The issue of gaining work experience in order to become more employable in the midst of the worst youth unemployment since 1993 has led to many employers illegally taking advantage of students and young people. A study of nearly 2000 students has found that 16% have worked unpaid hours for an employer in the last year in order to gain experience in their chosen field, whilst 86% of the students surveyed were not aware that it was illegal for employers to give them work experience, but not pay them.

Gloucester, Gloucestershire -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/30/2009 -- A nationwide study of 1,892 students commissioned by www.studentgems.com, a service which matches students keen to gain both money and experience to employers looking for affordable and skilled individuals has found that 1 in 5 students has worked illegally in the last year, but through no fault of their own.

Recent figures show that 19.8% of 16-24 year olds are unemployed, up by 15,000 to 943,000, the highest rates since 1993 under John Major's Conservatives.

The age old problem of employers only looking for people with experience has led to 1 in 5 students working for free within the last year, in a bid to improve their employability. 86% of students were unaware that employers are operating illegally by offering unpaid work placements.

Of the students who said they'd worked unpaid roles in order to gain experience in their chosen career, the average role lasted 2 weeks, or 10 full working days. According to recent estimates, there are 3.7 million students in post-secondary education.

The representative study of nearly 1,900 students across the UK means that 592,000 students have worked unpaid placements in the last year, giving a conservative 44.5m unpaid man-hours to UK companies, which, at current minimum wage*, would have meant £214m in potential earnings for students, which would in turn be shared back into the struggling economy.

Sue Harrison, co-founder of studentgems.com had the following to say,

"It seems that many employers are either unaware of the law related to unpaid work experience, or are exploiting young people who are attempting to give themselves a leg up the employment ladder by gaining vital experience.

"Our advice to students would be: know your rights. If you apply for work experience at a company and they try to talk you into accepting an unpaid placement, you do not need to accept it. On studentgems.com, there are literally thousands of employers looking for skilled students for projects, campaigns and temporary employment, who are constantly reminded of the need to pay students an appropriate rate.

"Simply put, if you have the skills, there are employers who want to hear from you who won't rip you off."

Mark Pearson, founder of the UK's leading discount site MyVoucherCodes.co.uk and owner of Croydon-based Markco Media Ltd, which employs over 80 people across the country had the following to say,

"To take advantage of students seeking work experience in these tough times simply to save money is unacceptable. The buck has to stop with the employers and it's not good enough to say that you were unaware of the law surrounding unpaid work – it's not allowed and that should be that.

"Students are so keen to follow their chosen career paths that they are literally willing to become slaves in order to gain vital work experience – employers have a legal obligation to ensure this doesn't happen."

For further information on studentgems.com, its founders Joanna Ward and Sue Harrison or to look at successful case studies of students who have made money and improved their CVs through using the service please contact Rich Leigh, 10 Yetis PR Agency on 01452 348211 or by emailing rich@10yetis.co.uk.

EDITORS NOTES

*There are three levels of minimum wage, and the rates from 1 October 2009 are:
- £5.80 per hour for workers aged 22 years and older
- a development rate of £4.83 per hour for workers aged 18-21 inclusive *
- £3.57 per hour for workers under the age of 18, who are no longer of compulsory school age

Charlotte Horsfall
Public Relation Yeti
10 Yetis Ltd
T: 01452 348211 | M: 07824832697 | W: www.10yetis.co.uk

10 Yetis is a Limited Company, registration number 5542316. Our address is 10 Yetis Public Relations, 3 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, Gloucester, GL1 3ND.

NOTICE: This email is intended solely for the named recipient only. It may contain privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not one of the intended recipients, please notify the sender immediately, and destroy the email; you must not copy, distribute or take any action in reliance upon it. Whilst all efforts are made to safeguard Inbound and Outbound emails, 10 Yetis cannot guarantee that attachments are Virus-free or compatible with your systems and does not accept any liability in respect of viruses or computer problems experienced.

Any creative ideas or pitch documents are owned by 10 Yetis until any campaign or project is signed off. 10 Yetis retains the right to recycle and/or re-use any suggested campaign ideas that are not used by our lovely clients.

FINALIST - Outstanding Small Public Relations Consultancy 2008

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Research carried out by intotheblue.co.uk shows that 68% of 3,022 asked would like to receive an Experience Day for their Christmas present this year, and 27% are planning on giving one to their partner.

Gloucester, Gloucestershire -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/24/2009 -- Let the shopping commence! Christmas is only a few weeks away and the rush on the high streets has already started. This year Brits have decided to be a bit more adventurous with their gifts and are buying more than bath salts and socks. http://www.intotheblue.co.uk asked 3,022 people across the UK what they are planning on buying for their loved ones this year, and what they would like be given.

The results show that 27% are buying their spouse an experience day for their Christmas present this year, and 68% would like to receive one. Last year 36% of people were disappointed with their gift, and said that they were 'impersonal'. Gifts that would 'last longer' than an average gift is seen to be 'more personal' than a CD or item of clothing.

