19 July 2012: ATO audits and private-label grocery stats

Australian Taxation Office fewer but tougher audits: Collectable debt has increased 16% to $16.4 billion as cash-strapped businesses file late. Most of the debt is in the “micro” area – 3 million businesses that earn less than $2 million per year. Budget cuts reduced ATO staff by 1000, more than government agency.ATO computer systems more sophisticated, now check 600 million pieces of third party information, up from 409 million pieces four years ago. ATO to reduce checks on “highly wealthy individuals” by more than 66%, to do 200 reviews and 50 audits compared to 657 and 93 in 2011.  ATO plans to audit 190,000 micro businesses, down from 244,000 in 2011, and 530,000 individuals, down from 684,000 in 2011.  Where the ATO found money in 2011: Audit of microbusinesses ($4.3bn), Audit of small-medium businesses ($2.2bn), Audits of large groups ($2.1bn), Audits of individuals ($2.0bn), overclaimed GST refunds ($567m), Overclaimed income tax refunds ($200m), Excess superannuation contributions ($178m). [CR: Reducing government staff, with the largest unclaimed debt in the most challenging space of millions of micro-businesses. It is easy to see how things would shift to stricter “police-state” like controls.]

Gender stats: A couple of articles in response to Yahoo CEO 37-year old and pregnant Marissa Mayer. 3% (6 women) of ASX 200 companies in Australia have female executives. Companies with female CEOs with children: Westpac, GrainCorp, Oroton Group, MacDonal Australia, Noble and Sussan Group, Kraft Food. The Human Rights and Equal Opporutnity Commission received 165 cmoplaints abiout pregnancy discrimination in 2010-2011. There are 20 women CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.  [CR: As I mentioned in a recent blog, I acknowledge this needs to be highlighted to change the perceptions, but it will be good when it is no longer notable similar to ethnicity or similar factors.]

Federal economic modelling for unskilled workers: High school graduates and people with low-level education (hairdressers, fitness instructors, massage therapists, baristas) could be forced back to school or out of work within 13 years. Highly qualified workers in healthcare, the professions, education, and mining will have their pick of jobs in 2025. National Workforce Development Agency launched today to aim to provide taxpayer subsidised education to generate the skills demanded by industry instead of those deemed important by education providers. Demand for high skilled workers to grow by 65% and 75% of the workforce, compared to the current 60%. Growth in high-skilled jobs to grow at 160% of the rate of low skilled jobs. [CR: Wonder what this means for the gap between rich and poor and providing access to education as well as communicating the value of that education. Also wonder how pop-culture college drop out stories of the likes of Steve Jobs impact a propensity of people to pursue education.]

Supply chain impact of Ford layoffs: Local production fell an average of 336,000 vehicles to 221,000 last year. Supplier base has reduced from 200 companies to 150 over the past decade. Supply chains forced to diversify into other industries and markets, which can then prompt merger and acquisition activity. Components exports worth $1.2 billion in 2010. [CR: Fascinating to watch the organism that is the market evolve and adapt to internal and external influences. I keep in mind that my use of the term “fascinating” from an external academic perspective is also “painful and catastrophic” from those going through it.]

Proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to help 200,000 people who are on disability support pension find work. 45,000 new workers will be able to find work.   Employment rates for the disabled is around 40%, below OECD average. Moving 35,000 people from disability support pension to jobs would deliver a $9.6 billion gain. Disability support pension will draw $14.8 billion in 2012-2013, expected to rise to $17 billion by 2015-2016 and is almost twice the cost of jobseeker income support. NDIS expected to start from July 2013 with a $1 billion pledge in the July 2013 budget. Productivity commission recommended funding of $3.9 billion. [CR: Good to see this rising on the agenda.]

Medical journal The Lancelot: 66% of adults in Britain fail to take enough exercise to remain healthy. [CR: I wonder what the numbers are in AU and US. Would you be in that 66%?]

