Podcast Summary
LinkedIn's Hidden Talent Pool and Olive & June's Manicure Solution: LinkedIn holds untapped potential for businesses seeking top talent, while Olive & June's manicure system offers a convenient and effective DIY solution for salon-quality manicures.
LinkedIn is a valuable resource for businesses looking to hire top talent. With over 70% of LinkedIn users not visiting other leading job sites, businesses that don't post jobs on LinkedIn risk missing out on great candidates like Sandra, who might not be actively looking for a new job but could be open to the perfect role. Meanwhile, Olive and June offers an affordable and convenient solution for achieving salon-quality manicures at home. The mani system is quick-drying, long-lasting, and easy to use, making it a game changer for those who used to struggle with DIY manicures. In the news, teachers in England and Wales have joined their Scottish counterparts in going on strike over pay, marking the first time in more than 6 years that teachers in England and Wales have taken this action. The strikes have divided opinion, with some arguing that the disruption is unfair to students and parents, while others believe that the teachers' actions are necessary to draw attention to their concerns. At the heart of the story are three key players: Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtenay, co-general secretaries of the National Education Union, and the government, which has been accused of not listening to teachers' demands for better pay and working conditions.
NEU Strikes Disrupt Schools Amid Teacher Pay Dispute: The NEU's decision to strike over teacher pay is causing significant disruption to schools, with millions of pupils missing out on education.
The ongoing dispute between the government and the National Education Union (NEU) over teacher pay is causing significant disruption to schools, with the largest teaching union deciding to hold strikes. The two co-chairs of the NEU, Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, come from different backgrounds and have different styles, but are united in their commitment to securing a better pay deal for teachers before they step down. The education sector has seen a rapid turnover of secretaries of state in recent years, with Gillian Keegan being the latest appointment. Despite not having a university education, Keegan has had a successful business career and is known for her calm and softly-spoken demeanor. The NEU's decision to strike, despite opposition from other unions, is causing millions of pupils to miss out on education, making it a critical issue for all involved.
NEU's push for apprenticeships amid teachers' strike chaos: The NEU is advocating for apprenticeships while facing a teachers' strike, causing uncertainty for schools and leading to an increase in NEU membership
The National Education Union (NEU) in England is pushing for more children to pursue apprenticeships instead of going to university at 18. However, the education sector is facing chaos due to a teachers' strike called by the NEU, while other unions did not reach the threshold for strike action. This has left schools in a difficult position, as they don't know how many teachers will be absent on strike days. The NEU has seen a surge in new members since the strike ballot outcome, with some teachers reportedly switching from other unions. The unions' campaign to win over parents' support is labeled as an "SOS campaign" to save schools from the impact of the strikes. The uncertain situation has left many head teachers worried and struggling with crisis planning.
UK Teachers' Strike: Beyond Pay: Teachers in the UK are striking for better pay, but also due to real-terms funding cuts, parent donations, high turnover, and respect for their dedication.
The ongoing teachers' strike in the UK is not just about better pay, but also about the real-terms school funding cuts since 2010, constant parent donations for essentials, and the high teacher turnover rate. Teachers are committed to this dispute due to the general unhappiness about pay deals, especially considering inflation running at double digits. Young teachers, who are the demographic the government has been trying to attract, are leading the strike actions due to their inability to afford housing and being paid significantly less than their contemporaries. Teachers are seeking respect for their difficult job, long hours, and dedication to children. The underlying tension between the government and the education system is rooted in the perceived depletion of education investment, as shown by research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
Government-Teachers Union Pay Dispute Leads to Planned Strikes: Despite funding for schools, teachers are frustrated with the government's refusal to grant inflationary pay rises, leading to planned strikes and criticism for lack of meaningful discussions.