The top three activities that proved to be the most popular with men are:
• Skydive
• Rally Driving
• Sleeping with the SAS

The top three activities that proved to be the most popular with women are:
• A pamper day at a spa or massage
• Make Over Photo shoot
• Gourmet Cookery Courses

The most popular experience days among men where activity based and included getting very physically involved and having adrenaline pumped around their body. On the reverse, women opted for more relaxing experiences that allows them to unwind, as well as social experiences that they can enjoy with their friends.

Commenting on the results, Rob Holmes of intotheblue.co.uk said the following:

"Giving an experience as a gift is starting to become more popular than the standard gift, as the results show. There are so many available that a unique day can be given that's personal to an individual. People have had a particularly tough year so this Christmas, it seems, they are planning on really spoiling each other."

He continues;

"Our site started as an air activity site, but demand got so strong for other experiences it made sense to branch out. The fact that we offer 600 different days shows how many options there are for people, and that you are bound to find one that is perfect for you or your loved ones."

For any more information on http://www.intotheblue.co.uk contact Charlotte Horsfall on 01452 348211 or email on charlotte@10yetis.co.uk.

Editors Notes:

The website was launched in 1996 as only an Air Activity Gift Voucher site, but it wasn't long until there was a demand for much more experiences and now http://www.intotheblue.co.uk offer over 400 experiences. This is a simple to use internet based business that prides itself on its customer friendly approach.

Charlotte Horsfall
Public Relation Yeti
10 Yetis Ltd
T: 01452 348211 | M: 07824832697 | W: http://www.10yetis.co.uk
10 Yetis is a Limited Company, registration number 5542316. Our address is 10 Yetis Public Relations, 3 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, Gloucester, GL1 3ND.

NOTICE: This email is intended solely for the named recipient only. It may contain privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not one of the intended recipients, please notify the sender immediately, and destroy the email; you must not copy, distribute or take any action in reliance upon it. Whilst all efforts are made to safeguard Inbound and Outbound emails, 10 Yetis cannot guarantee that attachments are Virus-free or compatible with your systems and does not accept any liability in respect of viruses or computer problems experienced.

Any creative ideas or pitch documents are owned by 10 Yetis until any campaign or project is signed off. 10 Yetis retains the right to recycle and/or re-use any suggested campaign ideas that are not used by our lovely clients.

FINALIST - Outstanding Small Public Relations Consultancy 2008

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

A study of 3015 conducted by thegoodsurgeonguide.co.uk reveals that men going under the knife has risen by 82% since January 2009. Cardiff’s men are more open to cosmetic surgery to those in Dublin that don’t view it as manly.

Gloucester, Gloucestershire -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/23/2009 -- Russell Brand and Johnny Depp started the trend of Guyliner back in the early naughties, however five years on the fashion trend continues to be growing with the likes of Jamie Archer and Pete Wentz joining the Metrosexual band wagon. Taking care of appearances and making the most of body assets used to be only popular among women, however cosmetic procedures are swiftly on the rise amongst men.

Research carried out by http://www.thegoodsurgeonguide.co.uk reveals that there has been an 82% increase in men going under the knife for cosmetic surgery since the start of 2009. TV's straight talking Chef, Gordon Ramsey has recently spoken publically about his surgery, 64% of the 3,015 asked agreed that they could potentially follow the lead set by the likes of Ramsey and go ahead with cosmetic surgery.

The results show that the most popular areas for men having a procedure are London, Cardiff and Swindon, with 21% of men saying that they have had Botox or dermal fillers to smooth out the skin on their face. 83% of men said that they would not rule out the possibility of a cosmetic procedure, and think that celebrities such as X Factor opinionated judge Simon Cowell, look better for the surgery.

On the reverse, areas such as Glasgow, Manchester and Dublin showed a lower percentage, with 1 in 20 men having had surgery or cosmetic procedure and 1 in 6 saying they would consider it for the future. Dublin is the home to the 'Jedward' mentor, Louis Walsh who has openly talked about recently having procedures to keep his face looking fresh. When asked if cosmetic surgery was an acceptable thing for a man to do, fellow residents of Dublin largely agreed it wasn't , with 87% saying that surgery is not an option they would consider, believing that it is not a "manly thing" to do.

Men aged between 20 and 35 were more open to the idea of cosmetic surgery, 1 in 5 asked across the UK admitted to being open to a procedure in the coming years. When asked if they were influenced by the increase in celebrity men having regular procedures, 91% of those planning it for their future said they were.

Commenting on the results, Christiana Clogg co - founder of thegoodsurgeonguide.co.uk has said:

"Celebrity men are popping up everywhere talking about their procedures. The shame that once accompanied men having the likes of Botox is rapidly disappearing; men are now planning it for their futures and openly talking about it."

She continued,

"The Metrosexual man became a common breed over a decade ago, starting with simple skin care such as moisturising; something women had been previously doing for years. Once this started it was only a matter of time before men caught up with women entirely, and started to take more pride in their appearance."

Christiana concluded:

"This is what our site is all about; it is there for both men and women to visit and research all procedures, including Botox and dermal fillers, to ensure that they are visiting a reputable surgeon."

