Author: renaissanceideal

Business and Finance, Law

Zero hour contracts

by renaissanceideal2 Comments on Zero hour contracts

There have been discussions concerning zero hour contracts in the media recently. A number of  companies have been employing the majority of their staff on zero our contracts. The use of zero hour contracts are on the rise. According to the Charted Institute of Personnel Development there could be as much as a million ‘zero hour’ workers. Although it has its benefits, it has been criticised as workers can be exploited.

What is a zero hour contract?

A ‘zero hour’ contract is a term used to describe a contract where the employee is not guaranteed work and is paid only for the work they do. This creates an on-call arrangement where an employer will give the employee a few hours notice to come to work. The employer does not have to provide work for the employee and the employee does not have to accept it. Under the National Wage Regulations, workers must be paid the national minimum wage if they are at work and are required to be there.

Benefits

Zero hour contracts would benefit people who want flexibility and want occasional earnings. This could benefit students, who would like to fit work around their studies and it could appeal to parents with children. Another benefit for workers is that this contract could supplement a main income. People in full employment may be able to have a second job because of the flexibility of a zero hour contract. Additionally, it would help businesses meet demand. It allows businesses to respond to the peaks and lows of the economy by bringing in people who could have been out of work. Alexander Ehmann, Head of Regulatory Policy at the Institute of Directors said that: “Banning Zero Hours Contracts would hurt thousands of employees who rely on the flexibility such contracts allow and employers, especially small and medium sized firms, would struggle to hire the staff they need to meet varying demand”. It would also benefit businesses as it would cost less to hire staff on zero-hour contacts than fixed contracts.

Criticisms

Employers do not have to offer sick leave pay or holiday pay. However if court decides that there is consistent employment then it will override the contract terms. There is also a criticism that workers could be exploited as there is no guarantee on the number of hours workers can work.

The Future of Zero hour contracts?

Vince Cable, the business secretary, has said that the government may legislate on zero hour contracts. However he has ruled out a complete ban. Cable has been leading a review since June looking at changing rules for workers. This would include reviewing rules where workers can work only for one employer.

Labour has said there will be a zero hour summit on zero-hour contract abuse. Chuka Umuna MP suggested that zero hour contracts could cause difficulties for families. The shadow business secretary said “Zero-hours contracts are making hundreds of thousands of people worried about whether they will have enough work or be able to put food on the table for their children week by week”.

While change is welcomed, many people however do not wish for them to be banned. Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary has called for them to banned. This would be unpopular with businesses and workers who need flexibility.

What do you think?

Let me know your thoughts

Stay Blessed

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Lifestyle

PLACE TO VISIT-Paris

by renaissanceideal2 Comments on PLACE TO VISIT-Paris
PLACE TO VISIT-Paris

The beginning of last month, my girls and I went away for a city break in Paris.  I have been there a couple of times before but it was a different experience this time. We had so much fun and saw most of Paris in two days. From Musée d’Orsay to Notre Dame to the Louvre-we went everywhere. I really did not think it was possible but hey we did it! Of course we visited Eiffel Tower- how can you not? We went during the day, otherwise we would have been sandwiched with couples during the night. Not that we do not love romance, we were on a girls holiday. We also went to Palais Garnier, I was in awe with how beautiful the place was. The detail in some of the ornaments and panelling was absolutely breathtaking. Hôtel de Ville was one of my favourites. There was a Nelson Mandela exhibition running at the time, it was very emotional and  inspiring. The great things that Mandela has done for South Africa and the world will always be remembered.

So if you are a Keeping up with the Kardashians fan, you will know on Kourtney and Kim take Miami the Kardashians visited Pont Des Arts. Which is also known as love padlock bridge. We tried finding their padlocks- Lol it was a fail. We even forgot where we put ours after a while. There are millions  and millions of padlocks on there so it will be extremely difficult to find a padlock that you wish to see. Another place we went to was the Arc de Triomphe.  We climbed the 200+ steps, it was ever so tiring. We had to have a little rest once we got to the top before we walked around and took the scenery in.

