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With the current precautions being ramped up in light of the Covid-19 pandemic many companies are advising staff to work from home. Equally, if someone in a household shows symptoms current guidelines are that the household will have to self-isolate for at least 14 days.

But for many this will be the first time they have worked from home, as opposed to just checking emails.

Michelle Tyson from Tyson Wilson Recruitment said: “After the euphoria of not having to commute passes the reality is that working from home is still putting in the hours for your employer.

“It’s important to get it right from the beginning because showing that you can be productive from home will help to protect your job and help your employer stabilise the company in these uncertain times.”

Here are Michelle’s top tips:

1. Routine

“With all the distractions in the household, it is vital that from day one you establish a routine. That includes starting at the appropriate time, taking the same breaks as you would if still in the office” explained Michelle.

2. Workspace

Whether it’s a bedroom, dining room, or the conservatory you need to have a space that you can set up all the equipment you need, including some extra areas if needed. Try to avoid spaces used by the rest of the family such as the living room or kitchen.

3. Family

When working from home it is important to make sure that everyone knows that you will not be available for every whim. Tell your partner, and your children when you are taking a break.

4. Communication

Michelle said: “It is important for your work, and your morale, to keep in touch with your manager and colleagues. However, as well as email and phone calls Skype, Facetime and other devices means you can engage in virtual meetings that may be required. And, it’s one good reason why you shouldn’t just work in your pyjamas.”

5. VPN

If your employer has a Virtual Private Network, make sure to use that to help protect industrial confidentiality. Otherwise speak to your IT team about ways to keep everything secure.

6. Exercise

You will probably be sitting down for most of the day. Make sure to get up, stretch, move around. You can’t usually do that in the office, but you’re at home. And, get out, walk the dog, jog around the park, just make sure that you get fresh air and daylight.

7. Do something different

You may find that without the distractions of office life and meetings you have a little extra time around lunch or after you’ve completed your daily tasks. Bake, paint, garden -just do something different.

8. Time off

“No weekend, evening or early morning work. If you don’t normally work outside office hours don’t start now” said Michelle.

9. End of day procedure

You’ve finished your tasks for the day, it’s five-to-five. Make a note of what you have completed and a note of tomorrow’s tasks. Close the laptop, pour yourself a cuppa and…relax!

10. Finally

Make working from home fun. Can’t listen to music in the office? Crank up the tunes! Endless coffees and biscuits are on the work from home agenda. No suit/formal work wear, t-shirt, jeans or whatever you are comfortable wearing. No alcohol, however, no matter how tempted you are.

If you are in the position where you need to take a break from your current position or want to add to your income during these uncertain times Tyson Wilson Recruitment are currently recruiting a number of temporary and permanent roles.

For more information email Michelle at info@tysonwilsonrecruitment.co.ukor go to tysonwilsonrecruitment.co.uk/jobs

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will close all leisure, sports and cultural facilities to the public from close of business today (18 March) until further notice in response to COVID-19.

All events, exhibitions and courses are also cancelled.

Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill remain open to the public as do all Community Centres and Pavilions. However, all classes, courses and bookings are cancelled at these venues.

The decision has been made following the latest expert advice from the Government, Public Health Agency and Department for Health regarding increasing efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

Statutory Services including Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Environmental Health, Planning, Building Control, Parks & Cemeteries and Waste Collection Services will continue.

The Council will monitor this ongoing situation and will make changes as deemed necessary by the relevant authorities to help with these measures.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth, said:

“This is a challenging and fast-moving state of affairs that requires careful decision making to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our residents, colleagues and families are protected at all times.

“The public must heed the advice of the experts and ensure they take all the essential measures to guard their safety and that of others, especially those more vulnerable during these difficult times.

“Both Civic Centres remain open, Council’s statutory services will continue, our staff will be reporting for work and our parks and recycling centres remain open.

“I would like to thank the Council staff working to maintain essential services, and those at the frontline of our Health Service or caring for others.

“I would urge residents across the Borough to remain calm, and to pull together so we can meet these challenges as a united and resilient community.”

