New report reveals state of the nation

A new report released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in the UK has taken a theme of societal wellbeing for 2008. The ‘State of the Nation’ report indicates that, on average, over the past 30 years, Britons have enjoyed a steady improvement in their standard of living and are also healthier. It indicates that life expectancy stood at 77 for males and 82 for females in 2006, compared with 69 for males and 75 for females in 1971. The mortality rate for circulatory diseases such as strokes also saw a marked decline over the same period.

Social trends reports compile a wide range of information from different sources on a number of aspects of British society, including health, wealth, education, expenditure and the labour market.
The ONS is the executive office of the UK Statistics Authority, a non-ministerial department reporting directly to the British Parliament. Details: statistics.gov.uk

The European Register of Exercise Professionals was officially launched in Hilversum, Netherlands, on 7-8 May at the EHFA North European Fitness Forum. 65 industry leaders attended the event which included a full explanation of the workings of EREPS and how it is to be developed across 35 European countries and states.

Presentations from EU Commission, Belgium, Scandinavia, Germany, UK, Switzerland, Nike and a special visit from Susan Kingsmill (President of Fitness Australia) explained the benefits of cooperation and raising the standards for exercise professionals, operators, training providers and government.

An honorary first membership was made to Harm Tegelaars as the EHFA President to demonstrate how EREPS would operate in practice when it gets underway on 1 July.

Working in fitness survey now live!

The Working in Fitness Survey is a well established, confidential survey run by SkillsActive and the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).

Now in its 5th year, this survey gives an insight into how the fitness industry is rewarding those employed in it by examining salary levels, job satisfaction and spending on training and development while showing comparisons across occupations.

In previous research by SkillsActive for the Sector Skills Agreement it was estimated there are an average 8,500 job openings a year to meet staff turnover and the creation of new positions.

One of the survey aims is to find out whether the industry is doing enough to attract new, as well as retain existing staff to meet these future demands.

Those completing the survey can be assured that the results will be totally confidential and will be analysed anonymously. The results will be reported at regional and occupational levels only, ensuring no one will be able to identify individual answers.

Who should complete the survey?

• The survey is open to all those working in the industry, be it on a full or part-time basis, or someone who is self employed.
• Anyone who works within a leisure centre, private health club or directly with clients should complete the survey.
• Last year over 1,800 people working in the industry completed the survey. The survey is live until 14th July 2008 and f indings will be analysed for REPs members who can take part through the REPs website www.exerciseregister.org