Thames Freeport plan for 25,000 new jobs applauded by SELEP
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Updated: 10:20, 04 March 2021
Rishi Sunak s announcement of a freeport serving the Thames Estuary has been warmly welcomed by the body promoting growth and jobs in the region.
The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) described the Chancellor s announcement during the Budget on Wednesday as fantastic news which would bring much-welcomed jobs .
The Thames Freeport was one of eight announced by the Chancellor
One of eight to be green-lit, the port will be spearheaded by DP World and Forth Ports and built to incorporate Tilbury Docks, near the Dartford Crossing, as well as London Gateway.
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Updated: 07:26, 05 March 2021
A seaside town in Kent is to receive £22.2m of funding to give its economy a much-needed boost and help the area thrive.
The money, awarded to Thanet District Council, will be used to help the Margate community flourish by providing opportunities for those living there and make the town realise its full potential .
Margate has been successful in its funding bid, Picture: Tony Flashman
The announcement was made as part of the Chancellor s Budget statement yesterday.
The scheme aims to support urban regeneration, skills development and improved connectivity by giving each place its own Town Deal.
A board was created, including North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale and chief executive of East Kent College Graham Razey, and an investment plan submitted last year as part of its bid.
Budget 2021: Kent business experts react
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Rishi Sunak has unveiled his 2021 Budget
The Chancellor s Budget has given businesses vital breathing space according to a leading business figure in the county.
Rishi Sunak unveiled his heavily leaked Budget in the Commons this afternoon with most businesses taking comfort from a range of measures designed to allow them to survive the lockdowns which have proven so financially devastating over the last 12 months.
Key announcements were the extension of the furlough scheme until December, an extension to the business rates holiday, and further grants for hospitality and non-essential stores forced to close.
Jo James, chief executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce said: Without having a chance to see the detail in the red book, on the face of it the Budget appears to be generous in some areas and fair in others.
Kent and Medway Apprenticeships Graduation Ceremony 2021 date confirmed for October 8
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Updated: 10:40, 02 March 2021
The date for the annual celebration of apprentices in Kent and Medway has been confirmed for 2021 - but it will once again be a virtual event due to the pandemic.
Now in its third year, the Kent and Medway Apprenticeships Graduation Ceremony will take place on Friday, October 8.
Apprentices completing their course in Kent or Medway can apply to take part
It is designed to celebrate the achievements of those completing apprenticeships in a similar way to university graduates
FSB South East policy chair Deborah Turner said: âApprenticeships are a win-win for everyone.
Firms face legal minefield over jabs for jobs controversy
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Updated: 11:36, 04 March 2021
Companies considering insisting new employees must have had the Covid-19 vaccine are being warned of falling victim to discrimination claims.
A number of leading firms in the UK, including the likes of London-based Pimlico Plumbers and care home providers Barchester Healthcare, which has homes in Sevenoaks, Ashford, Sittingbourne, Maidstone and Rochester, have recently said they will reject staff who refuse the jab on non-medical grounds.
They have been joined by care home provider Care UK which runs sites in Whitstable, Ashford, Maidstone and Sevenoaks.
This despite Downing Street declaring such a move as discriminatory in a row which has split opinion in Boris Johnson s cabinet.