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Women (and men) don’t enjoy the full wellbeing benefits of flexible working

Women (and men) don’t enjoy the full wellbeing benefits of flexible working

There has been significant expansion of flexible working arrangements (FWAs) in the last two decades, driven to some degree by the work-life balance agenda. However, in practice work-life balance and flexible working continue to be viewed as a ‘women’s issue’, as women more often reduce hours or work part-time. But recent research conducted by my own department suggests that women working flexibly are not experiencing the potential wellbeing benefits when compared to men. Flexible working arrangements include part-time, flexi-time, job share and homeworking. Part-time accounts for approximately 40 percent of female employment and is the most common FWA used by women. Term-time working is also used predominantly by women, reflecting the typical gender roles regarding caring for school-aged children. Meanwhile, flexi-time remains the most…
Dr Neil Thompson
June 9, 2016
11th Autism-Europe International Congress

11th Autism-Europe International Congress

Autism-Europe’s international congresses are dedicated to sharing advances in practical and scientific knowledge about autism to as wide an audience as possible, including researchers, professionals, parents and self-advocates. The theme of the 2016 Congress is Happy, healthy and empowered.  The Congress will focus on the most recent developments across the field of autism, including causes, genetics, diagnosis, early intervention, treatments, education, support, employment, rights and policies, and many more. It will also cover the evolution of knowledge, rights and services for autistic people, as well as providing insight into future developments in knowledge and technologies for autistic people that may soon become a part of everyday life. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
June 9, 2016
Neil Thompson’s Lesson for Living – Magical thinking

Neil Thompson’s Lesson for Living – Magical thinking

The term, ‘magical thinking’ is one generally used to refer to an aspect of child development. It describes a form of wishful thinking that is characteristic of young children. In principle, we grow out of it as we develop through adolescence into adulthood. It relates to situation where results are expected to arise without our making them happen. For example, a young child may believe that if they want a bike for their birthday and really do want it enough, then it might just transpire that they get the bike they desire. I have said that we grow out of it ‘in principle’, but what I feel is important to recognise is that not everybody does, or at least not…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 26, 2016
Vulnerable people regularly refused access to GPs, says charity

Vulnerable people regularly refused access to GPs, says charity

Some of the most vulnerable people in the UK are regularly refused access to a doctor, according to a report. Pregnant women, children and homeless people are among those who have been wrongly turned away from practices. Medical care is also refused to sex workers, domestic workers and people who have suffered torture, trafficking, domestic and sexual violence, research has found. In some cases, vulnerable people have been refused registration on more than one occasion. The research conducted by Doctors of the World (DoTW) found that medical centres and GP surgeries were refusing to help at least two in five people, despite their being eligible for free primary healthcare. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
May 26, 2016
How this global company is setting up a domino effect of happiness

How this global company is setting up a domino effect of happiness

Workplace safety is a big issue for many companies. There are frequent briefings, lots of charts and drills, and copious safety gear. But until recently, the emphasis has mostly focused on physical health and well-being, rather than mental health — despite the fact one in five Australians will experience a mental health condition this year. Sodexo, an organisation that provides on-site services such as facilities management and catering, is trying to change the conversation around mental health in the workplace. The company is proud of its safety record, having gone more than two years without a Lost Time Injury, and is now trying to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health by including it in the concept of health in the workplace.…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 26, 2016
Workplan for 2016/17 Social Servuces and Well-being (Wales) Act unveiled

Workplan for 2016/17 Social Servuces and Well-being (Wales) Act unveiled

... want to find out what you can expect from the Getting in on the Act programme over the forthcoming year? The 2016/17 national training programme for the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act builds upon last year’s awareness-raising training and aims to strengthen professionals’ knowledge and understanding of the Act with further in-depth training and learning materials on specific aspects of the Act. Among the new training resources to look out for are expert classes for those whose roles are most affected by the Act, training for those working in the secure estate and the launch of programmes for both practice  leaders and social services practitioners. You can find a new timeline ... that shows when each resource is set to…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 26, 2016
Employers need to step up support to retain valuable older workers and working carers

Employers need to step up support to retain valuable older workers and working carers

With people living longer and fewer young people entering the labour market, Britain’s employers are increasingly reliant on the skills and talents of older workers to boost productivity. However, the ageing population also means that there will be an estimated nine million carers in the UK by 2037, many of whom will be trying to juggle both care and employment. This is according to new research released today by the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development. It finds that, although the UK’s policy framework for supporting older workers and creating fuller working lives is well-developed in comparison to many other European countries, there is a crucial need to turn this thinking into practical action from organisations, to avoid…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 26, 2016
Spotlight – Social Aspects of Death, Dying and Bereavement one-day conference

Spotlight – Social Aspects of Death, Dying and Bereavement one-day conference

Announcing an important one-day conference on Social Aspects of Death, Dying and Bereavement in Glasgow on Saturday 5th November, 2016. Speakers include Robert Neimeyer, Kenneth Doka and Neil Thompson. The conference is hosted by The International Work Group (IWG) for Death, Dying and Bereavement, a non-profit organisation, supporting leaders in the field of death, dying and bereavement in their efforts to stimulate and enhance innovative ideas, research, and practice. The conference is open to non IWG members and will include participants from across the UK.  Delegates from health and social care, from local and central government, from academia and the third sector and from the funeral industry.  It will bring a number of high profile speakers to explain the importance of…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 12, 2016