Sleep crisis in North West discussed in Westminster and University of Manchester

THE University of Manchester has co-hosted a high profile gathering of parliamentarians and sleep specialists to examine the problem of sleep disorders in the North West, which a recent SIMBA survey identified as the most sleep deprived Region in the country with more than 74% of people having less than 7 hours of sleep per night.

Organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Sleep with support from Policy@Manchester, the hybrid event attended by politicians, clinicians, employers, trade unions and others took place in Portcullis House in Westminster and at The University of Manchester's Oxford Road campus.

The meeting concluded with agreement on a 5 point action plan for the North West which includes calls for improved access to cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) for 1st line treatment, better public information on the types of sleep disorders and their prevention, and greater access for clinicians to sleep treatment and management options for their patients.

The impressive line up of speakers included:- 2 leading academics from:- The University of Manchester; Pierluigi Cocco, Professor of Occupational Medicine, and Martie van Tongeren, Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health.

Their remarks included reflections on the how challenging working conditions such as night shifts, prolonged working hours and a "conflicting work environment" can impair sleep quality and quantity. And they warned that sleep deprivation can harm cognitive performance, cause daytime drowsiness and negatively affect productivity.

Professor Pierluigi Cocco said:- "We're not going to change the 24/7 society. Instead, we aim to suggest strategies to promote adaptation to it. These may include:- flexibility in shift schedules, the use of a dynamic indoor illumination to maximise melatonin inhibition during working hours, the possibility of taking short naps during a night shift and providing helpful information about sleep hygiene to employees."

Professor Martie van Tongeren said:- "Sleep quality is not just affecting our work and productivity, work can also have an important impact on sleep quality and duration. Work related stress and shift work are major contributors to sleep problems, and we need to improve our understanding on how to adapt the way we work to encourage good sleep. With the Centre for Biological Timing and the Thomas Ashton Institute at The University of Manchester, we have developed a novel light sensor to investigate light patterns during the day and the impact that this has on sleep and levels of fatigue. We were pleased to be able to share this research with the members of the APPG."

Jim Shannon MP, Chair of the APPG for Sleep, said:- "Sleep disorders are all too common right across the United Kingdom, but the problem is particularly prevalent in the North West of England which is why this meeting was so useful. The experts taking part in our wide-ranging discussion were incredibly impressive including Professor Pierluigi Cocco and Professor Martie Van Tongeren from The University of Manchester which has produced some really valuable research in this important subject area. Their insights on the potential for shift work to become a major contributor to chronic insomnia; therefore impacting on the ability to work - were particularly informative. They also made a number of clear policy recommendations for employers and unions to help improve the situation, which I hope will be acted upon."

Hugh Baird College partners with Autotech Academy to fuel automotive careers

HUGH Baird College has partnered with Autotech Academy, enhancing the career prospects of newly qualified automotive technicians and creating a clear, direct route into employment for its students.

Bridging the gap between education and industry, Autotech Academy creates opportunities for newly qualified vehicle technicians to enter the automotive workforce through a paid, 6 to 12 month internship. Every intern is vetted, interviewed, and equipped with a uniform and toolbox worth £1,000 before being placed with an automotive employer.

Leveraging the support of the Government's Strategic Development Fund (SDF), to directly address the evolving skills needs of employers in Liverpool City Region's green sector, Hugh Baird College successfully established electric vehicle courses and strengthened its EV learning infrastructure to ensure the highest quality training for automotive students.

At the end of the Autotech Academy internship, the employer can employ the intern free of charge, or not. This solution not only enables automotive businesses to grow their own talent, but ensures that all newly qualified talent is retained by the industry.

Alongside sourcing and securing internship opportunities for qualifying Level 3 students, the Autotech Academy team will provide regular career talks and offer advice to automotive students, while highlighting the full breadth of automotive roles and pathways into the sector.

Hugh Baird College Principal and Chief Executive, Rachael Hennigan, says:- "Through our partnership with Autotech Academy, Hugh Baird College is proud to pave the way for the next generation of automotive experts. Our joint efforts ensure that newly qualified technicians are not only ready to meet the industry's evolving demands, especially in the green sector, but also have a direct route into fulfilling careers. Together, we are bridging the gap between education and industry, fostering talent that is both highly skilled and future ready."

The Autotech Academy internship offering also supports Hugh Baird College's objective to retain automotive students from Level 1 through to Level 3 (Autotech Academy will only take on an intern if they have qualified with a Level 3) while also helping them attract greater numbers in the future.

This not only enhances the employability of Hugh Baird College graduates, but also fosters a continuous and supportive learning journey within the automotive education framework.

Autotech Academy's Group Sales Director, James Mackay, says:- "Our partnership with Hugh Baird College marks a step forward in addressing the automotive industry's skill shortage within the North West of England. While highlighting Hugh Baird College's commitment to nurturing an automotive workforce equipped for the future, especially in the green sector, our collaboration creates pathways for students to thrive in their chosen careers and bridge the gap between education and industry while meeting the demands of an evolving automotive landscape."

For more information about Autotech Academy, visit:- AutoTechAcademy.Co.UK. For more information about automotive courses at Hugh Baird College, visit:- HughBaird.AC.UK/Motor.