I had so much fun and I will definitely do something again like this soon.

Here are some pictures:

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Stay Blessed

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Lifestyle

Place to visit- Cambridge

by renaissanceidealLeave a Comment on Place to visit- Cambridge
Place to visit- Cambridge

I went to Cambridge in June for a girls’ weekend catching up with my girlfriends. I have visited Cambridge before and I had a chance last time to do punting. However this time, we played tourists-walked around town and took the sightseeing bus around the city. I love Cambridge, there is so much history to the place. I have a few pictures to share with you.

Here are some pictures:

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                                                 Stay Blessed

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Business and Finance, Science and Technology

Samsung takes over apple

by renaissanceideal2 Comments on Samsung takes over apple
Samsung takes over apple

 

Samsung Galaxy & Apple iphone 5

Look around the bus and look on the train. Does it give you a good sense of what mobile everyone is carrying? Nowadays it is either a Samsung or Apple Smartphone. As for me, I am still with Blackberry. Recent figures are showing Samsung is taking over Apple as the world’s most profitable mobile maker. Samsung has an estimated profit of $5.2 billion in the second quarter of this year beating Apple’s profits of $4.6 billion.

The reason for this is mainly because of the strong demand for Samsung phones particularly in the Latin and Asian markets. Samsung is dominating the phone market with 107. million phones shipped worldwide.

There have been many suggestions for why Apple has fallen behind Samsung. One suggestion has been the prices of the latest iPhone-iPhone 5. There is a healthier demand for the the iPhone 4, which has reduced the selling price of the latest iPhone. Neil Mawston at Strategy Analytics said ‘Apple is now under intense pressure to launch more iPhone models at cheaper price-points or with larger screens to fend off the surging competition and recapture lost profits in the second half of 2013’.

To succeed taking over Samsung, Apple will need a strategy in producing budget conscious phones.  According to  Strategy Analytics, Apple’s smartphone market share has fallen from 17% to 13%, whilst Samsung is 33%. Samsung has sold 76 million phones, more than double than Apple. Neil Mawston said ‘With strong volumes, high wholesale prices and tight cost controls, Samsung has finally succeeded in becoming the handset industry’s largest and most profitable vendor’.

Stay Blessed

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Faith

Word of the week- PROMISES (21/07/13-04/08/13)

by renaissanceidealLeave a Comment on Word of the week- PROMISES (21/07/13-04/08/13)
Word of the week- PROMISES (21/07/13-04/08/13)

2 Peter 1 4

This week I chose promises as the word. However I decided to do a 2 for 1- 2 weeks for a word. I felt lead to focus on the word of God’s promises. The word promise can be defined as a declaration that something will or will not be done . It also means an express assurance on which expectation is to based. However the definition of promises to man and what God sees as promises are different. Man may promise another man but go back on his word- ‘Sorry, I can not do this now’. We all have heard this before. However, God is not a man that will disappoint, he is not a man that will lie, what he has promised will come to pass. Trust him, have faith, believe and stand on the promises of God.  He can open the door that no one can shut- whether it is your healing, your job, your ministry, your business or your education it is done. God’s promises was true in the past, true now and will always be. Be expectant of the promises that God has given in your life.

He is the same yesterday, today and forever. What he did back in the Bible, he can still do it today. He is the God of Moses, the God who delivered the Israelites, the God of Abraham and the God who healed the blind and the sick. What can’t he do for you and I? In God’s appointed time, his promises upon your life will come.

Here are some Bible verses on promises:

2 Peter 1:4-Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires (NIV).

Jeremiah 29:11-13- For I know the plans for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (NIV).

2 Corinthians 1:20-For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God (NIV).

Jeremiah 30:17-But I will restore you to health
and heal your wounds, declares the Lord (NIV).

Titus 1:2- In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time (NIV).

Isaiah 53:4-5-Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed (NIV).

Philippians 4:19-And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (NIV).

