Newsletter No.28 12 August 2016
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Mulungushi Textiles reopens; to create 20,000 jobs
Mulungushi Textiles, which ceased functioning due to operational challenges in 2007, has reopened in Kabwe, the capital of the Zambian Central Province.
At a ceremony to reopen the textile mill, Zambian president Edgar Lungu said it will lead to creation of more than 20,000 jobs in the next five years. The revival of the industry would also benefit the cotton value chain to increase exports and boost the country’s economy, he said.
About 300 people are already employed at Mulungushi and this number is expected to cross 2,000 by 2016 year-end.
An initial $15 million would be mobilised by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and its partners to invest in cutting edge technology at the textile plant. IDC would also implement a cotton outgrower scheme of more than 10,000 farmers in Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi, Chibombo, Chisamba and Ngabwe districts.
In Zambia, cotton is the second most important crop after maize, and the reopening of the textile factory will resuscitate the cotton industry in the country, Lungu said.
He urged IDC to collaborate with the Cotton Association of Zambia (CAZ), the Cotton Development Trust (CDT) and the Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) for quality seed production to be offered in the market.
IDC director general Andrew Chipwende said a technical team has concluded the operation assessment and readiness for a full fledged production at Mulungushi Textiles. He said the plant will manufacture various garments including military and police uniforms. (RKS)
Pure London to feature new trends & brands: Director
The fashion inspired trade show, Pure London, the global fashion event that showcases premium, directional, and contemporary womenswear, menswear, young fashion, accessories, and footwear, will bring in new brands and trends this year, from February 12 to 14, 2017, at London.
“We are always looking to refresh the show and provide something new to visitors, so the show floor is always changing with new brands, new trends, new layout and new decor. In the coming weeks, we will also be announcing some brand new feature areas. At Pure London, womenswear is always our main sector. Footwear, accessories and menswear brands are growing year-on-year and we will continue to develop the show,” Julie Driscoll, Portfolio Director, Pure London told Fibre2Fashion.
Discussing about the British fashion industry Driscoll said, “Retailing occupies a large and vital part of the economy of the United Kingdom, but for the local consumer, shopping has become a key leisure activity and an important part of peoples’ lives. More than a third of all consumers spending in the United Kingdom go through retail business. Fashion is one of the key drivers.”
Talking about the influence of Brexit on the fashion retail industry she said, “Pure London, now in its 40th edition, is and will continue to be a constant and consistent companion to international brands seeking exports. The fashion market in the United Kingdom is the strongest market in Europe and Pure London gives international brands an unrivalled platform to access exports. We will have a Brexit discussion with four leading industry experts Pure London show.” (GK)
WORKPLACE INTERVENTIONS … From Vaughan Pankhurst
“Could I have a private word with you in my office?” helps if a normal drinker is just going through a bad patch, or it can help a youngster who hasn’t found the right balance between play and work. It can bring a person back to normality.
But normality doesn’t exist for addicts and alcoholics. To them, the demands of business and family and responsibility are an abnormal world. Denial, broken promises, excuses and alibis are part of the condition. The addiction consumes their entire consciousness.
An intervention is an attempt to yank them back into the real world. It’s a meeting where the alcoholic or addict is suddenly confronted by close business colleagues, family, and friends.
They can end horrendously badly if not properly planned. Good intentions are not enough. Life is not a feel-good reality TV show.
So, first things first. At Recovery Direct, before the intervention, we’d look at both the employer’s and the employee’s total circumstances. (Bear in mind that Schedule 8 of the Labour Relations Act considers alcoholism and drug abuse as forms of incapacity that shouldn’t be dealt with in terms of the company’s disciplinary code).
What is the employee’s ability to stay sober or clean? For how long? What are their work and family commitments? What are the financial circumstances? Even – and this is crucial – is the intervention likely to be successful?
By examining these, we can recommend inpatient or outpatient treatment, facilities, as well as the best payment options for both employer and employee.
We bring in our trained, experienced social worker to work with the people who’ll be present. Each family member, friend, and colleague should prepare. In a caring way, they usually cover four areas: an example of the alcoholic or addict’s behaviour that has harmed them or caused problems; the reasons why they believe the person is an alcoholic or addict; why they wish the person would address the problem; and the consequences if he or she doesn’t, whether it be termination of employment, divorce, custody of the children, or withdrawal of friendship. (It’s important that people are prepared to follow through on these actions.)
Only then is the real intervention possible. We facilitate that, guiding the discussions, avoiding recriminations, exposing the addict’s denials. Hard things will be said. There are real dangers of psychological hurt to all concerned.
But a successful intervention – now that is a beautiful thing, in the feelings of relief and hope and new courage. Staff and family and friends walk away with an entirely new lease on life.
The hardest part in any addiction scenario can be asking for help. Call Vaughan on 083 415 7804.
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Did you Know…….
Clothes Rationing In Britain During The Second World War
Count Your Coupons before You Go Shopping
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The rationing scheme worked by allocating each type of clothing item a ‘points’ value which varied according to how much material and labour went into its manufacture. Eleven coupons were needed for a dress, two needed for a pair of stockings, and eight coupons required for a man’s shirt or a pair of trousers. Women’s shoes meant relinquishing five coupons, and men’s footwear forced the surrender of seven coupons. When buying new clothes, the shopper had to hand over coupons with a ‘points’ value as well as money. Every adult was initially given an allocation of 66 points to last one year, but this allocation shrank as the war progressed. The coupon allowance was at its lowest from 1945 and 1946. For the eight month period from 1 September 1945 to 30 April 1946 only 24 coupons were issued, effectively allowing the shopper only 3 coupons a month. Throughout the war, special provisions were made for some people, including manual workers, civilian uniform wearers, diplomats and theatrical performers. New mothers were also given 50 coupons. Government publicity offered advice about the complex rationing system. Shoppers were constantly reminded of the need to plan their clothes purchases carefully and make difficult choices between garments of differing coupon values, as seen in this poster.·
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To Advertise………………….. Click here to see fact sheet.
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