The Met Office has put amber warnings - meaning a possible risk to life and property - in place for parts of Scotland, northern England, the East Midlands, the east and south-east of England, and London.

Image is the ABC car!

A series of recruitment events are being held across South-East Wales in March to help identify skills talent for over one hundred new high quality jobs coming to the area later this year when Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) opens its new state-of-the-art assembly hub for the manufacture of UK rolling stock in Newport.

The establishment of this new £30m centre, which is receiving support from the Welsh Government, was announced by the First Minister last July and is expected to create 300 highly skilled and well paid jobs. These recruitment events are part of a local employment drive to help fill the first tranche of vacancies being created.

Supported by the Welsh Government, Coleg Gwent, Newport Job Centre, Careers Wales, and the Career Transition Partnership, the initial three CAF recruitment open days are being held as follows and people are being encouraged to go along:

1 March 2018 – Coleg Gwent (City of Newport Campus): 12:00pm – 7:00pm

7 March 2018 – Newport Job Centre (Charles Street): 10:00am – 1:00pm

8 March 2018 – Careers Wales, Ystrad Mynach (Sue Noake Leisure Centre) 10:00am-2:30pm

The new assembly hub is being designed so that CAF can build a range of different trains, including diesel multiple units (DMUs), electric multiple units (EMUs), trams and high speed trains. The employment opportunities are wide ranging - from technicians, engineers and logistics specialists, through to production and testing operatives, to communications, payroll, finance, logistics and purchasing personnel. 

Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning Minister, Eluned Morgan said: “That Newport has been able to secure this new facility, against stiff competition from more than 100 other sites across the UK, is a major coup for the Welsh economy. In addition to bolstering our already impressive manufacturing sector, the job opportunities on offer present a massive boost to the local economy and I would encourage as many people as possible to attend these recruitment events because the scope of vacancies available is wide ranging.”

Richard Garner, CAF’s UK Director, said: “As a dynamic, people-focused and fast growing rolling stock business, we pride ourselves on sourcing the best talent and will invest in developing our people to maintain the high level of expertise and professionalism”.

“We firmly believe our people are our strength and everyone working for CAF plays a vital part in the success of the company. We are on the look-out for talented people to join our team and welcome applications from keen, motivated and enthusiastic individuals who relish responsibility and are looking for an exciting, challenging and rewarding career.  In return for your hard work and commitment, you can expect to join a global brand at an exciting time in our journey and the chance to develop your skills further in a supportive and collaborative working environment.”

The new facility, which will be the first of its type in Wales, will enable the Company to assemble, test and commission new vehicles and will have capacity to undertake future manufacturing projects as well as maintenance and servicing activities.

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) together with the Department for Communities (DFC), Northern Ireland and EURES Cross Border Partnership will host a Hospitality and Catering Careers Expo in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, Co Donegal on Thursday 1st March. 

The Expo will include both onsite and online events.  The onsite event will consist of Employers and Training Providers from across the North West cross border region (Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Derry, Fermanagh and Tyrone) coming together to offer individuals the chance to explore new career opportunities in a thriving hospitality and catering sector.  Training providers and other support groups will be in attendance offering advice on how best to develop your career in this area.  

The Online European Jobs Event “Connect to your Future” is aimed at attracting hospitality and catering talent from across Europe to join this established and growing sector in the North West region of Ireland.  Daniel and Majella O’Donnell have offered their support for the event.  Their support is indicative of the contribution Daniel has made to the tourism industry over the course of his career and more recently their joint contribution through their very successful B&B Road Show.  

Daniel and Majella are delighted to offer their support to what they feel will be a great event, which brings together employers and employees from across the North West Region and beyond. Commenting on the event they said: “We recommend getting yourself along to it and certainly investigate what’s happening because anything that shows what’s going on in our part of the world is certainly worth it.”

The online event will allow employers who require hospitality and catering expertise to access a wider talent pool. The event focuses on what’s happening in the North West and how the hospitality and tourism sector has developed in this area.

The EURES Cross Border Partnership Ireland – Northern Ireland realises the importance of the Hospitality Industry in this region and the value it adds to the economy and area.  It is essential to ensure the many vacancies we have are filled by staff capable of meeting the demands in this area   and we look forward to supporting our employers and jobseekers through this event.

Declan Doherty DEASP Employer Engagement/Eures Manager, Donegal said:  “Finding the right job or career can be an exciting and challenging task.  With the increase in tourism, the Hospitality and Catering Sector can offer a rewarding and fulfilling career.  DEASP are delighted to jointly host this EURES Cross Border event with the Department for Communities, Northern Ireland and EURES Cross Border Partnership.  The Careers Expo promises to be an event where employers in this sector can showcase the opportunities for jobseekers to realise their career potential”.

Sharron Russell, Director, Work and Wellbeing Division, Department for Communities, Northern Ireland said: “Job Fairs provide an excellent opportunity for jobseekers to speak directly with employers, allowing them to ask questions and gain better understanding of the roles they are applying for. Employers in turn get to meet a wide range of prospective applicants and recruit effectively. Being in the heart of the community, this Expo maximises the benefits for the area and gives the jobseeker a chance to see the recruitment opportunities available to them.  The Department for Communities is delighted to be supporting this event which offers real job opportunities to those seeking employment.”  

The DWP are turning down applicants on ESA if they apply for PIP's, if they do not have identification. 

If you don't have a picture driving licence a debit card or a current passport, you could find you application turned down, claimed someone we spoke to today, whose application was rejected as their passport was a month out of date. 

Don't get caught out. Make sure you have your ID organised. 

