Overcoming difficulties

Mark Farrell won an individual award for 'Success in Overcoming Barriers to Employment' at the Local Employment Partnership Awards at the Brit Oval in Surrey on 1 July. Farrell, who has learning difficulties, had been unemployed for 12 years before completing a work preparation programme to build up his confidence.

Working holidays

Around 45% of workers across the globe maintain some sort of contact with work during their holidays, by making themselves available for emergencies or checking messages, according to a Monster survey.

Longer job search

According to a survey by jobsite CareerBuilders, 26% of workers reported it took them two months or longer to find their last job, while one in 10 said it took them more than six months.

Close to home

Three in five (63%) graduates consider living close to their job as a key factor when deciding where to move to after university, according to a survey by graduate website Milkround.

Bigger is safer

Large recruiters, generating over £10,000 worth of profit per employee, are well-equipped to see out the next year in good shape and are almost certain to prosper as weaker competitors go to the wall, according to research by Plimsoll Publishing.

Mother knows best

Two thirds of working mothers would like to give up work, according to a survey by website UKfamily.co.uk.