EDITION 885
6 SEPTEMBER 2021

There is no escaping it: too much news is bad for you. It should come with a government health warning: “This intellectual diet is fine taken in small doses, and preferably in weekly instalments, via a well-balanced newsletter, such as 10 things from William Montgomery."

So, as another week slips by, here are 10 things which caught my attention and may have escaped yours. Please feel free to share on social media and forward to your colleagues and friends so they can also subscribe, learn and engage. I would be very grateful if you did.

William Montgomery
Editor and CEO of TEN

1. How to make ghosting extinct. Ghosting is a phenomenon we wish would go the way of the dinosaurs. But it seems like it's here to stay as many would rather say nothing at all than say something that makes them, or the recipient, feel uncomfortable. Here are some workable suggestions on how to be more forthright in situations where the temptation might be to ghost someone. For starters, don't be afraid to deliver bad news. It gives you a chance to exercise your empathy muscles. MORE >>

2. PM faces rebellion on tax. Boris Johnson faces a “battle” with his cabinet and MPs as the House of Commons returns today, with the prime minister set to break manifesto commitments on tax. Plans to raise national insurance contributions to increase funding for the NHS and to overhaul social care have been privately criticised by cabinet ministers - and MPs have warned the chief whip they could rebel in the Commons. The PM is expected to announce the plans in the Commons later today. BBC

3. The CBI said the UK labour crisis could last for up to two year. The business lobby group called for ministers to take action on visas for foreign workers and stop `waiting for shortages to solve themselves”. It added that the economic recovery from Covid lockdowns was being undermined by a lack of skills in key positions, with growing risks that the problem would continue for some time. “We need to simultaneously address short-term economic needs and long-term economic reform,” a spokesman said. The Guardian

4. Jobs market set for bumpy ride, says think tank. There is "huge uncertainty" surrounding what might happen next in the jobs market. While job creation is predicted to remain strong when the furlough scheme ends, a fresh rise in unemployment is still likely, think tank the Resolution Foundation has said.  As the furlough scheme enters its final weeks, 900,000 people are still expected to be on the scheme when it finishes on 30 September. BBC

5. Take a micro course to upskill yourself. Micro learning' new work skills through short courses, apps and webinars is crucial to build up your career skills, and you can find the time to do it if you stop bingeing TV. The pandemic has accelerated our love of a good TV binge, especially in lockdowns, but we should trade one episode for a piece of learning to help keep careers on track. So-called ‘micro learning’ from a short course, webinar, podcast, video or audio book can help you to build skills for your current role, or prepare for the next. Have you made a commitment to learning new skills? Vote in our poll and tell us more about your habits (or your future goals) in the comments. VOTE >>

6. Scotland to trial a four-day working week. Scotland will trial a four-day working week without loss of pay, following a report that suggests 80% of workers view the idea positively. The government has pledged a £10m fund for companies to participate. The trial takes inspiration from Iceland and New Zealand, where reduced working hours have been implemented successfully. Scotland’s Institute for Public Policy Research has suggested a Low Hours Commission to help implement the four-day working week across the public and private sectors, as well as in lower pay, part time and non-office employment. Would a four-day work week without reduced pay work in your industry? COMMENT >>

7. Almost 50 shops a day disappear from the High Street. More than 8,700 chain stores closed in British High Streets, shopping centres and retail parks in the first six months of this year, research suggests. That is an average of nearly 50 outlets a day as the impact of the pandemic and changing shopping habits continue to hit many towns and city centres. Although 3,488 stores opened in the first six months of 2021 the closures were far greater. A total of 8,739 shops shut creating a net decline of 5,251 outlets - a huge number, but 750 less than this time last year. BBC

8. Britain trailing Europe on travel. Britain is lagging behind the rest of Europe when it comes to reopening international travel. While international flight levels here are running at around one-third of their 2019 levels, flights in the eurozone are back to half of their pre-Covid numbers. Researchers said this has raised fears that the country is missing out on a significant part of the economic rebound despite its early lead in vaccines. The Telegraph

9. All change at the pumps. A new, greener type of petrol was introduced to service stations across Britain this week. The new national standard grade is now E10 petrol, which is blended with 10% bioethanol, distilled from plant material; the previous standard grade was E5, which is 5% bioethanol. About 95% of petrol-powered vehicles on the road today can use E10 safely, and all cars built since 2011 are compatible. However, at least 600,000 older cars should not use it for long periods, because of bioethanol’s corrosive properties. MPs say E10 petrol will cut CO2 emissions by some 750,000 tonnes a year. RAC

10. The bottom line. A new survey found that almost one in five adults can’t explain the difference between a noun and a verb. A noun is a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance or quality; for example, a leader. A verb is a word or phrase that describes an action, condition or experience; for example, to lead. Editor