Lauren's Tech Talent Tribune: November 2024 Edition

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! 👋

Hope this newsletter finds you crushing code and sipping coffee like the rockstars you are! ☕💻

🎉 Big News Alert: 2024 Employment Law Changes! 🎉

Some major changes are coming to UK employment law in 2024. Here's what you need to know:

❤️ Sexual harassment prevention: From October 26, 2024, employers must take reasonable steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment, including from clients and customers.

🧡 Flexible working: This becomes the default position for employers. Get ready to embrace flexibility!

💛 Paternity leave: Eligible fathers or partners can take one or two weeks' leave after birth or adoption, in two one-week blocks. 28 days' notice required.

💚 Unfair dismissal: Employees can now claim unfair dismissal without a qualifying period. 

💙 Minimum wage: The national living wage jumps to £11.44 per hour. For 18–20-year-olds, it's now £8.60 per hour.

💜 Apprenticeships: Minimum hourly pay for 18-year-old apprentices increases to £6.40.

🤎 Holiday pay: Businesses can now provide rolled-up holiday pay for staff with irregular hours.

🖤 Illegal worker fines: The fine for a first breach skyrockets to £45,000 per illegal worker.

These changes could significantly impact your hiring and HR practices. 

Need help navigating these new waters? 

That's what we're here for! 💪

🏋️‍♀️ Personal Update: Back in the Gym Groove! 🏋️‍♀️

Guess who's back to crushing it at the gym? 

This girl! 🙋‍♀️ 

Nothing beats that post-workout endorphin rush. It's not just good for the body, but great for the mind too. Any other gym enthusiasts out there?

🎯 We've Got Room for You! 🎯

We've just filled some amazing roles (hello, 96% retention rate! 🏆), and now we've got capacity to take on new clients. If you're looking to build a dream team that sticks around, let's chat!

🧠 Neurodiversity Hiring: A Win-Win Situation 🧠

For Employers:

1. Embrace neurodiversity as a strength, not a challenge

2. Create sensory-friendly workspaces

3. Offer clear, concise communication

4. Provide flexible work arrangements

5. Focus on skills and output, not social norms

For Neurodiverse Job Seekers:

1. Be open about your needs (it's a strength, not a weakness!)

2. Highlight your unique problem-solving skills

3. Ask about company policies on neurodiversity

4. Request accommodations that help you shine

5. Remember: your neurodiversity is your superpower! 

🌟 Team Appreciation Corner 🌟

A massive shoutout to our incredible team! Your hard work and dedication are the reason we're crushing it. You make the magic happen every day! 👏

And a special thanks to Tim, my amazing business coach. Your guidance is helping us reach new heights! 🚀

💬 Let's Talk... Voice Notes? 💬

I've been loving communicating through voice notes lately. Quick, personal, and perfect for my ADHD brain! How about you? Do you find voice notes an effective way to communicate? Hit reply and let me know!

🎙️ Key Tech Talks: Exciting Guest Alert! 🎙️

Get ready for a game-changing episode of Key Tech Talks! We're thrilled to announce that the Rt Hon Matt Hancock will be joining us soon. Date to be confirmed, so stay tuned!

Matt is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, driven by his personal journey with dyslexia. Despite a late diagnosis at Oxford, he went on to achieve a First-class degree and later a master's from Cambridge. Talk about neurodivergent superpowers! 🦸‍♂️

Here's what makes Matt an unmissable guest:

- Founder of the Accessible Learning Foundation (ALF), championing early identification and support for neurodivergent individuals

- Former UK Cabinet member, serving as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care during the Covid pandemic

- Key player in the UK's digital transformation as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

- Background in data analytics and economics, with a keen interest in AI and health tech for social good

Matt will share insights on:

- The power of early neurodiversity identification and support

- Intersection of tech, healthcare, and neurodiversity

- Leveraging AI and health tech for societal benefit

- Navigating high-pressure leadership roles as a neurodivergent individual

This is one episode that'll challenge perspectives and inspire change. Keep an eye on our socials for the confirmed date!

Remember, in the world of tech, change is the only constant. So keep innovating, keep growing, and keep being awesome! 

Until next time, keep those keyboards clacking and those ideas flowing! 💡

Cheers,

Lauren

P.S. Got any cool tech news or job search hacks? Hit reply and let me know! I'm always eager to learn from you superstars! 🌟