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Less than 4% of young people use ethnic or racial labels
Less than 4% of young people use ethnic or racial labels
When describing friendship cliques in their school, less than 4% of young people use ethnic or racial labels, reveals new research by the University of Cologne. The study, conducted by Clemens Kroneberg, Professor of Sociology at the Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology, and Mark Wittek, investigated the use of ethnic and racial labels among 13-year old students in Germany, and found that in most cases they were rarely used. The researchers conducted interviews with more than 3000 students across 39 schools, and asked students to indicate which cliques they observed in their school grade and to describe these groups in their own words.
The study found that students were most likely to describe friendship cliques in a neutral way. After this, the most common way they perceived their fellow students were by their hobbies, if they were funny, or just in a positive way. This revealed that despite that fact that friendships are more frequent between individuals of the same ethnicity, the younger generation seems to be more successful than adults at blurring such boundaries.
However, the study also finds that Muslim cliques with a high level of self-identification were more likely to be labelled in ethno-racial terms. Still, this was a rare occurrence. “Our results call on people to rethink their assumptions about the nature of ethnic segregation in students’ social networks, as these findings add to recent studies that found ‘ethnic homophily’ to be less detrimental than often assumed,” says Professor Kroneberg.
The study was published in the Journal “Sociological Science” and was a part of the SOCIALBOND project funded by the ERC.
Remote working abroad? Scots say yes!!
Remote working abroad? Scots say yes!!
The latest insights from Nebeus’ 2023 study on remote work trends shows why 46% of UK professionals see Spain as their dream destination for enhanced quality of life, and learn about the surprising 89% who are yet to explore the transformative Digital Nomad Visa.
Spain: The Preferred Destination for Remote Work Among Brits, with 46% Seeking Relocation for a Better Quality of Life
Data from the Office For National Statistics shows that 44% of Brits worked remotely in 2023, with increasing popularity amongst professionals all over the world. Not only allowing for cut-backs on expenses such as travel to-and-from the office, but also presenting new opportunities never imagined possible for most before the pandemic: working from a country you’ve never before called home and simply taking your job with you.
Nebeus global payments app, has surveyed 400 UK professionals of working age to provide comprehensive insight into their key attitudes and opinions regarding the possibility of working remotely abroad, with a particular focus on financial insights. Split by different demographics including regional location, read on for different UK attitudes towards the possibilities of remote working abroad.
The survey revealed that Spain leads the preferences as a destination for remote work among the British, with a notable 22% choosing the country as their first option.
The United States (19%) is the second choice for the British, and France the third (13%). Completing the ranking are Portugal (6%), Southeast Asia (5%), and Latin America (3%). Spain’s appeal to British professionals lies in its unique mix of tradition and modernity, along with a welcoming atmosphere and a relaxed lifestyle.
Looking at Spain in particular, a huge 46% would decide to relocate to the country for work in search of “a better quality of life”, with the West Midlands (59%), London (49%) and Scotland (47%) the most likely to choose this as their main reason. With an abundance of sunshine, a diverse culture and beautiful natural landscapes, it’s not hard to see why this is such a key decision factor.
Saving money and living a cheaper lifestyle was another popular incentive for UK residents, particularly those living in the North West (26%). With prices of everyday items like groceries, bills and travel costs generally lower in Spain, what’s not to like about saving yourself some cash – you can use your spare money to go visit tourist hotspots like the Sagrada Familia!
In terms of desirable Spanish regions, Barcelona is the UK’s first choice (14%), followed by Valencia (7%) and Madrid (5%). Desire to move, yet unaware: 89% of respondents unaware of the streamlined Spanish digital nomad visa.
With a high number of survey respondents signifying their openness to remote working in Spain, it came as a surprise to Nebeus that 89% were unaware of the Digital Nomad Visa option that allows professionals to work remotely in the country, without having to change jobs.
It highlights a lack of promotion of this benefit: it provides the flexibility to enjoy the benefits of the country, yet without losing out on existing employment opportunities in the UK. However, despite being unaware of the visa, 56% expressed interest in considering this route in the future. Just 6% claim to already be aware and would consider using the visa.