Spaniards leaving recession-wracked country increased 44% in first six months of 2012. [CR: Interesting to see how economies drive global populations and the long-term impact that has on retaining and cross-pollinating local cultures.]

Private-label groceries to increase to 33% of grocery sales in next five years (currently 23.5%).  Driven by consumers seeking greater value and rapid expansion of ranges by retailers.  Dry, chilled and packaged groceries have highest growth: Butter 68% by 2013, sugar 67% by 2013 compared to 56% in 2003, bread 56% in 2013 compared to 18% in 2003, milk 55% in 2013 compared to 51% in 2003. Private label beer, wine and spirits grown from 2% in 2003 to 8% in 2013. Eggs to slip from 61% in 2003 to 53% in 2013 as consumers opt for free-range. Own-brand groceries represent 40% of grocery bill for lower-income families compared to 15% for higher income families. Retailers targeting higher income with premium, organic, and fair trade lines. Branded suppliers forced to reduce prices, have lost shelf space tpo private label brands which are expected to generate double the gross margin of branded product. In April, Woolworths estimated at drawing 18% of revenue from private labels, Coles 23%. [CR: Retailers say branded options will give “more choice”, but it will result in increasingly smaller supply chain, which may then prompt an increase in local options.]

Deloitte Access Economics released study findings that globally 2.5 billion consumers will purchase $170 billion worth of goods using mobile commerce technology.

18 July 2012: Carbon tax spent on pokies and New Yahoo! CEO

Carbon tax compensation goes to poker machines, Queensland poker machine revenue increased more than 7% in May when first Clean Energy payments went out and rose almost 12% in June compared to last year. Electronic gaming revenue in lower socio-economic areas of Victoria, such as Bendigo and Ballarat, grew by more than double the state average. [CR: Frustrating fact of reality.]

Ford Australia planning to cut 440 jobs in Victoria and reduce production by about a third from November to a new annual output of 33,000 cars. Has seen a sharp drop in sales of its Falcon down 36% as consumers switch to SUVs and compacts. President and CEO said committed to produce vehicles in Australia until at least 2016. Investment at start of the year of $103 million for locally made Fords to be more fuel efficient, included $34 million federal funding and undisclosed amount from Victoria.  Ford Australia posted a loss of $290 million last year, sales down 25% year to date. History of job losses: 2006 – 640 jobs; 2008 – 450 jobs; 2010 – 240 jobs. Gillard on 17 Jan 2012 “As a result of us making $34 million available to join with Ford in new investment to keep car manufacturing here, we’ll actually see the number of jobs grow. There will be an additional 300 jobs as a result.” [CR: History has a way of making bold declarations seem silly in hindsight.]

Australian Communications and Media Authority approved the use of 05 prefix once the 04 numbers are used up. [CR: Glad someone’s thinking about what’s next.]

New Yahoo! CEO announced, 37 year-old Marissa Mayer, ex-Google vice-president of location and local services. [CR: Refer to past article on revolving door of CEOs over the past five years and the prospect of laying off thousands. Will be interesting to see what she does.]

17 July 2012: Ingrams to sell and inquiry into costs for technology

About chicken: Bob Ingham putting Ingham Enterprises on the market, potential vale of $1.5 billion. Ingham, 81 years old, selling the 94-year-old business that sells around 35% of all chickens sold in Australia. Annual turnover is $2 billion. Ingams and rival Baiada control close to 70% of the chicken meat market in Australia. Baiada MS states consumption of chicken in Australia increased but real prices have dropped between 20% and 25% in past few years. Poultry production increased 30% in past five years to 1.1 million tonnes in 2012-2013. By comparison, flat beef and veal production is at 2.1 million tonnes (remaining steady), flat lamb production is at 430,000 tonnes (decreasing 40%), and pork production is decreasing.  Australians increased consumption each year to an average 42 kg per person in 2010 (Americans consumed 50kg per person). Costs are increasing with consumption, increasing price is not an option due to a supply chain dominated by two supermarket chains, forcing consolidation in the chicken business to gain efficiencies. [CR: Recall yesterday’s article on newsagents? Observe history in other industries.]

