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25/01/2011
Other UK News In Brief
Have Your Say On Student Visa Reforms
As the public consultation on reform of the student route to the UK draws to a close, the Government has called on people to take this opportunity to make their views heard. The eight week consultation seeks views on a range of measures to reduce the overall number of students who can come into the UK. Proposals include: reducing the number of people coming to the UK to study at below degree level; introducing a tougher English language requirement; and ensuring students wishing to extend their studies show evidence of academic progression.The Government has committed to making changes across the immigration system to achieve its overall aim of reducing net migration to sustainable levels, in addition to the introduction of an annual limit on workers from outside the EU. The student route accounts for two thirds of migrants entering the UK each year which is why it is a key focus for reform. The new proposals could see Tier Four largely restricted to those studying degree level courses, unless the institution is a Highly Trusted Sponsor. English language competency could be a prerequisite for people wanting to study a higher level course and Tier Four applicants will have to pass an English language test showing competence at intermediary level B2, a step up from the B1 currently required. The drive to ensure students return overseas after their course finishes could mean students will have to leave the UK and apply for a new visa to further their studies, and show evidence of progression to a higher course. It could also mean students are not given unrestricted access to work through the post-study route under Tier One. In addition, the Government is looking at ways to improve the inspection and accreditation of the education sector, to ensure the courses offered by private institutions of further and higher education are of the highest quality.
West Lothian Council Fined After Pensioner's Fatal Fall
An elderly lady died when she fell through an access hole in her hallway floor which had been left uncovered by council employees working on her property. In July 2009, Mrs Catherine Walker, 90, walked into the hallway of her house in Broompark View, East Calder, to go to her bathroom. She fell into an unguarded access hole and suffered major injuries from which she later died. West Lothian Council employees were carrying out gas repair works as part of a programme to upgrade the central heating systems in all of the council's domestic properties. The work involved fitting new radiators, pipework, a boiler and electrical control systems. As the pipework runs under the floors, the floorboards were lifted in order to do the job. West Lothian Council pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act and was fined £80,000 at Livingston Sheriff Court.
Graduate Recruitment Showing Good Signs
Commenting on the release of the Association of Graduate Recruiters Survey, David Willetts Minister for Universities and Science said: "The graduate employment market is showing encouraging signs of improvement for the first time since the beginning of the recession. Investment in growing the economy and creating a highly skilled workforce is critical and graduates have a vital part to play. A degree remains a good investment in the long term and is one of the best pathways to achieving a good job and rewarding career. However, the job market remains competitive for new graduates, as it does for everyone, and graduates still need to work hard to maximise their chances of success. Internships are a route being followed by increasing numbers of graduates and, as part of our programme to get Britain working, we continue to encourage employers to invest in students and graduates by offering work experience and internships which help them to develop valuable skills and boost their employment chances."
(BMcN/GK)
As the public consultation on reform of the student route to the UK draws to a close, the Government has called on people to take this opportunity to make their views heard. The eight week consultation seeks views on a range of measures to reduce the overall number of students who can come into the UK. Proposals include: reducing the number of people coming to the UK to study at below degree level; introducing a tougher English language requirement; and ensuring students wishing to extend their studies show evidence of academic progression.The Government has committed to making changes across the immigration system to achieve its overall aim of reducing net migration to sustainable levels, in addition to the introduction of an annual limit on workers from outside the EU. The student route accounts for two thirds of migrants entering the UK each year which is why it is a key focus for reform. The new proposals could see Tier Four largely restricted to those studying degree level courses, unless the institution is a Highly Trusted Sponsor. English language competency could be a prerequisite for people wanting to study a higher level course and Tier Four applicants will have to pass an English language test showing competence at intermediary level B2, a step up from the B1 currently required. The drive to ensure students return overseas after their course finishes could mean students will have to leave the UK and apply for a new visa to further their studies, and show evidence of progression to a higher course. It could also mean students are not given unrestricted access to work through the post-study route under Tier One. In addition, the Government is looking at ways to improve the inspection and accreditation of the education sector, to ensure the courses offered by private institutions of further and higher education are of the highest quality.
West Lothian Council Fined After Pensioner's Fatal Fall
An elderly lady died when she fell through an access hole in her hallway floor which had been left uncovered by council employees working on her property. In July 2009, Mrs Catherine Walker, 90, walked into the hallway of her house in Broompark View, East Calder, to go to her bathroom. She fell into an unguarded access hole and suffered major injuries from which she later died. West Lothian Council employees were carrying out gas repair works as part of a programme to upgrade the central heating systems in all of the council's domestic properties. The work involved fitting new radiators, pipework, a boiler and electrical control systems. As the pipework runs under the floors, the floorboards were lifted in order to do the job. West Lothian Council pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act and was fined £80,000 at Livingston Sheriff Court.
Graduate Recruitment Showing Good Signs
Commenting on the release of the Association of Graduate Recruiters Survey, David Willetts Minister for Universities and Science said: "The graduate employment market is showing encouraging signs of improvement for the first time since the beginning of the recession. Investment in growing the economy and creating a highly skilled workforce is critical and graduates have a vital part to play. A degree remains a good investment in the long term and is one of the best pathways to achieving a good job and rewarding career. However, the job market remains competitive for new graduates, as it does for everyone, and graduates still need to work hard to maximise their chances of success. Internships are a route being followed by increasing numbers of graduates and, as part of our programme to get Britain working, we continue to encourage employers to invest in students and graduates by offering work experience and internships which help them to develop valuable skills and boost their employment chances."
(BMcN/GK)
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27 January 2004
2004 shows rise in jobs for graduates
Conditions are improving in the graduate job market, with graduate vacancies set to rise by almost 12% this year, according to research published today. According to the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) recruitment survey for 2004, graduate positions are set to increase by 11.
2004 shows rise in jobs for graduates
Conditions are improving in the graduate job market, with graduate vacancies set to rise by almost 12% this year, according to research published today. According to the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) recruitment survey for 2004, graduate positions are set to increase by 11.
18 September 2006
Tough financial future for 'IPOD Generation'
The economic position of young people in the UK will significantly worsen unless radical action is taken, a new report has warned.
Tough financial future for 'IPOD Generation'
The economic position of young people in the UK will significantly worsen unless radical action is taken, a new report has warned.
17 April 2015
New Graduate Jobs Announced For Swansea
Almost 90 new graduate jobs are to be created by clinical research company PRA Health Services in Swansea. The jobs announcement follows the approval of funding of £990,000 from the Welsh government.
New Graduate Jobs Announced For Swansea
Almost 90 new graduate jobs are to be created by clinical research company PRA Health Services in Swansea. The jobs announcement follows the approval of funding of £990,000 from the Welsh government.
24 November 2010
Government Sets Limit For Non-European Workers
A raft of new measures will strictly control the numbers that can come to the UK and work from outside Europe, the Home Secretary has announced.
Government Sets Limit For Non-European Workers
A raft of new measures will strictly control the numbers that can come to the UK and work from outside Europe, the Home Secretary has announced.
08 February 2006
Graduate vacancies set to grow this year
The Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) has revealed that graduate vacancies will continue to grow in 2006 for the third consecutive year. However, almost half of the recruiters are not confident that they will be able to fill all of the vacancies.
Graduate vacancies set to grow this year
The Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) has revealed that graduate vacancies will continue to grow in 2006 for the third consecutive year. However, almost half of the recruiters are not confident that they will be able to fill all of the vacancies.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