Deuteronomy 7:6-15-For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. But those who hate him he will repay to their face by destruction;
he will not be slow to repay to their face those who hate him. Therefore, take care to follow the commands, decrees and laws I give you today.If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the Lord your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your ancestors.  He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and olive oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you.  You will be blessed more than any other people; none of your men or women will be childless, nor will any of your livestock be without young. The Lord will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you (NIV).

Deuteronomy 15:6-For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you (NIV).

Deuteronomy 28:1-14-If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him.  Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you. The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you.The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them (NIV).

Philippians 1:6- Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (NIV).

Jeremiah 17:7-8-But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit (NIV).

Mark 16:17-18-And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well (NIV).

Isaiah 40:31- But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (NIV).

Jeremiah 33:6-Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security (NIV).

Stay Blessed

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Fashion

Candy colours

by renaissanceideal2 Comments on Candy colours
Candy colours

 

You can probably guess by now, I love bright colours and patterns. The Candy Colour trend has continued into Spring and Summer 2013 with it still being a key look. This was an OOTD for church.

Here are some pictures:

multi-colour platform wedges

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What am I wearing:

Candy Colour pink and orange dress- Marks & Spencer

Chunky silver necklace- Wallis

Platform Wedges- Kurt Geiger

Stay Blessed

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Fashion

Dots & Stripes

by renaissanceidealLeave a Comment on Dots & Stripes
Dots & Stripes

Hey everyone. Hope all is well. I recently went to Paris for a little get away at the end of June. I will be put be putting the pictures up very soon.  This outfit is what I wore when I came back and took a stroll to my local shopping centre. When I came back, the heat wave in England had begun. I am loving this weather. I have been complaining, I will not deny it. Some days have apparently been hotter than Accra & Lagos, that is crazy!  At least there air con is in most places. I just detest, the ‘sweat and the thirsty look’ as I call it. It is not a good look! It is essential in this heat to be carrying a bottle of water and some spray. Anyway, let me stop complaining because I would definitely not like it if started to rain. Hey ho, the UK hardly gets this kind of weather so I am going to appreciate it. It gives me a chance to wear all my colourful and patterned clothing. I was hoping for the sun to come this summer and I got more than I wanted. 

Monochrome trend is a hot look for Summer 2013. The best thing about the look it can be versatile-so you can go for a edgy or  a classic look. One of the best ways to achieve the Monochrome look is to go for polka dots, colour blocking or stripes. I chose to clash a small polka dotted top with striped white and black jeans.

Here are some pictures:

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What I was wearing:

             Polka dot top- Old top (cannot remember where it is from)

             Striped Trousers-H&M

             Belt- H&M

             Black bag- DKNY

             Black flats- Got it from my mum

 

Stay Blessed

x

Business and Finance

BOOK TO READ- THE MONEY MACHINE

by renaissanceidealLeave a Comment on BOOK TO READ- THE MONEY MACHINE
BOOK TO READ- THE MONEY MACHINE

Money Machine

The Money Machine is a great read for those who want to know how the city works. Phillip Coggan, a leading financial journalist has worked for the Financial Times and is now working for The Economist. He explains how the city works in a easy read without no jargon. You know when you are reading a book and you have to stop because there is so much gibberish in there. You will not find this here. Coggan describes the basics of the financial world by defining what loans and bonds are for example. Additionally, he gives an helpful explaining he differences between banks and building societies. What are shares? What does the Bank of England do?  Who are borrowers? Coggan explains it all and analyses it very well. At the centre of his explanation, Coggan points out to Credit Crunch and how it has affected the city.

It is a great introduction to how financial institutions work in the country. I highly recommend it. Whether you are in the city or aspiring to have a career in the city go and get it!

