The Insider

Equality Act 2010 Now in Force

Last week saw a range of employment regulation announcements, leading the Chambers to question whether or not the Government’s promises to deregulate were nothing more than talk.

The Equality Act 2010 came into force on Friday and there were many changes to the National Minimum Wage. The Government also announced that Additional Paternity Leave is going ahead in April 2011, as is an extension to the right to request flexible working. Both of these are described as interim measures before more wholesale reforms.

Ask Cllr Robert Bliss – Leader of Shepway District Council

As part of National Customer Service Week, businesses and residents across Shepway are invited to ‘Ask the Leader' any questions about the council by filling in an ‘ask the leader' form and dropping it into the Civic Centre. Cllr Robert Bliss, Leader of the Council will then post his responses on the website. Please telephone Tracy Reynolds at the Chamber (01303 270022) for a copy of this form.
Shepway District Council will also be holding a number of raodshows locally to make everyone more aware of the services they provide. See their website for further details :http://www.shepway.gov.uk/content/view/201030/1922/

Train Services in Kent Online Survey

Win a night out for two at the Quarterhouse, Folkestone's leading venue for comedy, film, music and theatre. The prize includes two tickets to see a film of your choice* and a meal in the restaurant for two people.

To share your experiences and opinions of train services in Kent please complete the online survey to be entered into the free prize draw

Your A-Board Need a License

According to the KCC any business wishing to place an A- Board on the public highway, must now seek permission from Kent Highway Services. Once agreed, a permit will be issued and will need to be displayed in the premises shop window.

This replaces their existing Tables and Chairs Policy and KCC are claiming to be improving highway safety for pedestrians, reducing the appearance of clutter and obstructions in streets. Taking into account the current financial climate; their new policy has also been designed to be both ‘straight forward’ and ‘inexpensive'. Visits are also planned to all 12 districts over the coming months, to let businesses in each town centre know about this.

Let Us Entertain You

If you’re not already on the circulation list may we recommend that you sign on to a new monthly email providing details of a wide variety of cultural events across Kent .

The idea is to link events and potential audiences in as simple a way as possible without overwhelming people with information as many “what’s on” listings do.

You can choose a single highlights email and/or an email about one of eight specific art forms, delivered to your inbox each month. There are art form-specific emails which cover: festivals, theatre, film, comedy, live music, classical music, visual arts and children's events.

Sign up NOW at www.kentarts.org.uk

Get Online Week: 18 – 25 October

It’s just a fortnight away and Channel Chamber is gearing up to take part in the national ‘Get Online Week’ to help convert more and more residents across East Kent to understand and enjoy the benefits of the Internet.