7 February 2023

A new national survey looking at individual patient experiences of Botulinum Toxin Complications launched

This survey primarily aims to capture individual consumer experiences following receipt of Botulinum Toxin injections. The survey was created with a cross-disciplinary team, between JCCP, BAAPS and University College London to identify extent of challenge faced by members of the public in the cosmetic sector. It including researchers, psychologists, clinicians, and patient representatives. If you have had a challenging experience that you wish to share or know any who has had a challenging experience, this survey will provide the platform for you or them to share that experience.

This survey is particularly timely, as the highly anticipated government public consultation on the design of a new licence for non-surgical cosmetic practice in England is set to be launched by the Department of Health and Social Care in the Spring of this year. 

The survey can be accessed here.

Bank rate raised for the tenth time in a row

On Thursday 2 February 2023, The Bank of England raised its interest rate (Bank Rate) by 0.5 percentage points to 4%.

The Bank of England's interest rate influences many other rates in the UK, including those you might have for a loan, mortgage or savings account. Bank Rate is also widely known as 'the base rate' or 'the interest rate'.

The Bank of England is raising interest rates because inflation is too high. It's around 10% now, and their target is 2%.

HMRC Scam alert

HMRC has warned of an increase in identity and tax fraud-related scams due to the self-assessment deadline, which took place on 31 January. If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email related to this, please report these directly to HMRC.

Wales: Economy Minister urges businesses to take on an apprentice

As the annual National Apprenticeship Week gets underway, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething is encouraging more firms to consider how an apprentice can help them boost their businesses.

Between 6-12 February 2023, National Apprenticeship Week is an annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships and the value they bring to employers and learners across Wales.

Apprenticeships are a vital part of the Welsh Government's Young Person's Guarantee, which provides under 25s in Wales the support to gain a place in education or training, find a job or become self-employed.

Read the full press release. 

Cost-of-living crisis: helping businesses respond

Rising inflation, particularly for critical commodities (such as energy, food and fuel), is pushing businesses to closure and households into poverty and financial hardship, including employment. It also stretches the community organisations that help these households to breaking point.

Business in the Community (BITC) has launched a new Cost-of-Living Action Plan for Businesses that details 12 calls to action to support you to be faster, braver and bolder in your response to the ongoing crisis.

For further information, please select the following links:

DfE: Apprenticeships boosted under plans to broaden UCAS

Young people will be able to use UCAS to search and apply for apprenticeships, alongside degrees, under new plans announced by the Education Secretary and UCAS (6 February).

From this autumn, UCAS will expand their service so that young people can see more personalised options, including apprenticeships. From 2024, students can apply for apprenticeships through UCAS alongside an undergraduate degree application.

Almost half of the people registering on UCAS say they would consider an apprenticeship. 

Read the full Press Release. 

NHBF fighting for you – meeting with the Personal Care Minister

Rosina Robson, Director of Policy & Public Affairs at the NHBF, attended an online meeting and Q&A with the Minister for Retail and Personal Care Services, Kevin Hollinrake, last week. The Minister set out the government's support to businesses so far through business rates discounts, the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, levelling up funds, etc.

NHBF questioned the Minister about current levels of support for energy bills which is still a top concern of businesses. The Energy Bill Relief Scheme has been valuable, but the Energy Bill Discount Scheme will offer businesses less than half the level of support. We queried whether there would be further targeted support for businesses trapped in high contracts and further incentives for businesses in the longer term wanting to reduce their energy bills through energy efficiency measures and introducing renewable energy sources. There were no additional commitments made to add to existing support. There was also discussion around proposals to change the apprenticeship levy to support employers taking on apprentices.