Stay Blessed

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Faith

WORD OF THE WEEK- forgiveness (14/07/13- 21/07/13)

by renaissanceidealLeave a Comment on WORD OF THE WEEK- forgiveness (14/07/13- 21/07/13)
WORD OF THE WEEK- forgiveness (14/07/13- 21/07/13)

Ephesians 4 32

The word of this week for me is Forgiveness. Forgiveness is the act of forgiving or being forgiven. To forgive means to grant pardon, to cease resentment or to cancel a debt. Sometimes we may harbour grudges against other people. The reason for this could be because they hurt us, caused us great pain or heartbreak. This is likely to result in bitterness which can allow spirits of jealously and envy to creep in. For instance your ex broke your heart and because of this you hold feelings of hatred against him or her. The ex moves on and does well in life, you continue to resent and hate everything he or she does. He or she has a partner you become jealous of their relationship and subconsciously you wish ill against them. Many of us do not realise the resentment we may have is likely to hurt us instead. The time. The thoughts. The tears. The pain. The heartbreak. This is hurting you, he or she is not crying the tears, you are!

You may say yeah I have forgiven him or her. However if we are still thinking about what they have done, then we have not truly forgiven them. The phrase ‘Forgive and Forget’,works hand in hand. You cannot truly forgive without not also forgetting what they have done. Yes, it would be hard to forget but it should not be a constant memory in our minds.

This is how I think of forgiveness. Jesus came down from heaven down to earth. He saved us from our sins, gave us a new chance and a new life with him. He gave us a chance for a new slate. His blood gave us a new day and a new season. If Jesus can forgive, Why can’t we? Who are we to hold bitter feelings and thoughts against others? Jesus talked about the importance of forgiveness and how we should be merciful. In Matthew ch 5, Jesus said those who are merciful are blessed and they will also receive mercy.

The Bible also teaches that if we do forgive, God will forgive us. I do not know about you, but I do not wish to be thinking about the pain that someone has caused. I would rather have a forgiving heart where I can bury the hatchet, show mercy, love and keep it moving. Aint nobody got time to sit down and cry because Harry and Jane, Abena or Ayo did something to you and me. Life is too short to hold onto grudges and to be resentful. Smile and be happy that God has forgiven you and I. This means we can also forgive too. Kiss and make up, let bygones be bygones and laugh it off.

Here are some bible verses on forgiveness:

  • Matthew 6: 14-15 (NIV)-For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
  • Hebrews 10:17 (NIV)-Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.
  • Daniel 9:9 (NIV)-The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him
  • Matthew 5: 22-24 (NIV)- But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
  • 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 (NIV)- Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Ephesians 4: 31-32 (NIV)- Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 2 Corinthians 2: 5-8 (NIV)-If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely.The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.
    Micah 7:18-19 (NIV)-Who is a God like you,who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

Stay Blessed

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Faith

WORD OF THE WEEK (7/06/13-14/06/13)- holiness

by renaissanceideal14 Comments on WORD OF THE WEEK (7/06/13-14/06/13)- holiness
WORD OF THE WEEK (7/06/13-14/06/13)- holiness

 

1 Peter 1

A good friend of mine introduced me to the word of the week. This word could be something that you chose or felt the need to pray and mediate on. Even though we may have our own individual daily prayer schedule it is good to have a focused prayer often.

For this week, my word is holiness. On Sunday, my pastor preached on holiness and the importance of leading a holy life. Holiness is not necessarily the way you dress-you can wear a long skirt, long sleeve shirt and still be promiscuous. It is not necessarily the way you style your hair- you can be a ‘non-wearing weave girl’ and be sleeping around. Holiness means to be morally blameless before God. This means that you are clean and pure before God. Holiness does not only include sexual morality, it is the way we talk, the way we treat others and conduct our lives. It does not mean that we will not sin, but we should try our very best to lead a Christ like life so our relationship with God is strong. This is because if we allow sin to come in, it puts a barrier between God and ourselves. This then puts our relationship with God in jeopardy and then we become distant with God.

I do not want to be far from God. So, my word of the week is holiness so I can lead a life that is pleasing to God.

Here are some Bible verses on holiness:

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:7- For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. (NIV)
  • Leviticus 20:26- You are to be holy because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own. (NIV)
  • Philippians 4:8- Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. (NIV)
  • 1 Peter 1 15-16- But just as he called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy because I am holy”. (NIV)
  • Romans 12:1- Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this your true and proper worship. (NIV)
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:13-May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. (NIV)

  • Stay Blessed

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