In case you are baffled by weather warnings this might help:

What the colours mean

• Yellow:  Severe weather is possible over the next few days and could affect you. Yellow means that you should plan ahead thinking about possible travel delays, or the disruption of your day to day activities. The Met Office is monitoring the developing weather situation and Yellow means keep an eye on the latest forecast and be aware that the weather may change or worsen, leading to disruption of your plans in the next few days.  
• Amber: There is an increased likelihood of bad weather affecting you, which could potentially disrupt your plans and possibly cause travel delays, road and rail closures, interruption to power and the potential risk to life and property. Amber means you need to be prepared to change your plans and protect you, your family and community from the impacts of the severe weather based on the forecast from the Met Office
• Red: Extreme weather is expected. Red means you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the weather. Widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely. You must avoid dangerous areas and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.

Jobseekers in the Causeway Coast and Glens council area are being encouraged to come along to a major Job Fair being held on Thursday 8 March 2018.

The Department for Communities, in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, is hosting their first joint major Job Fair in this area, with the event being held in the Coleraine Leisure Centre between 10am and 3pm. 

More than 35 employers will take part from a range of sectors including Retail, Hospitality, Engineering and many more. Admission is free. The employers will be promoting the vacancies they have available to prospective jobseekers. A full list of employers can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/causeway-job-fair

Heather McKeown, Employer Engagement Executive, from the Department for Communities said: “This event plans to be a one-stop-shop with a wide range of sectors under one roof, and is an opportunity for those searching for their first job, changing career, or simply looking for some advice with CV or interview skills.  With more than 400 jobs being promoted it is a fantastic opportunity to make connections and get advice. I would encourage as many people as possible to visit the job fair and take the next steps on your career path.”

Advice and training organisations, including specialist disability organisations will be on hand to provide support on training and employment. 

Martin Clark, Business Development Manager, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “The development of our economy and job creation is a key Council priority, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with the Department for Communities to host this Job Fair in Coleraine.  The event will open up new avenues for job seekers from across the Borough by putting them in direct contact with potential employers.  It represents a fantastic opportunity for our local businesses who are recruiting new staff and those looking for employment, as well as promoting learning and skills development.”

Lynas Foodservice Ltd are among the employers taking part in the Job Fair. Maurice Devenney, HR & Facilities Manager said: “We are delighted to accept an invitation to participate in the local Jobs Fair on 8 March in Coleraine.  There we seek to add quality job seekers and job movers to our 500+ valued employees so that together we can deliver more.” 

The 11th National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2018) will run from 5 to 9 March 2018.

During the week employers and apprentices from across England will come together to celebrate the success of apprenticeships whilst encouraging even more people to choose apprenticeships as a pathway to a great career.

The theme for the #NAW2018 is ‘Apprenticeships Work’. Showcasing how apprenticeships work:

• for individuals
• for employers
• for the community
• for the wider economy

Search the online map to find more information about National Apprenticeship Week events happening near you.

We will be comment more later. 

The Scottish government has recommended that the minimum price for a unit of alcohol should be set at 50p.

The minimum pricing scheme will come into force in May, after ministers won out in a lengthy legal battle.

A brilliant project and one we full support here at the ABC. 

The Homeless Period Southampton is a local branch of a growing volunteer-led campaign designed to provide vulnerable people with necessary sanitary protection. It works by securing donations of sanitary towels, tampons, new underwear, hygiene wipes, and toiletries before redistributing these to homeless shelters, charities, women's refuges, care homes and support centres.

The campaign was born after news of schoolgirls in Leeds skipping school due to 'period poverty' hit the headlines in early 2017. It brought to light the fact that women and girls all over the country may well be struggling in silence. After ascertaining a need for menstrual hygiene products among various local organisations across our city, The Homeless Period Southampton was founded with the help of a dedicated team of volunteers and activists.

Lectures on poverty from the party of sanctions and the Bedroom Tax are a “sick joke”, the SNP has said.

Ruth Davidson’s apologist-in-chief for the DWP axemen Adam Tomkins today claimed that the party had a “moral duty” to help the poor and called for a debate on the “social wrongs” he blamed for poverty.

Research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that almost 400,000 more children and 300,000 more pensioners in the UK were living in poverty under the Tories.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated that Tory welfare policy would drive an increase in child poverty across the UK to a record of 5.2 million, up from around 4 million.

Research has also found that the roll-out of Universal Credit and the widespread use of benefit sanctions has contributed to a steep rise in foodbank use.

SNP MSP Sandra White commented:

“The Tories lecturing anybody on poverty is a sick joke.

“It is the Tories in office that have pushed families across the country into poverty through their cruel austerity agenda.

“If Adam Tomkins wants to look at the root causes of poverty then he should look closer to home – to the vile, abusive use of sanctions that leaves welfare claimants destitute, or the botched Universal Credit roll-out that’s driving families to foodbanks.

Image: Adam Tomkins MSP

“This is a party that wants tax cuts for the wealthy and a Bedroom Tax for the poor, and who’ve been busy shutting down jobcentres across the city Mr Tomkins is supposed to represent.

“The SNP in government are using our limited powers over welfare to build a Social Security system built on dignity and respect, and we’ve spent huge sums of money protecting Scots from the worst excesses of Tory austerity.

“But many of the powers needed to tackle poverty – to introduce a £10 Living Wage, to end insecure work and to stop the endless cuts to welfare – are sadly in the hands of a UK government with no interest in using them.

“The complete failure of successive UK governments to tackle poverty show exactly why we should have the full powers over jobs and welfare in an independent Scotland.”

ABC Note: Adam Tomkins (born 28 June 1969) is an academic and Conservative and Unionist politician, based within Scotland.