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is following expert government advice in response to the public health situation surrounding COVID-19.   The Council is pro-actively planning for a number of contingency measures that may be required. The Chief Executive met with the Leaders of the Political Parties represented on the Council today and it was agreed that they will meet on a daily basis to review the situation.   A Spokesperson said, “The Council is adhering to all advice and guidance issued by the Government, Public Health Agency and Department for Health and will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis, and will make any changes as deemed necessary by relevant authorities. We would urge all residents to follow the expert advice on stopping the spread of COVID-19 and take all necessary precautions particularly regarding self-isolation and vulnerable groups. “As part of Council efforts to contain the virus, additional hand sanitizers and hand washing guidance posters are in place in all public areas of Council buildings and facilities.   The Council is also offering all employees support and advice, and is providing them with regular updates and information via text, email and on-site and on-line notices.   “The Council is considering how we can support the community to help people who are vulnerable and isolated. “The Council’s Leisure centres are currently open, however due to the uncertainty around COVID-19, monthly MORE membership fees will not be charged until further notice. MORE members can continue to use the leisure centres and facilities. This is subject to ongoing Public Health Agency advice which can be accessed via https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/or via a link hosted on the Council website.   “All Council facilities remain open, and the Council’s core events programme is unchanged. We will of course endeavour to notify those attending third-party events at council facilities if these are not going ahead via social media platforms.”

It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing the rescheduling of the 20th Belfast Film Festival. 

To slow down the spread of COVID-19 and protect our guests, audiences, staff and volunteers, the festival, which was due to start on April 1^st, will now be postponed until the autumn.  

We considered the ‘social distancing’ and digital models but yesterday, at an emergency board meeting, we decided unanimously that halfway measures would not work. 

Just over a week ago we launched our 20^th anniversary programme to a room packed with hundreds of excited film lovers, and we have already sold 2,000 tickets.  

We want to respond imaginatively to this difficult time.  In order not to disappoint people too much, we will offer a few treats to our audience to thank them for their patience. A selection of online events will be available free for our audience, including legendary film producer Jeremy Thomas in Conversation with Mark Cousins; the Short Film Competition and Official Selection Shorts; and others to be confirmed. Key special events from the 2020 programme will be rescheduled as soon as it is possible. 

We are also delighted to announce a one-off collaboration with our colleagues at Foyle Film Festival in November. We are all in this together and we think that film culture will be stronger from such co-operations. This partnership shows the true spirit of collaboration and will lead to innovative film events in both Belfast and Derry this autumn.

When people self-isolate at home, what is one of the things they’ll do?  They’ll watch films.  Classic movies and new work. Film isn’t a fair-weather friend.

In the next few days, we will process refunds for all tickets and passes purchased. Keep an eye on our website www.belfastfilmfestival.org for further updates.

We thank our customers, our staff, volunteers, guests, funders, sponsors and venues for your support, and look forward to the clear weather once the storm has passed.

The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh is hosting Desmond Kinney’s exhibition, BUILE SHUIBHNE ‘SWEENEY ASTRAY’.

Northern Ireland born international artist Desmond Kinney is best known for his revival of the technique of working with mosaics, through various large-scale murals and public art works mainly focused on Irish myths and legends. In the 1980’s he started illustrated calligraphy, working on Seamus Heaney’s translation Sweeney Astray, creating paintings in the medium of watercolour. The Home of Saint Patrick Festival 2020 and The Market Place Gallery are delighted to exhibit sixteen of Kinney’s stunning illustrations which have never been exhibited publically before.

Buile Shuibhne, in English ‘The Madness of Sweeney’ is an old Irish myth immortalised in verse composed during the 12th Century. The poem inspired many writers, including Seamus Heaney, who made his own translation of it, published in 1984. Heaney’s friend, artist Desmond Kinney, enamoured by the work, turned it into a series of watercolours featuring his personalised calligraphy.

Desmond Kinney also transformed the Buile Shuibhne into a large mosaic frieze which is situated at the University of Limerick. The mosaic made in Venetian vitrious glass features quotations from Seamus Heaney’s text. The poet and the painter remained lifelong friends.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Newly launched Tyson Wilson Temps has announced a series of temporary job opportunities in County Down, with temporary placements in Bangor and Newry.

The call centre opportunities are such that successful applicants will be offered an immediate start with a minimum of two weeks work, providing not only extra money, but a valuable addition to CVs.

Michelle Tyson, CEO of Tyson Wilson Temps – a division of Tyson Wilson Recruitment – said the jobs have been designed to suit most applicants, and are with a well-known call centre.

“We are looking for over 100 enthusiastic people who are comfortable speaking on the phone,” she said, adding: “This minimum two-week temporary role (with the potential of becoming 4-8 weeks) involves our candidates being the first point of customer contact via telephone.

