Visit www.merseyeconomy.org.uk to access the DTI consultation on proposals to increase the statutory holiday entitlement from the current four weeks to 5.6 weeks (28 days for someone working full-time) to reflect the number of permanent bank and public holidays. The consultation seeks views on the benefits and impacts of these proposals, the timetebale for introducing the extra holidays and what flexibilities would help to manage holidays more effectively. Initial survey data suggests that smaller businesses may be particularly affacted by these proposals and the DTI is therefore encouraging small businesses to respond to the consultation questionnaire b6 22nd September 2006.

Please take a few minutes to visit the MerseyEconomy website and also take part in our latest online vote on contingency plans for Avian Flu. YOUR OPINION COUNTS.

On the hottest day of the year guests at Liverpool Chamber’s platform lunch at Allerton Road’s Patio Restaurant enjoyed a refreshing lunch of Melon and Parma ham followed by chicken while they enjoyed listening to three speakers.

Joanne Turner, of GTR spoke of the opportunities offered by graduate placements. Brian Kerrigan from Secure Health/ Axa described the benefits of the heath package open to all chamber members and Paul Reynolds of Fisher Audio Visual introduced their wide range of products and services and invited chamber members to visit their Bromborough offices for advice on events and presentations.