Clearview National September 2016 - Issue 178 | Page 85

BUSINESSNEWS

Bringing stress to work can be fatal

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A POWERFUL NEW FILM launched by the British Safety Council shows how stress can lead to injury and fatalities at work . In any activity where concentration is vital for safety , such as working in construction or driving , stress can be fatal . Stress is often discussed in relation to sickness absence . However , it ’ s less reported how it can endanger lives . Some research shows that up to 80 % of accidents are related to stress at work . Whether it is work-related stress or stress that people bring to work , stress can put at risk the safety of both employees and members of the public .
Matthew Holder , Head of Campaigns and Engagement at the British Safety Council , commented : “ It is well documented that stress is a significant cause of sickness absence , undermining both productivity and profitability . What is less discussed is how stress can endanger lives . Evidence shows that stress significantly contributes to injuries in sectors such as construction , transport and agriculture .
“ We made ‘ The last word ’ to warn people that being tired , distracted and unable to fully concentrate can make simple tasks like climbing a ladder more dangerous . Aimed at employees , it contains a warning that being stressed can endanger their lives . However , the film is also directed at employers , showing how important it is that managers and supervisors identify the symptoms of stress and help their staff to deal with it . As the film says , life can be stressful but people need to be aware of the danger signs .”
The film is part of the British Safety Council campaign ‘ Speak Up , Stay Safe ’, targeted at younger employees to raise their awareness of risks at work . It ’ s the first time the campaign has tackled stress .
There is a lot of statistical evidence demonstrating the consequences of stress at work :
In 2014 / 15 , 440,000 people in the UK reported work-related stress at a level they believed was making them ill . That ’ s 40 % of all work-related illness ( source : HSE ).
Stress is believed to be a major cause of accidents in the workplace , with evidence showing that 60-80 % of accidents are related to workplace stress .
Watch the video at www . youtube . com / watch ? v = uRNjJkAO0Ys

BREXIT HAS TRIGGERED 50 % SURGE IN MORTGAGE ENQUIRIES

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MORTGAGE ENQUIRIES from overseas buyers are up 50 per cent since the Brexit decision , reports the mortgages division of one of the world ’ s largest independent financial advisory organisations . deVere Mortgages , part of deVere Group , which
specialises in UK mortgages for expats and overseas buyers , primarily from the Middle East , Europe and Far East , affirms the uptick is a direct result of the outcome .
Mike Coady , Managing Director of deVere Mortgages , comments : “ We have experienced an almost 50 per cent increase in mortgage enquiries from British expats and overseas buyers since the result of the historic referendum that will see Britain leaving the European Union . We can attribute this significant surge in demand primarily to five key motivators .”
He continues : “ First , UK property has long been – and remains – highly in demand by those who reside overseas . This is because of the ongoing
fundamental strengths of British residential property investments . But many potential purchasers had been putting off enquiring about mortgages and waiting for the referendum result to see how the land lies . Now we have the outcome , a high proportion of these have swung into action .
“ Second , there are some signs that the rate of underlying house prices continues to cool off in many parts of the country . This began before the referendum . Clearly , this is an attractive trend for buyers .
“ Third , the pound has plummeted since the Brexit vote ’ s decision was announced . It is down approximately 11.5 per cent against the dollar and 10.5 per cent against the euro . As such , those buying in the UK
with their local foreign currency are finding more value than before .
“ Fourth , similarly , those raising a deposit in their local foreign currency are finding it easier to do so due to the Brexit-battered pound .
“ And fifth , it is our experience that some UK sellers are more nervous since the shock result . With this in mind , some are willing to take lower offers from potential buyers than they were previously , especially overseas buyers who tend not to be part of a chain .”
Mr Coady goes on to say : “ The vast majority of the enquiries we have had since 24 June are from expats and nationals from the UAE , Qatar and other parts of the Middle East .”
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