The ongoing dispute between the government and teachers' unions over pay has led to planned strikes, despite lengthy negotiations. The unions, including the more moderate ones, are growing increasingly frustrated with the government's stance that they cannot afford to grant inflationary pay rises due to the impact on inflation. Schools, which have received significant funding, are facing budget constraints, and teachers are expressing concerns about their wages. The government has been criticized for not engaging in meaningful discussions about pay, with some unions considering strike action. The talks between the government and unions have not resulted in a resolution, and both sides are hoping for a settlement before the next election. Labour has remained relatively quiet on the issue.
UK Teachers' Strikes: Impact on Children and Potential Divisiveness Among Teachers: The ongoing UK teachers' strikes are causing uncertainty, potentially impacting children, particularly those who have already experienced disruption due to COVID-19. The strikes may also be divisive among teachers and could result in schools prioritizing exam years and vulnerable children while closing completely for others.
The ongoing teachers' strikes in the UK are causing uncertainty and potential divisiveness within the education system. Oliver Wright, policy editor at The Times, discussed the potential implications of the strikes during an interview. He expressed concern about the impact on children, particularly those who have already experienced significant disruption due to COVID-19. Wright also questioned whether the strikes would be divisive among teachers, pitting those in favor of striking against those who believe it's not in the best interest of students. Additionally, he noted that the Labor Party may be observing the situation before making a decision. The strikes have resulted in schools attempting to stay open, prioritizing exam years and vulnerable children, similar to the approach during the pandemic. However, many schools will be closed completely.
Students struggle with attendance and learning loss during pandemic: Despite efforts to maintain quality education, students face attendance issues and learning loss due to pandemic disruptions. Online learning effectiveness is questioned, and upcoming GCSE exams may not offer leniency for missed content.
Despite some schools' efforts to maintain high-quality education during the pandemic, many students are struggling with attendance and learning loss. The COVID generation of pupils has already faced significant disruptions, and the upcoming GCSE exams may not offer leniency for missed content. Schools report attendance rates below pre-pandemic levels, with some students even dropping out entirely. Additionally, students have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of online learning during the pandemic, which has left them unprepared for practical exams and unable to master essential concepts. The government has previously made accommodations for uncovered curriculum in exams, but this year's exams are expected to be more rigorous, potentially leaving students who have missed crucial content at a disadvantage.
Public Opinion on UK Teachers' Strikes: Support for UK teachers' strikes varies, with Labour supporters mostly in favour and Conservative voters opposed. Parents are divided, with concerns about education impact and support for teachers' demands. Union plans seven strike days, potentially more if no pay deal reached, with long-term student impact uncertain.
There is public support for the teachers' strikes in the UK, according to a YouGov poll, with 51% of Britons expressing their support and 41% opposing it. However, this support is not evenly distributed across political lines, with 79% of Labour supporters and only 24% of Conservative voters backing the strikes. Among parents, opinions are divided, with some expressing concerns about the impact on their children's education and others supporting the teachers' demands for better pay and working conditions. The union leading the strikes has announced seven strike days between now and mid-March, with the possibility of more if a pay deal is not reached by then. The long-term impact of the strikes on students, particularly those in the COVID generation, remains to be seen, with many still dealing with the effects of the pandemic and facing potential fines for non-attendance.
Flexibility in Education: Online Learning for Older Children: The pandemic has accelerated the trend towards online learning for older children, with families finding success through flexible arrangements. Schools may need to adapt to this shift, and the next government should address this issue as more parents demand flexible education options.
The pandemic has highlighted the need for flexibility in education, particularly for older children who prefer online learning. Many families have found success with online schools and part-time arrangements, and this trend is expected to continue. Schools may need to adapt to this shift, as more students grow up accustomed to learning online due to its convenience and potential safety benefits. The next government may need to address this issue as more parents request flexible education options. Sian Griffiths, The Sunday Times Education Editor, discussed these points on the Stories of Our Times podcast. Other topics included the benefits of yoga for flexibility and the importance of celebrating mothers on Mother's Day. The podcast was produced by Priyanka Dillard, with executive production by Kate Ford and sound design by David Crackles. Listeners were encouraged to check out UnitedHealthcare Insurance Plans for flexible health insurance options and 1 800 Flowers for Mother's Day gifts.
