Report reveals the true cost of dangerous pavements

PEDESTRIAN falls cost taxpayers as much as £0.5 billion a year, says a new report. Pedestrian Slips, Trips and Falls is published by walking charity Living Streets and highlights the need to protect our streets for the 11 million older adults (aged 65+) living in the UK.

The report investigates the nature and scale of slips, trips and falls on our pavements based on a literature review, street reviews, Local Authority Surveys, interviews with highway Officers and Hospital admissions data.

Around a ⅓ of people aged 65 and over, and around 50% of people aged 80 and over, fall at least once a year. Although research is limited, it is estimated that 10% of people over 65 will fall outside, which means there could be as many as a million outdoor falls among older adults (65+) in England each year. 31% older adults are put off from walking because they worry that they will fall on uneven and poorly maintained pavements, with half (48%) saying they would walk more if pavements were better maintained.

By 2030, 1 in 5 people in the UK will be over 65 and the fastest growing age group will be 85+ years. Falls are a leading cause of injury related deaths and Hospital admissions among older adults and can result in the person who falls becoming homebound or institutionalised.

Footway faults such as broken ironworks, surface defects and damaged street furniture are trip hazards. An estimated £1.69bn is needed to repair pavements or maintain them in their current condition.

Author of the report, Dr Rachel Lee, Policy and Research Manager, Living Streets said:- "Poor pavements have a real cost with Hospital admissions due to trips and falls placing a huge burden on NHS and Local Authority budgets. Prevention is better than cure. We need to prioritise funding for safe and hazard-free pavements, so older people can enjoy the health and social benefits that come from walking."

The report was funded by the Department for Transport and Living Streets makes recommendations on what the Government could be doing to address the challenges and inspire people to walk more, including better data collection and prompt treatment for injuries to help people get back on their feet quicker.

Attending the:- 'Pedestrian Slips, Trips and Falls' event that was is launched in Westminster, was Dr Rachel Lee, who was joined by:- Naomi Bailey, Public Services Manager, Zurich Municipal; Jon Munslow, President of the Local Government Technical Advisors Group; and contributor to the report, Jenny Mindell, Professor of Public Health at University College London to outline the findings.

The Best Companies to Work For in the North West Revealed During Inspirational Live Broadcast

THE year has got off to a flying start for those companies putting their employees at the heart of everything they do, with the Q1 2023 reveal of the:- 'Best Companies to Work For' in the UK. Broadcast live from Salford's MediaCity and hosted by TV presenter Dan Walker, Best Companies Live Q1 revealed the league tables of the Best Companies to Work For in the UK; nationally, by Region and by sector.

The top 10 Best Companies to Work For in the North West, based on their employee engagement scores are:-

1. Hydrock.

2. In Technology Group.

3. Barnett Waddingham.

4. Mills & Reeve.

5. JMW Solicitors.

6. Brabners LLP.

7. Weaver Vale Housing Trust.

8. CAE Technology Services.

9. AppLearn.

10. SMG.

Construction consultant Hydrock were not only crowned:- 'Best Company to Work For in the North West,' but also in the West Midlands and Wales. The company wants to make a positive contribution to shaping a global and sustainable future community, and is committed to providing an environment where their people can thrive. "The wellbeing of our people has always been at the heart of our culture, which is why we invest in experiences that bring our people together, learning and development programmes that can enhance all of our lives, and promote a supportive, respectful and caring culture." Dr Brian McConnell, Chief Executive Officer, Hydrock.

Recruitment firm In Technology Group, ranked number 2 in the North West league table, were also named the 2nd:- 'Best Small Company to Work For in the UK.'

Will Wareing, Director, said:- "At In Technology Group we prioritise our employees and their well-being as they are the key to our success. We begin each month with a company meeting where employees are celebrated for the month before and are also able to communicate with me directly and voice any opinions they need. There is a 2 way commitment in place and a trust that is integral to a successful working environment. Our company values each and every 1 of our employees and would be nothing without their hard work."

As well as a day of celebration, Best Companies Live Q1 gave employee 1st workplaces the opportunity to share valuable insight on what they're doing well and how they're navigating some of today's biggest corporate challenges.

Free to view panel discussions on the infamous red chairs covered topics such as:- supporting workforces through a deepening cost of living crisis, how to listen to employees to build corporate confidence and ways to break down silos and create a vision that unites.

For Best Companies' founder and CEO, Jonathan Austin, it's been a solid and encouraging start to 2023:- "There are companies that truly shine in challenging times. They continue to innovate, finding new ways to show their employees how valued they are, as well as keeping them involved in the fundamentals, like shaping the vision and values. Through Best Companies Live, we're giving these organisations a platform to inspire others and help make the world a better workplace."

'Best Companies' quarterly league tables concept is now in its 2nd year; a move away from the previous annual list. It gives workplaces more flexibility on when to survey their employees. They can do it once or up to 4 times a year, giving them more opportunities to showcase what makes them great places to work in a competitive recruitment market.

The ranking positions on the quarterly League Tables are based on employees' responses to the B-heard survey, which uses:- 'Best Companies' unique 8 Factor methodology to produce a BCI (Best Companies Index) score.