For further information or to set up an interview with Christiana Clogg please contact Charlotte Horsfall at 10 Yetis PR Agency: charlotte@10yetis.co.uk or 01452 348211.

Notes to editors

http://thegoodsurgeonguide.co.uk was launched in September 2009 and is the first website of its kind; users can visit the website to read or provide reviews and recommendations of cosmetic surgeons, cosmetic dentists, clinics and aesthetic treatment providers.

The Good Surgeon Guide should be the first port of call for anyone considering a cosmetic treatment or procedure, as it offers inside knowledge from people who have already had surgery and this is key in helping others make an informed choice about where to go and who to turn to for their procedure.

Charlotte Horsfall
Public Relation Yeti
10 Yetis Ltd
T: 01452 348211 | M: 07824832697 | W: http://www.10yetis.co.uk
10 Yetis is a Limited Company, registration number 5542316. Our address is 10 Yetis Public Relations, 3 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, Gloucester, GL1 3ND.

NOTICE: This email is intended solely for the named recipient only. It may contain privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not one of the intended recipients, please notify the sender immediately, and destroy the email; you must not copy, distribute or take any action in reliance upon it. Whilst all efforts are made to safeguard Inbound and Outbound emails, 10 Yetis cannot guarantee that attachments are Virus-free or compatible with your systems and does not accept any liability in respect of viruses or computer problems experienced.

Any creative ideas or pitch documents are owned by 10 Yetis until any campaign or project is signed off. 10 Yetis retains the right to recycle and/or re-use any suggested campaign ideas that are not used by our lovely clients.

FINALIST - Outstanding Small Public Relations Consultancy 2008

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The UK’s most popular discount code and voucher websites has revealed the top five discounts and voucher codes for holidays.

Gloucester, Gloucestershire -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/19/2009 -- http://www.MyVoucherCodes.co.uk the UK's biggest voucher code and discount website has listed the top five voucher codes and offers for holidays.

At present MyVoucherCodes.co.uk have hundreds more exclusive voucher codes than any of its competitors or copycat sites.

Currently on MyVoucherCodes.co.uk there are thousands of live voucher codes, offers and discounts. The top five voucher codes and offers for holidays are:

Retailer: Holiday Taxis
Details: Save 15% off any bookings made for 2009 with this code
Code: XMAS08
Expiry: 31/12/09
Link: http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/codes/Save-15-Percent-Off-Any-Bookings-Made-For-2009-At-Holiday-Taxis-When-Using-This-Promotion-Code/31057

Retailer: Expedia
Details: Save £50 off ski holidays for £500 with this code
Code: SKI11EB50
Expiry: 30/11/09
Link: http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/codes/Save-50-Pounds-Off-Off-Ski-Holiday-When-Book-For-500-Pounds-At-Expedia-When-Using-This-Voucher-Code/135420

Retailer: PV Holidays
Details: Save 15% off on all Dates and all French Ski Resorts at PV Holidays using this Voucher Code
Code: 8258
Expiry: 24/04/10
Link: http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/codes/Save-15-Percent-Off-On-All-Dates-And-All-French-Ski-Resorts-At-Pv-Holidays-Using-This-Voucher-Code/120632

Retailer: Octopus Travel
Details: Save 10% off Rio de Janeiro with this exclusive codes
Code: MVCWS10
Expiry: 30/11/09
Link: http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/codes/Save-10-Percent-Off-In-The-Fantastic-Rio-De-Janeiro-When-Using-This-Exclusive-Voucher-Code-At-Octopus-Travel/129363

Retailer: Libra Holidays
Details: Save £20 per person with all new bookings with this code
Code: FACE
Expiry: 30/04/11
Link: http://www.myvouchercodes.co.uk/codes/Save-20-Pounds-Per-Person-Off-All-New-Bookings-At-Libra-Holidays-When-Using-This-Promotional-Code/127108

Speaking about these top five voucher codes and offers for holidays, Mark Pearson, MD of MyVoucherCodes.co.uk said:

"Holidays are continually being pushed aside, especially as time have been hard for many people over the last year. It is however clear that many people still want, and deserve to take that much needed break."

He continued;

"MyVoucherCodes has teamed up with many holiday companies to ensure that holidays don't have to cost a fortune. This is shown in the codes that we have on the site, and the travel discount book that we are launching in the New Year."

For more information contact Gabrielle Lofthouse, gabrielle@10yetis.co.uk, 01452 348211

EDITORS NOTES
Mark Pearson, MD of MyVoucherCodes is a regular media contributor regarding online shopping and the credit crunch. At 29 his personal worth is more than £30 million. Mark was previously a trainee chef working for Gordon Ramsay at Claridges, London.

MyVoucherCodes has had sales exceeding £481m in the last year

Consumer savings on online shopping via MyVoucherCodes.co.uk up from £28m in 2008 to £52m in 2009.

MyVoucherCodes is the UK's most popular discount site.

The site now regularly achieves 9m unique visitors per month

MyVoucherCodes is now over two years old and has featured on the likes of BBC Working Lunch, BBC Breakfast, ITV and every major national UK newspaper.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm