Employee Shortage Biggest Concern For Local Businesses In 2024

Employee Shortage Biggest Concern For Local Businesses In 2024
Jan 30 2025 Share

According to the Business Performance Survey 2024, employee shortage was the biggest concern for most local businesses.

The survey, which forms part of the Malta Chamber of SME’s Barometer, revealed that 44% of a total of 364 respondents (businesses operating in Malta) think that employee shortage was the most pressing issue in 2024 Q4.

The second most urgent issue was unfair competition, which was touted by 26% of businesses. This places employee shortage at an approximate double rate of concern.

Issues with late payments, increase in inflation and excessive competition were the remaining three concerns that rounded off the top five, with 23%, 22% and 21% respectively.

The employee shortage concern was at its peak during the second quarter of 2024, whereas unfair competition increased as a concern during the last three months of 2024.

The businesses also thought that lack of good governance (42%) and levels of corruption (40%) were the top issues the country is currently facing.

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New National Integration Strategy & Action Plan Launched

New National Integration Strategy & Action Plan Launched
Jan 29 2025 Share

Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, has introduced the second national integration strategy and action plan, set to run until 2030.

This strategy aligns with the Malta Labour Migration Policy, which ensures that foreign workers vital to the economy meet specific requirements and undergo training to support their integration into Maltese society.

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According to Buttigieg, the new strategy builds on its predecessor and enhances the ‘I Belong’ integration program by expanding its availability across more educational institutions. Since 2018, this program has provided training in Maltese language, culture, and identity to over 5,000 foreigners, with many more awaiting enrolment.

She stressed that effective integration depends on mutual commitment, highlighting Malta’s history of harmonious coexistence with foreign communities.

The policy will be supported by €6 million in EU funding, with the Directorate for Human Rights overseeing its implementation. Additionally, a consultative council will be formed to collaborate with stakeholders and propose further actions.

“Through collective effort, we must foster an inclusive society and stand against xenophobia, hate speech, and racism, which have no place in our communities,” Buttigieg concluded.

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Newest MP Hints At School Time & Homework Reform

Newest MP Hints At School Time & Homework Reform
Jan 29 2025 Share

In her ‘maiden speech’ in parliament, Labour MP Ramona Attard has called for a national homework reform, questioning whether children should spend their after-school hours doing homework instead of enjoying their childhood.

Attard said that the option should not be to extend school hours or work hours.

 

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As an alternative, she proposed an additional hour at school where students could complete extra work under the supervision of peers, Learning Support Educators (LSEs), or teachers willing to work overtime.

She also noted that some teachers of non-core subjects struggle to find students for private lessons, suggesting this system could benefit them.

Attard highlighted that the current homework system creates inequality, favouring students with a supportive home environment while disadvantaging those who lack such support.

What do you think of this?

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PN MP Alex Borg Joins World Leaders For Mental Health Board

Nationalist Deputy Alex Borg Joins World Leaders For Mental Health Board
Jan 29 2025 Share

PN MP Alex Borg has been appointed to the ‘World Leaders for Mental Health’ board, a global initiative aimed at prioritising mental health in public policy and healthcare. 

Borg emphasised the universal impact on mental health advocacy and the need for global attention.

In his new role, Borg will focus on various aspects pertaining to mental health including; mental health awareness, better mental health policies as well as  mental well-being initiatives.

Borg expressed gratitude for the support he’s received and reaffirmed his commitment to improving mental health services worldwide. 

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