OK, so life may still not be 100% back to normal…
But that doesn’t mean we should write off the year completely. While the pandemic continues to have an impact on how we think and what we do, it’s important to take note of the positives. Even though it may feel there hasn’t been much uplifting news lately, there are still a lot of reasons to be optimistic. You just need to know where to find them..
To help lift your mood, here are ten good things that are happening in the world right now:
1. Free broadband for jobseekers
To give a boost to jobseekers, telecoms provider TalkTalk has teamed up with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide UK jobseekers with six months free broadband access. So even when times are tough, you don’t have to miss out on finding your new start.
View all vacancies on Reed.co.uk
2. UK’s first retirement home for bees opens
Unbee-lievable but true. Created by Flying Flowers, bees visiting the Honeysuckle Bee-tirement home can look forward to getting some rest and rejuvenation with facilities like recreational areas that are surrounded with pollen-filled flowers, a sugar water foundation and even mini-armchairs. Yes, really!
With bee numbers decreasing worldwide, we’re sure this will be a great inspiration for others to create their own bee-havens.
3. Cafe staffed by people with learning disabilities opens
Fair Shot Cafe, which is opening in London’s Mayfair in November, is a social enterprise that offers training and future employment to young disabled adults. In partnership with West London College, 14 trainees will spend four days working in the cafe preparing and serving delicious beverages and refreshments, and one day at college.
Set up by Bianca Tavella, the cafe aims to remove the barriers that prevent young people with disabilities from finding paid work opportunities.
4. First Malaria vaccine is given WHO approval
The COVID-19 vaccine wasn’t the only scientific breakthrough made over the last year. A vaccine against Malaria is now one step closer to being rolled out for use after advisors for the World Health Organisation (WHO) concluded it could save thousands of lives each year.
The next step is for the vaccine to be given the full go ahead for use by the WHO, and then funding for its manufacturer to be secured.
5. UK travel list is simplified
It’s time to dust off the suitcase and dig out your passport as international travel is back on. The confusing traffic light system has been scrapped and replaced by a single red list of counties. Lateral flow tests will also replace PCR tests for those returning from abroad, which could be a huge cost saving for anyone looking to travel in the coming weeks and months.
6. Return to normal life is given a boost (literally)
COVID-19 vaccine booster jabs are now being offered to the most vulnerable, and people over 50, who have had their second dose of the vaccine at least six months ago. This should help to ensure people are protected over the winter months, and also hopefully help the country continue to collectively recover from the effects of the pandemic.
7. Tigers are thriving again in China
Tigers are mostly synonymous with India, but less than a century ago you could see the Amur Tiger roaming the forests of northeastern China. Decades of urbanisation and hunting dramatically reduced their numbers to the point of extinction. However, persistent efforts by the Chinese government, including the establishment of several natural reserves, have seen the number of tigers in the area increasing.
8. We’re continuing to fight climate change
Between 31st October and 12th November, leaders of countries,heads of state from around the world, climate experts and campaigners will gather in Glasgow for the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (known as COP26 for short).
This is the 26th instalment of COP, but this year’s meeting is seen as particularly significant as countries are expected to set out more ambitious goals for ending their contribution to climate change under the Paris Agreement.
9. It’s (nearly) Christmasssssss….
Let’s be honest, Christmas last year was a total letdown – with COVID-19 restrictions preventing people from spending it together with friends and family. This year Christmas is going big. Seasonal events and festivals will be springing up around the country, and we can’t wait. .
Once again, we can look forward to Christmas parties (in one form or the other), sipping on overpriced mulled wine at outdoor Christmas markets and showing off our best moves at the local outdoor skating rink. Oh, and seeing friends and family again. That too.
10. The jobs market is booming
Despite some fears regarding the end of the furlough scheme, the jobs market continues to go from strength to strength. In fact, 354,000 vacancies were advertised on Reed.co.uk in September, with the number of companies posting vacancies on the site at its highest since January 2020.
The increase in job openings has been seen across most sectors, but those working in transport and logistics, financial services, legal and marketing are particularly in demand. So, if you’re ready to love Mondays again, now is the perfect time to start your search.
Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now.
