In today's leadership round-up we look at the advice given by Affinity as they seek to keep people safe from scams while the government seeks to safeguard youth employment.
Affinity advise on staying safe from scams
Although the Covid-19 pandemic has proven a sensitive time for many, criminals are still keen to take advantage of the health crisis and target vulnerable people in order to extort money. With scams becoming more and more sophisticated amid the lockdown, Hillingdon-based Affinity Financial Advisors have warned people to be on the lookout for any unusual activity including strange emails, phone calls and text messages.
Writing on the company’s website, directors Steven Groves, Robert Salter and Kim York said: “It is always advisable to be vigilant and on the lookout for fraudulent activity – unfortunately there can be an increased risk of scams during difficult times. Please be aware of unusual emails, phone calls, text messages and social media accounts that try and convince you they are legitimate in an attempt to get you to disclose personal or financial information.”
Affinity’s senior leadership team advises everyone to take general caution, particularly online. Should any readers be especially concerned, Affinity can be contacted by telephone on 01895 810134, or via email at enquiries@ifa-affinity.co.uk.
New cash boost to take on trainees announces by government
Gillian Keegan, Apprenticeships and Skills Minister, has announced that employers can now apply apply for a £1000 cash boost to help them take on new trainees.
The new scheme will support young people to gain the skills and experience they need from the very start, helping them to get a job, an apprenticeship, or pursue further study. The cash boost – which is available until 31 July 2021 - will help businesses with the cost of providing a high-quality work placement for a trainee. This includes providing facilities, uniforms or helping with travel costs. Businesses offering new traineeship opportunities will receive the £1,000 bonus for every trainee they take on with up to a maximum of 10 trainees. Employers can claim the cash incentive for all work placements that have been completed since 1 September.
Gillian Keegan, Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills said:
We’re pulling out all the stops to help young people get the skills and confidence they need to progress. This cash boost will help employers of all sizes provide more traineeship opportunities, to invest in their workforce so they can rebuild and grow, giving young people a vital route to start their apprenticeship journey, get their first job or go on to further study.
As ministers look to boost the economy and help young people, who have been hit hard by the covid-19 pandemic. A cash boost to employers is seen as a way to stimulate job growth in the face of rising unemployment.