“You will be working on a major campaign where responsiveness and customer care are paramount.

“Depending on the selection process you may be required to communicate with customers through a variety of other channels such as email, web chat and social media.”

The hours are full-time, but flexible, with a £10 per hour rate, paid weekly.

Applicants must be 18 or over and able to start immediately or within two weeks. Working days are Monday to Sunday, 7am to 11pm in both the Bangor and Newry offices. Full training is provided.

“The employer is committed to providing flexible working so that you can work around commitments such as family,” said Michelle. “Applicants must demonstrate a flexible approach and be prepared to work rotating shifts, with rotas notified one week in advance.”

No previous experience required, but those applying must have basic PC skills, a nice telephone manner, be comfortable speaking with a variety of customers, and have an up-to-date CV and full identification for registration.

Michelle said this will be a vital stepping stone in employment, or ideal for those needing a wage going into the spring months.

“For those who are considering ‘temping’ there are a series of benefits,” she explained.

“It can help improve your CV, filling in a gap and offers the opportunity to learn new skills as well as gain much needed experience in an area that may be lacking.

“It also means that you can look at a new career direction as you learn new skills and consider what path to take. That’s not to mention the financial rewards and flexibility of temping with this client.”

To apply please visit https://tysonwilsonrecruitment.co.uk/jobs/.

The Market Theatre in Armagh has a packed Bank Holiday weekend of events for all the family starting off with ‘The Hedgehog Prince’ on Saturday 14 March.

It tells the story of a couple who long for a child, be it as beautiful as a snowdrop or as prickly as a hedgehog! The storyteller spins a tale bursting with magic and enchantment; of a boy bewitched, a giant cockerel, a king lost in a forest and a promise never to be broken. The Hedgehog Prince is based on an old traditional folktale and uses puppetry, object theatre and original music, which will enchant young and old alike. Suitable for children aged 5+.

On Sunday 15 March, The John O’Connor Writing School presents a reading of ‘Come Day, Go Day’. John O’Connor’s novel ‘Come Day, Go Day’ is a loving evocation of Armagh’s Mill Row, of a people, a time, and a place long gone. From the poignancy of Teasie’s story, to the exhilaration of the Bullet Match, to the tragedy of Vincent Kelly and his dog Gyp. Come and celebrate this unique and wonderful work, adapted and read by Armagh-born actor and writer Karl O’Neill.

Then on Monday 16^th March, we have a film screening of the documentary ‘The Peacemaker’. A New York Times Critics’ Pick and multi-award winning film, ‘The Peacemaker’ is an intimate portrait of international peacemaker Padraig O’Malley – who helps make peace for others but struggles to find it for himself. The film takes us from Padraig’s isolated life in Cambridge, Massachusetts to some of the most dangerous crisis zones on Earth, as he works a peacemaking model based on his recovery from addiction. We are delighted that Padraig O’Malley will be joining us for a short Q&A after the screening. This is a free event although tickets should be pre-booked.

Tickets for all events can be purchased by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

Keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Higher Level Apprenticeships offer students the chance to learn and earn, with better prospects for the future.

CareerEncode have been partnering with progressive companies located all over Northern Ireland to grow their tech capabilities, and a series of open events are being held to explain to students and their parents the opportunities on offer.

The demand for skilled IT staff is higher than ever, and the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Computing allows school leavers and those changing career to gain a foundation degree without the burden of student debt.

Better still those taking on an apprenticeship will earn a salary, while they learn. CareerEncode is already working with companies to grow their tech teams and to offer another route to employment other than university.

The current skills shortage within Northern Ireland’s tech sector means that there are not enough graduates to fill vacancies, but a Higher Level Apprenticeship offers a pathway that benefits both the employer and the apprentice.

And the rewards are clear. Jobs requiring digital tech skills command higher salaries – 61% more than the average in Northern Ireland with one in five people in Belfast already being employed in the tech sector.

An apprentice with a CareerEncode.com employer learns on the job with the support of an experienced professional mentor. They are paid a salary whilst they study for their Foundation Degree. This means that they gain their skills without any student debt and get a head start in a future-proofed industry.

Applications for CareerEncode.com close on March 31st.

CareerEncode.com will host two open nights to explain the application process and to offer interview tips to prospective applicants.

You can find out more about CareerEncode Higher Level Apprenticeships by visiting www.careerencode.com or by attending the open nights.