When asked which country respondents would be most likely to consider working remotely from, the majority chose Spain. However, 20% of respondents also said they would not consider working remotely abroad full stop. We then split this further looking at responses by region throughout the UK.
Just 8% of Scottish respondents said they wouldn’t consider moving abroad. Considering Spain in particular, those from Scotland were the most likely to consider relocating if they had the option to work remotely without switching jobs, with almost two-thirds voting yes (62%) – maybe swapping the Highland mountains for sandy Spanish beaches is high on Scottish respondent’s bucket lists. UK professionals’ top concerns about relocating to Spain are the cost of healthcare and language difficulties
With the brilliant NHS at the fingertips of all UK residents, often regarded as one of the best systems in the world, it’s easy to see why healthcare in other countries can be a troublesome thought. Those with children are most likely to say they would not consider working remotely from another country, but if they did they would choose Spain (23%) or the US (20%).
Non-parents would be more open to relocating abroad for work than parents, who are concerned with the wellbeing of their children and families, schooling and leaving their friends behind. The study provided interesting insights into UK attitudes towards working remotely abroad, revealing different opinions from the many different regions.
All in all, Scottish respondents appeared to be the most keen to move abroad for work and to Spain in particular – perhaps a change of weather forecast is needed? – whilst those from Yorkshire and Wales were less willing and seemed content at home. Southerners seemed to expect a brighter quality of life if they were to move to Spain for work, including a higher spending power.
Nebeus’ survey overall has shed light on some interesting outlooks from UK working professionals – after the pandemic, the working day looks very different for many employees, with working remotely abroad just one of the many options available that contributes towards an increasingly flexible career for many.
This study shows a growing interest in this new way of working and the need for accurate information for professionals to make informed decisions when considering this lifestyle and career change. Results highlight the need for more detailed information about the digital work visa in particular, but also the linguistic, financial and cultural challenges faced before making a significant decision such as moving abroad to work.
BOOKINGS NOW OPEN: Hr NETWORK ‘FUTURE LEADERS’ National Conference & Exhibition 2024
Hr NETWORK ‘FUTURE LEADERS’ Conference & Exhibition 2024
The Hr NETWORK National Conference & Exhibition will take place on Thursday 9th May 2024 at the home of Scottish Rugby, the magnificent BT Murrayfield Stadium.
Following a hugely successful Conference & Exhibition in May 2023, followed by the incredible reaction from Sponsors & Guests at our recent Hr NETWORK National Awards Gala Dinner at the Hilton Glasgow on 9th November 2023, we are delighted to announce details for the forthcoming and hugely anticipated annual Hr NETWORK ‘FUTURE LEADERS’ Conference & Exhibition 2024.
The delegate booking form for 2024 is NOW OPEN and this is your chance to SAVE £40 on each booking made between now and Thursday 29th February 2024.
HAPPY NEW YEAR: OUT TODAY – January 2024 Issue of Hr NETWORK Magazine
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
OUT TODAY – January 2024 Issue of Hr NETWORK Magazine
Hr NETWORK is ‘The Hub’ of Scottish HR and people development with an ‘Access All Areas’ pass to Scotland’s most influential human resource and business professionals across all sectors in Scotland. As well as readers from the world of HR, the magazine is also extremely popular within SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) organisations and is very useful for line managers, heads of department, senior management, managing directors and other professionals throughout the country who play a vital role in the development of people within all industry sectors in Scotland. Published bi-monthly, Hr NETWORK Magazine is informative and a ‘must have’ for its readers, and brings with it in every issue, great opportunities and benefits for advertisers and sponsors too.
