…in brief

This week’s news in brief

Career change wish

More than a quarter of staff claim they are unfulfilled in their current
career and need a new challenge, in a report by careers consultancy Penna
Sanders & Sidney. Taking the Plunge polled 1,000 people and reports that
financial considerations and age are the biggest barriers to a career change.  www.e-penna.com

Councils ignore Net

Socpo’s president has urged local councils to introduce e-recruitment after
a survey shows local authority staff expect councils to use the Internet.
"It is disappointing to see that many councils are not seeking the
advantages of the Internet for recruitment. To make sure we are a modern and
attractive employer we must make it as easy as possible for candidates to
apply," said Keith Handley.  www.socpo.org.uk

Office party snub

One in seven employees would rather clean their house than attend their
office Christmas party, according to research. Nearly a fifth would rather not
socialise with colleagues, while 11 per cent felt that they had no choice and
had to go to the works festive bash to further their careers. Lambeth Borough
Council, however, has done the exact opposite and is spending nearly £160,000
on a Christmas party at the London Hilton Metropole for 400 staff.  www.jobs.telegraph.co.uk

Equality Bill advance

A private members Bill to outlaw age discrimination got its second reading
last week. The Age Equality Commission Bill, introduced by MP Candy Atherton,
calls for an age equality commission to be set up to examine all aspects of age
equality in society. The Employers Forum on Age welcomed a debate on the
creation of a commission.

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Prize draw winners

The winner of the prize draw for entering Personnel Today’s Refugees in
Employment survey (News, 20 November) is Laura Storr, personnel assistant at AP
Information Services. Laura wins a year’s gym membership at LA Fitness. A
basket of Body Shop products goes to Nicholas Bowry, senior personnel officer
at Edinburgh University.