value material reuse. There should be matching reductions in final disposal, energy consumption, carbon emissions and wet work. But new rules and a new mindset will almost certainly be involved, points out Jon Herbert. Recycling is good, but not good enough. Read More …
Most people will be aware of the tremendous efforts now being made to highlight the importance of good mental health and of supporting those struggling with mental ill health. There is much that employers can do in the workplace, says Jon Herbert. The importance of not only surviving but also thriving is high on the Read More …
The Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine are cornerstones for an industrial strategy designed to boost and balance sustainable regional development away from London and the southeast as the UK maps out a new vision of what it offers to the world. Jon Herbert reports. Industrial innovation and innovative transport systems go hand-in-hand, especially in England’s Read More …
Recent news that even proprietary skin creams are a potential fire hazard linked to dozens of deaths is a reminder that while fire often strikes with little warning, eliminating fire risks is a methodical process with continuous room for improvement. Jon Herbert reports. Data collected recently by the BBC is said to show that skin Read More …
Deadlines for demanding new EU 2018 REACH chemical safety registration are fast approaching and in parallel with the UK’s changing relationship with Europe. Jon Herbert reports. It is important that smaller companies abide by the letter of new chemical safety regulations, even though the shape of Britain’s forthcoming relationship with Europe will almost certainly affect Read More …