The debate on how to close the nation’s mammoth savings gap continues to rage – and regularly at the fore of that debate is the issue of pension provision for women. Much of the recent debate around the Pensions Bill focussed on the acceleration of the increase in state pension age to 66, which would have led to many women receiving their pensions two years later than they previously expected. A late amendment reduced the impact on that group.

Proposed changes to public sector pensions also have a significant impact on many women, who are more likely than men to be employed in public services, especially as they near retirement. The introduction of automatic enrolment and NEST are expected to benefit many women who currently have no pension provision.

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Few professionals plan to leave their employers despite job dissatisfaction – see full report

Background

Accenture surveyed 3,900 business professionals in 31 countries, in order to:

• Explore career satisfaction, aspirations and factors for career advancement
• Examine what may hold professionals back from progressing in their careers
• Better understand the support and programs companies provide that attracts, develops and retains high-performing employees

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Spring has sprung

Aren’t the crocuses and daffodils beautiful?  I have been enjoying the bright colours, seeing the buds on the trees starting to bulge, and savouring the promise of warmer weather to come.  I am reminded of a funny little rhyme my father used to recite when I was little:

Spring is sprung
Da grass is riz
I wonder where dem boidies iz
Da little boids is on da wing
Ain’t dat absoid
Da little wings is on da boid
– Anonymous

1 March – World Book Day

 “To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries.”  – A C Grayling

World Book Day – first and foremost – celebrates reading.  Millions of book vouchers were given away on 1 March to children to explore the wonders and delights of books and reading.  For more information, go to http://bit.ly/zxin24.

It’s been a real pleasure for me to have contributed to four books in the past year: “How to Break the Glass Ceiling Without a Hammer”, “The Power of a Woman: Embracing the Power Within”, “Madam CEO” and “Leaders in Pearls” (shortly to be published).  The books are available from the website and cots £12.50 P&P free in the UK.  How about becoming a Train2Grow Supporter on Facebook – http://on.fb.me/zxFVcs? That way, you can get access to the books at 20% off, as well as more offers coming up in the future.

I have been invited to contribute to four more books during this year, “Breaking Free: Overcoming Self-Sabotage”, “Leading From Within: Following Your Passion and Purpose”, “The Power of God” and “The Power of God Daily Devotional”, so watch this space.

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