These are being held in Ballymena on Thursday March 19th, at Catalyst Innovation Centre; and in Belfast on Tuesday March 24th at Bazaarvoice. Both events take place at 5pm.

Rising up from collapsed businesses and personal devastation to achieve success Bernie Allen is an inspiration, and she has now revealed some of the secrets of that journey in her new book How To Succeed in Business and Life..What’s Holding Your Back.

Out now Bernie says the book has been written to help readers identify where they have been and why they have been there, or where they are now and how they got there and also to help them get to where they want to go.

“I decided to put my experiences and subsequent success into print after a talk I gave at a convention called Camp Someday,” she said. 

“During that talk, I spoke about the difficulties and challenges I came up against both in my personal and business life, and how I identified and overcame them.

“The audience response was overwhelming and after every event, it was the same response. I decided to put it into this book to help others overcome some issues that might be holding them back. I also run boot camps to give people hands-on help.

In the past two decades, Bernie has overcome a lot of adversities, in family and business, Relationship breakups, two businesses closing leading to debts of £78,000, also health issues, to becoming a once again successful businesswoman.

“I owned a restaurant in a mall that didn’t live up to the promises I was made, and a newsagent that failed because a big garage opened next door.

“I truly didn’t know where to turn; I used to tell people my duvet became my best friend because I didn’t want to get out of bed and face reality.”

I didn’t know where my next income was coming from. I was then introduced to the world of Network Marketing A home-based business opportunity with no overheads and I grabbed it with both hands and ran with it.

I set myself a five-year business plan and my top priority was to pay off my debts. I achieved that in four-and-a-half years and became debt-free and financially secure.

Bernie has interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs, business owners, and thought leaders, to find out what either held or is holding them back,

She explained: “In my experience, all those who succeed are the people who are prepared to do what they need to do to get what they want to get, don’t make excuses, always prepared to learn more of the how-to and is genuinely interested in helping others achieve and get out of the money versus happiness trap.

“To get to the top it’s all about what is going on between your two ears so self-development is even more important than learning.

“I have travelled the world in search of empowerment knowledge and have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on seminars, books, webinars, CDs, booking trainers and attending conventions globally.

“When I was growing my self-confidence and motivation I had to make sacrifices, to succeed, but, it was all worth it, don’t let anyone tell you, you can build a successful business without having to make sacrifices.”

Tina Calder, owner of Excalibur Press who has published the book said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bernie into the Excalibur Press family. Bernie is a dynamic speaker/business mentor whose years of expertise shine through throughout this book.

“If you enjoy self-help and books that help you supercharge your life in a few easy steps then this is definitely for you.”

Since achieving her success Bernie has been working to support charities, including Puppies for the Blind and fundraisers for schools and children in Uganda.

Even though this book has been written with business in mind many readers have said how much it has helped them not only in their business but in life, and how it has helped them grow their confidence.

“Enjoy the book and maybe you will find some golden nuggets for the growth of your own success,” said Bernie.

Bernie Allen’s How to Succeed in Business and Life…What’s Holding You Back? Is available from excaliburpress.co.uk. For more information about Bernie go to bernieallen.com

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is playing host to a stunning line-up of music and drama over the coming weeks to celebrate the City’s St Patricks Festival.

The drama kicks off on Saturday 7 March with ‘Dream, Sleep, Connect’, a bold new comedy about disconnection in the digital world, which takes a timely ‘swipe’ at online dating and appoholics.

Chris is working on a technological solution for the Irish border under the beady eye of his boss, Lucy, when he realises he has no one to invite to the office do. He joins Tinder only to find he’s met his match in more ways than one… But before long, Chris begins to ask the ultimate question: Who is watching who?

Then on Thursday 12 March, join us for ‘A Sharing of Traditions’ as Cavan meets Antrim in a unique coming together of traditional music, song, yarns & humour. Antrim’s own Willie Drennan and Cavan’s Martin Donohoe will show us all how there is much more binding our cultures together than driving us apart.

The Rapparees, a 5-piece folk and traditional band, are about as exciting an act as you’re likely to encounter on the circuit. Coming to The Market Place on Friday 13 March, their unique brand of folk music combines vocal harmonies with lashings of fiddle and banjo, which will have audiences on their feet singing and dancing along. They arrive at The Market Place with a bang, with their new album ‘Recharged’. Join us for an evening of foot stomping belters and heart-warming ballads.