Hr NETWORK Magazine January 2024
Leading with Kindness in 2024: “We’ll tak a cup o’kindness yet…”
Last years Award’s Gala Dinner saw the introduction of the inaugural Leading with Kindness award, which created a hugely positive impact across the HR industry. Gleneagles Hotel was the eventual winner of this inaugural award in 2023, which was sponsored by kindness consultancy, Leading Kind. People director at Gleneagles, Emma Simpson along with Lynn Killick from Leading Kind, spoke to Andy Moore about the huge benefits for leaders who adopt a leading with kindness culture in their organisation. Also in the latest issue:
- The regular sections of the magazine include: Stats, EXTRA and The Bookshop
- The ‘Insights’ section features first class comment from those in the know on a range of subjects including: Employee Benefits; CEO Mistakes; Menopause at Work; Financial Wellness
Click the front cover below to read the latest issue:
Shopworkers speak out about violence, threats and abuse – Usdaw asks customers to ‘keep your cool’ at Christmas
Shopworkers speak out about violence, threats and abuse – Usdaw asks customers to ‘keep your cool’ at Christmas
Retail trade union Usdaw is asking customers to ‘keep your cool’ as the busy pre- Christmas shopping gets underway, which will culminate in what the retail industry has already dubbed ‘Super Saturday’, with 23 December being the last full shopping day before Christmas.
Shocking statistics from Usdaw’s annual survey of shopworkers shows there are still far too many incidents of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers. Interim results from over 3,000 retail staff responses show that in the last twelve months:
- 65% have experienced verbal abuse
- 42% were threatened by a customer.
- 5% were assaulted.
- 72% of verbal abuse was caused by customer frustration.
Voices from the frontline: These are some of the comments shopworkers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:
- “Aggressive and confrontational customers. Seen shoplifters run out of the door. Customers blame us for lack of stock on shelves.”
- “Called an “ignoramus woman” for (correctly) printing the requested lottery tickets.”
- “Bad language, threatening to stab people. Customer told me to shut up and f**k myself.”
- “Customer was unhappy about being charged for a plastic bag, became very verbally abusive and followed me, threatening physical violence.
- “Drunk people not happy when refused to serve them, threatening and banging on the screen.”
- “I’ve been screamed at and verbally abused by so many customers and so often. I have anxiety and nightmares about going to work.”
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “It is heart-breaking to hear these testimonies from shopworkers who deserve far more respect than they receive. Our latest survey results clearly show the scale of the appalling violence, threats and abuse faced by retail staff.
“It is shocking that two-thirds of our members working in retail stores are suffering abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence. Seven in ten of these incidents were triggered by customers being frustrated with stock shortages, lack of staff or problems with self-service checkouts.
“All of these problems are largely outside the control of retail staff, but they are the people who bear the brunt of shoppers’ anger. Our members tell us that incidents of verbal abuse are much worse in the run up to Christmas, when shops are busy, customers are stressed and things can boil over. That is why we are asking customers to ‘keep your cool’ and respect shopworkers, to make the Christmas shopping experience better for everyone.”
The countdown to better access to flex has begun!
The countdown to better access to flex has begun!
The shift towards all parents and carers getting the flex they need took a huge step forward in Parliament this week, meaning it will become law in April 2024. Once this happens, requesting flexible working will be an automatic right from the day and employee starts a job, and they will no longer be expected to explain how the arrangement will work. The other changes employees will notice are that they will be able to make two requests a year instead of one, and the processing time will now be two months instead of three. And by legally ensuring more communication from an employer should they want to reject an application, there will be more opportunity to find a solution that works for everyone.
This comes after Working Families, the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers put forward the proposals to Yasmin Qureshi MP last year, when they were hopeful that the time was ripe for change. And whilst there’s still work to be done before it can be said that everyone has equal access to flexible working, this legislation marks a sea change, and will pave the way for progressive reform in the future so that one day, flexible working will be the default in the UK.
Commenting on the legislation being passed, Yasmin Qureshi MP said: “I’m grateful to Working Families for helping me initiate and progress the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act through Parliament. This new legislation will make it easier for employees to access flexible working opportunities and will encourage employers to think more about what working arrangements they can offer when advertising vacancies. For many of the UK’s working parents and carers, the ability to access greater flexibility could be the difference between quitting work or reducing working hours to meet their caring responsibilities, and staying in their job and maintaining their income.”