The Latest Bulletin

Women who weigh even slightly more than their peers are more likely to face discrimination when applying for certain jobs, a recent study from Scotland finds. In the study, researchers found that people were less likely to say they'd hire a slightly heavier woman for a job than an equally qualified woman who weighed less. Click here to read more

"The problem with austerity is that it’s too expensive. Before we allow another library to close, we must ask: Is this a saving?" Big Issue founder Lord Bird has warned that the government must be ready to build more prisons and homeless shelters if the libraries continue to close at the current rate. Lord Bird was speaking during a House of Lords debate on the the damage of illiteracy across Britain and the crisis facing public libraries and independent bookshops. Click here to read more

Putting things off is something we all do from time to time and is not necessarily, in itself, a problem. However, it can become a problem if we get into the habit of procrastinating regularly as a way to avoid what we don’t want to face, or if we don’t realise that we are consistently letting some things fall to the bottom of the priority pile. In this guide we explore the problems that procrastination can cause and offer suggestions for doing something about it in order to help make our work and home lives more organised and productive Click here to read more LinkedIn discussion group 

At the end of my first year at university, my tutor said to me: ‘Neil, you have a lot of strengths, but the trouble is that you are always playing to them’. He went on to explain that what he meant was that I was well aware of what I was good at and what I was not so good at, and I always headed straight for what I knew I could do well and steered clear of anything I wasn’t so sure of. The problem with that approach, he said, is that you will never develop, never extend your repertoire. And he was right. I was quite happy to stay in my comfort zone, and he helped me realise…

Babble has been created by Carers Trust as an online space where those aged under 18 who are caring for a family member or friend can chat, share their experiences and access information and advice. The site aims to bring together young carers from across the UK in an online space which is safe, fun and supportive. The online team are on hand to answer any questions you might have, and to offer support and advice via e-mail or one-to-one webchats. Click here to read more A Career in Social Work e-book 

The UK has a very high level of income inequality compared to other developed countries. Households in the bottom 10% of the population have on average a net income of £9,277. The top 10% have net incomes over nine times that (£83,897). As can be seen from the graph, income inequality is much starker at the top of the income scale, with the group with the 9th highest incomes making only 60% of the top 10%’s income. Inequality is much higher amongst original income than net income with the poorest 10% having on average an original income of £4,467 whilst the top 10% have an original income 24 times larger (£107,597). Click here to read more The Avenue Professional Development Programme 

On 5 October 2012, we reached the last date that anyone will retire on the grounds of reaching ‘the default retirement age’. A change in the law in 2011 meant firms can no longer ask employees to leave on grounds of age alone. So, if you wish, you can carry on working past your pension age. This is great news for people who enjoy their work, have the energy to continue, and/or need the income. Flexible working has some great benefits for employees and their employers. It can lead to: improved productivity higher staff retention increased skill-sharing better customer relations. Click here to read more Time and Workload Management e-course   

Now is your chance to vote for your favourite tree in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland as we reveal the shortlists in our Tree of the Year contest. Every vote will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a two-night stay at DoubleTree by Hilton hotel of your choice. Remember, you only have one vote so use it well! Click here to read more The Professional Social Worker