The Rail, Engineering, Energy, Renewables, Power Blog

Rail travellers often suffer during bad weather and last December’s cold snap was no exception. A study carried out by the Office of Rail Regulation found that both Network Rail and the train operators performed badly over the period.

The problem was made worse by train companies adopting different approaches to passenger information even though they were using the same lines. Operators also failed to coordinate emergency timetables, adding yet more confusion to passengers.

At stations, passengers faced a confusing array of information, from destination boards to tannoy announcements, which left them with no idea when, or even if, trains were running. The report claimed that wildly inaccurate information was being given in some instances because the latest train timetables were not fed into the information system which stations rely on. (more…)

The most fundamental right is to have a job but this must be balanced against fairness and the rights of workers, Lord Young, minister for postal affairs and employment relations at the department for business, innovation and skills (BIS), told the REC National Convention in London today.

He told the audience of around 200 delegates that the government recognised that many workers enjoy agency work, as it gives them the flexibility and an opportunity to re-enter the labour market: “I see recruitment agencies making a positive contribution to this.” (more…)

Imagine living in a unique land, full of of breathtaking scenery. New Zealand has craggy coastlines, sweeping golden beaches, verdant rainforests, snow-capped alpine mountains, gurgling volcanic pools, fuming active volcanoes, flashing fish-filled rivers and glacier-fed lakes, all beneath a brilliant blue sky.

Pair this with a thriving indigenous culture, bustling cosmopolitan cities, traditional towns and friendly people with a distinct lust for life and you have an outstanding and unusual combination.

We currently have some wonderful opportunities for skilled workers in the Roads and Highways Sector who are interested in moving to New Zealand.

If you are experienced in any of the following disciplines, please contact Susan Cardy on 0118 932 0100 for further information or apply online.

• Project Managers
• Designers
• Senior MX Designers
• Senior Bridge Designers
• Transportation Planners

British companies look set to suffer collateral damage in the government’s rush to demonstrate its credentials as tough on immigration. The switch to a new points based system, meant to bar all but the best and most needed workers from outside the European Union, was being planned long before Gordon Brown controversially threw his weight behind British jobs for British Workers two years ago.

Indeed, the government has sought to take a more hard line approach since the 2005 election, drawing up a working visa regime that was straightforward and objective about whom it allowed into the country. Despite that gestation period, leading immigration specialists argue that the system was rushed into existence last year, largely for political reasons. (more…)

Work on hundreds of sites across the country, thought to include the Olympics and Crossrail, could be brought to a halt by strike action proposed for later in the summer. (more…)

London endured its most disruptive bout of industrial action for nearly two years yesterday as a tube strike hit thousands of fans attending the England World Cup qualifier at Wembley and threatened to cost the UK economy up to £100m. (more…)

A recent release from Supply2.Gov.UK is urging small firms (SMEs) to sign up for the Governments Supply2.Gov.UK website to take advantage of the 1000’s of public sector contracts available. A call to action which has been heavily supported by the newly appointed Government Business Secretary Lord Mandelson who said “Every year the Government spends many billions of pounds on public sector contracts. It is vital that we actively help small and medium sized companies take advantage of these business opportunities. In the current economic climate this is more important than ever. SMEs often have smaller overheads, local knowledge and great flexibility. Often they can offer the public sector better value for money than big business.” (more…)

A detailed survey taken across a total sample of 65 clients confirmed the following rationale for naming Resourcing Solutions as their number one recruitment provider.

87% of our clients say that the primary reason for using us is our ability to connect with the right candidates and the depth of our database. (more…)