It’s often the case that more money is going out, than coming in, and households around the UK are still doing everything they can to cut down on expenditure as winter draws in.
Tonight’s leftovers are tomorrow’s lunches, and the likes of X Factor and Strictly have made an easy transition from entertainment to intertainment. Going even one step further, to really cut back as Jack Frost approaches our doors, moneysupermarket has confirmed many people plan to put on the layers instead of the heating as we reach the coldest time of the year!
So, as the countdown begins to December 25th, this year’s letter to Santa, will, most likely, have more logical present requests – ones which might ease the burden of such strict budgeting. And at the top of the list? Job security.
This, as it happens, appears to be one wish he might be able to make true. Employment opportunities are predicted to rise this Christmas, not in the corporate sector, but via the small to medium businesses – quite in keeping with the tradition of the festive season wouldn’t you say? 😉
10 years ago, I remember seeing signs of the struggle for small businesses as big brand names began taking over the high streets, even in the smallest of towns. Providing stock and services cheaper and in bulk, the SME had to quickly adapt and quietly cut back. However as the credit crunch peaked in 2009, the bigger stores tumbled down – falling by the wayside and making way for the tortoise to shine again. Surviving the storm, the SMEs adapted their business model to lower level overheads and running costs.
Santender Banking Group has now released research indicating 17% of small to medium businesses plan to recruit new employees in the run up to Christmas. This is significant news for many unemployed people who, rather than becoming a disposable number in a large work force, can join someone’s business and make a valuable contribution. Working in a smaller business, enables you to make a considerable impression on your employer and a visible difference to the success of their business in a smaller amount of time.
So this year, when you make your Christmas wish, and fall fast asleep, make sure you leave an extra cookie or two out for Santa – which such good news indicated for 2010, he certainly deserves it.
