Almost one in four jobs outside London pays less than the living wage
Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that 23% of jobs outside London were paid less than the living wage in 2014, compared with 19% in London. The living wage in April 2014 was £8.80 an hour in London and £7.65 an hour outside London. The living wage is a voluntary code set by the Living Wage Foundation and Mayor of London. A spokesman for the Living Wage Foundation said: "These figures demonstrate that while the economy may be recovering as a whole, there is a real problem with ensuring everyone benefits, and low pay in still prevalent in Britain today."
Facebook's tiny tax bill
Facebook paid just £4,327 in corporation tax in 2014, according to its latest UK results. This represents less than the income tax paid by the average UK employee. The BBC reports that Facebook's most recent Companies House filing shows the company made a pre-tax loss of £28.5m last year, but the firm also paid its 362 UK staff a total of £35.4m in share bonuses.
Two-thirds of SMEs unprotected
Only a third of SMEs (37%) currently have Professional Indemnity insurance (PII), according to new research from Direct Line for Business. Not all SMEs require PII cover but, it says, those that do could be at risk should their clients suffer a financial loss as a result of negligent or poor advice. Although more sole traders have taken out PII cover since 2013, it says there has been a significant drop in the numbers of micro and small firm taking out these policies.
UK bid to break speed-networking record
The Business Show has plans to smash the world record for speed networking. The world's largest ever speed-networking event is set to take place at the event on 4th December. Each participant has to meet 20 different people for three minutes each, exchanging details with all of them. The event will be attended by West Ham owner David Gold and Touker Suleyman of Dragons' Den. To take part you need to register for a free ticket at The Business Show website.
Make under-16 work experience a national priority says BCC
A huge majority of business and education leaders want ministers to recognise the importance of pre-16 work experience, according to a new survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Its poll found that 82% of business respondents, and 73% of respondents from schools, colleges and universities believe secondary schools should offer work experience for pupils aged under 16. The survey found that 79% of employers think work experience is the most important activity to equip young people with workplace skills, followed by paid part-time work (69%) and volunteering (55%).