Looking at the small business environment in the UK Direct Line has found that nearly a quarter of people running small businesses will not enjoy a day off on bank Holiday Monday.
Compared with the minimum 20 days holiday entitlement given to employees, small business owners take an average of just over 13 days holiday per year. The 20 days does not include Bank Holidays either, of which there are 8 each year. Looking at new start up businesses the holiday situation is even worse. Direct Line found that over 65 percent of people in business for less than 6 months have not taken any time off at all.
A Direct Line spokeswoman, commenting on the findings, commended the dedication shown by small business owners, seeing them working so hard to make their business a success.
Abbey National has announced the introduction of 2 new student bank accounts, one aimed specifically at those from other countries coming to the UK to study.
The international student account that Abbey National has introduced pays interest of 6 percent on credit balances up to GBP500, no charge for the presentation of foreign cheques and an opening balance required of just GBP5.
The other student bank account is aimed squarely at the regular student market, with the key aspect being the overdraft, which steps up each year to a maximum of GBP2000. Credit balances are rewarded with an interest payment of 4 percent per annum and the Abbey National are kindly offering to fund part of the Freshers Ball with a cash payment upon opening the account of GBP50.
The annual survey carried out by the Natwest Bank claims that over 40 percent of the 750,000 undergraduates will be working part time during the forthcoming academic year.
The study, called the Natwest Student Living Index, also concluded that working students will earn approximately GBP2 billion over the year, a substantial sum by anyones calculation. The reality of student life is that they have to take on a part time job in order to have enough money to get by.
The Natwest Bank survey is also helpful for students considering where to study as it highlights the best places money wise. Plymouth is deemed to be the best place to be a student where money is concerned, while Exeter is seen as the most expensive.
