December 15, 2016 1.46 pm
This story is over 64 months old
Eastern Europeans vital to Lincolnshire’s economy, claims university professor
A Lincolnshire university professor specialising in entrepreneurship and small businesses has said that Eastern Europeans are vital to the county’s economy both now and in the future. Professor David Rae said although demand for agricultural workers is growing in Lincolnshire, the money they are earning has dropped since sterling fell against other currencies, including the Euro. In…
A Lincolnshire university professor specialising in entrepreneurship and small businesses has said that Eastern Europeans are vital to the county’s economy both now and in the future.
Professor David Rae said although demand for agricultural workers is growing in Lincolnshire, the money they are earning has dropped since sterling fell against other currencies, including the Euro.
In a column for Lincolnshire Business, the researcher in the human and social dynamics of entrepreneurship, learning and small business management at Bishop Grosseteste University, said that the county should focus on building stronger links with Eastern Europe in 2017 and beyond.
He said: “Agricultural production in Lincolnshire is highly dependent on seasonal workers from Eastern European countries; but while demand for workers is increasing, they are earning less money since sterling fell against other currencies and are feeling much less welcome.
“The 2011 census shows that the Eastern European community is both younger and more economically active than the native British population. Also, many have the potential to work at the higher skill levels employers need, and are ambitious to gain more advanced qualifications.
“This will be vital for businesses looking to fill apprenticeship roles, especially as bigger firms start to pay the levy in 2017. Their participation in the job market is economically vital for Lincolnshire, both now and in the future.”
Professor Rae, who voted Remain, said that Eastern Europeans could become key trading allies based on values of freedom of movement and shared identities, while also condemning a rise in hate crime and perceived intolerance following the Brexit vote.
He said: “Set against this are the damaging effects on their communities of intolerance, xenophobia and race hate crimes which have increased since the June referendum, causing anxiety, uncertainty over future plans, and even fear.
“Not only are such acts illegal, they have no place in business. We have to work for mutual respect and tolerance across all our communities.
“Poland, and other Eastern European states, can become valuable export markets and trading partners in the future, based on communities with freedom of movement and shared links in both countries.”
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Have I Got News For You star Paul Merton will perform his show ‘Impro Chums’ on stage at the New Theatre Royal Lincoln later this month.
Merton, Richard Vranch, Suki Webster, Mike McShane, and accompanist Kirsty Newton are back on the road, with Lincoln among the stops on the tour for an evening of improvisation.
Tickets are on sale priced at £25 for the show at 7.30pm on Tuesday, May 31 – buy your tickets here.
Merton is a writer, actor, comedian and radio and television present, who is known for his improvisation skill and deadpan humour. He is a founder member of The Comedy Store Players and still appears at the Comedy Store in London most Sundays.
The 64-year-old is also a resident guest on BBC Radio 4’s Just A Minute and his travel series on Channel Five called Paul Merton’s Adventures covered India, China and Europe. Last summer he co-stared with Suki Website in Motorhoming with Paul Merton as part of a six-part travel documentary for Channel 5.
His autobiography ‘Only When I Laugh’ reached the Sunday Times bestseller Top 10.
A 22-year-old man who died in a motorbike crash in Lincoln will be given a final send off with a rip-roaring procession on the way to his funeral.
Connor Peters, 22, tragically died in a crash on the B1190 Lincoln Road on Monday, May 9, as his black Lexmoto motorcycle collided with a white Isuzu van.
He unfortunately died at the scene, and a fundraiser was set up for the “cheeky, loveable rogue” to have the send off “he deserves”. At the time of reporting there is a remarkable £5,000 on the GoFundMe page, which you can visit here.
Connor Peters, pictured here with his mum, tragically died in a crash on Monday, May 9. | Photo: GoFundMe
Now, plans have been made for a motorbike procession to join the hearse taking Connor to his funeral service. The event, titled Connor Peters’ Last Ride, has been organised by his brother Josh.
It will take place at 11.50am on Monday, June 13, starting from Larne Road in Lincoln.
Josh says on the event’s Facebook page: “As a family, we are wanting a full motorcycle procession behind the funeral car, we want as many bikes, trikes, mopeds anything. We want so much noise remove all baffles removed, pops and bangs enough so he can hear from up there.
“Connor was a 22 year old lad that was full of life and was loved by so many, he loved his little 125cc, he thought that he had finally hit the big time but due to a awful turn of events he lost his life doing something he loved.
“For many of us bikers we can understand the love and passion he had for that short period of time. A biker fallen hits us all but we all club together to make an effort to remember those we lost.”
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