Re:locate: keeping you in touch

Welcome to Re:locate Extra – the newsletter that keeps you informed of the latest developments in the world of relocation.

In the Autumn 2011 issue of Re:locate (out mid September), we continue our coverage of Asia Pacific, while our Country Profile analyses the state of relocation in, and to, the USA (see new countries on the website). The latest part of our series on risk looks at compliance and considers the implications of the UK’s new Bribery Act. 

This issue’s hot topic is the UK’s beleaguered housing market. Elsewhere, Sue Shortland analyses the findings of a Brunel University research project on global talent management, and our case study on Save the Children UK – winner of the Best Relocation Strategy/Policy category at the Re:locate Awards 2010/11 – shows how this international charity is realising its strategic ambitions through inspiring leadership.

And, as the new school year begins, we look at what relocating parents need to know about school admissions and bring you advice from education professionals on settling relocating children in to a new school.

TOP STORIES THIS MONTH

Disaster situations: are you prepared? 

Following the natural disasters and political unrest that have occurred around the world in recent months, Farid Ahmed, formerly regional head of HR for Nokia Siemens Networks and now managing partner at HR consultancy Virtus, gives timely practical advice on preparing for, and managing, a crisis.

It was mid-January when our operations in Cairo were affected by the Egypt crisis. Nokia Siemens Networks had almost 550 employees there, both local and expatriates, who had to be shipped out because of the situation, which escalated with almost unbelievable speed. 

In such circumstances, it’s not only the employees you need to think about, it’s the entire family, including relatives and other dependants (for example, staff), who may be living with them.

Read more...

London 2012: its impact on the property market and managing relocations

With the London 2012 Olympic Games less than a year away, what’s been their effect so far on the residential property market in general and relocation in particular, and how can HR and relocation professionals ensure they are prepared? Louise Whitson reports.

Most people would, no doubt, expect house prices in East London to have risen dramatically as a result of the impending London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Read more...

Firms ‘unprepared’ for Bribery Act

A new survey reveals that only 8% of firms are fully prepared for compliance with the Bribery Act 2010, which came into force this month.

The Act is designed to both prevent and successfully prosecute bribery and corruption in any company with a UK presence, including those domiciled overseas.

Carried out by Thomson Reuters, the survey also found that 39% of firms said they would be rushing to meet the deadline or were unlikely to meet it at all.

Read more...

School catchment areas ‘more important than ever' for homebuyers

Living in the catchment area of a good school is becoming increasingly important to homebuyers, according to new research.

The research, by Santander Mortgages, reveals that this was top priority for more than one in three (37%) with a child aged ten or under, with many willing to pay an extra £12,141 to secure the home – and school – of their choice.

Read more...

Locations of new Enterprise Zones announced 

On the day when the Office for National Statistics released depressing employment statistics for April to June 2011, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced the location of 11 new Enterprise Zones, designed to boost local growth and create more than 30,000 new jobs by 2015.

Described by Mr Cameron as “trailblazers for growth”, the new Enterprise Zones will benefit from simplified planning regulations, super-fast broadband, and more than £150m in tax breaks for new businesses over the next four years.

Read more...

UK unemployment figures rise 

Figures for the three months to June, published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), show that unemployment rose by 38,000 to 2.49 million and the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance increased from 37,000 to 1.56 million.

The number of people in employment has increased by 25,000 to 29.27 million, showing that more people moved into the labour market last quarter.

Read more...

Record high for GCSE results – but ‘too many’ fail to pass maths

This year’s GCSE results, published today, show the proportion of students achieving grades A*-C rising slightly to 69.8%, up from 69% last year.

In maths, 58.8% achieved grades A*-C, up from 58.4% in 2010. In English, 65.4% attained grades A*–C, up from 64.7%.

However, 100,482 students (13%) only achieved a grade F or G in Maths.

Read more...

Look out for the Smart Move online launch, coming this autumn.

Jobs

There are many great jobs on our website, relevant to you and your skills. The top ‘HOT JOBS’ are listed below, including new jobs posted online since the last Re:locate Extra. To view all job opportunities, click here.

http://bit.ly/reloapp

Visit the Re:locate website for all of the latest news from the world of relocation... Click here