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman said 3000 jobs have gone since the financial year, has previously stated the state has 20,000 more jobs than it can afford. [CR: Wonder how many will go straight into resources.]

High level of absentees expected this winter due to influenza.  Normal rate for June is 3.5%, August is 4.5%. [CR: The story the numbers do not tell is that it can hit all at once, with 25% gone in one week.]

Standard Media Index (SMI) – monitors revenue spending by media agencies handling about 60% of all advertising revenue – year to June results: overall ad market down 0.2%, Total TV down 1.8%, free-to-air TV down 4.1%, regional free-to-air TV up 1.1%, Pay TV up 11.3%, Total newspaper down 8.1%, Regional newspaper down 5.7%, Metropolitan newspaper down 8.8%, National newspaper down 13.5%, Magazines down 10.6%, Cinema down 2.8%, Digital up 22.6%, Radio up 3.4%, Outdoor up 2.1%. [CR: Look at digital go.]

Parliamentary inquiry underway to explain why costs for technology are so much higher in Australia as compared to overseas. Citing high cost of labour, Australia’s large physical size, and relatively small population. Hourly rate comparisons: UK - $9.68, US - $7.37, AU - $16.51.

Game console stats: Australians bought 450,000 game consoles during first half of 2012, down 13% from the year prior. The value of those sales fell 28.7% to $118.8 million. Next gen Xbox and Playstation not announced. Nintendo to release 8th generation Wii U before Christmas. The Ouya Google Android system is in development, attracted $US4 million from 32,000 backers on Kickstarter, to cost $US99 [CR: Tastes like chicken. (refer to previous story about increasing sales, lowering profit... see what I did there? Never mind.)]

Online group buying sites have niche competition. Total turnover for the channel peaked in Q3 2011 at $158.5 million but has fallen since. Major players like LivingSocial, Scoopon and Groupon now compete with niche players. Pink Rewards targeted at the gay and lesbian community. Trade Saver focuses on hardware stores. SME Savings focusing on small businesses.  [CR: The ebb and flow, large companies try to satisfy everyone, niche players exist until technology moves on and creates opportunity and forces change or elimination.]

13 July 2012: Media company Aegis sells for $4,827 billion and Unemployment rates released

Japanese advertising company Dentsu Inc. made friendly $A4,827 billion cash offer for global media company Aegis Group. The enlarged group will be No. 1 in Asia, No. 2 in Europe, and fastest growing in North America. Local arm of Aegis is Australia’s largest media buyer, handling over 20% of domestic advertising dollars. Regularory approval expected to take until October. Aegis operates in over 80 countries and generated £1.1 billion revenue in 2011 calendar year.  Dentsu operates in 29 countries, generated £2.7 billion revenue FY2012. [CR: The types of deals that happen only a few times in a generation.]

Employment fell in June by the most in six months. Unemployment at 5.2%. Breakdown by state: NSW (5.1%), VIC (5.5%), QLD (5.3%), WA (3.5%), SA (6.4%), TAS (7.4%). Participation rate (measures working age population) dropped from 65.4% to 65.2%. [CR: Being in Queensland, makes me realise what a bubble we are in within our nation and globally.]

11 July 2012: Darryl Lea to sell and weakening labour market stats

Confectionery retailer Darrell Lea appoints insolvency firm after 85 years of operation.  Sales have fallen 20% over the past five years to about $80 million, posted a bottom line loss of $3.3 million in 2011. Points to influx of Lindt, Haigh’s, Max Banner and Guyilan, coupled with underinvestment in Darrell Lea brand and stores. Also been dogged by in-fighting from siblings over the family empire. For sale is the brand and 69 stores and manufacturing operations, employs 700 staff. [CR: No matter how long an organisation has been around, they are always at risk from external challenges, and internal challenges don’t help.]  (Sue Mitchell, Will Glasgow)

Labour force participation rates for women with children under 15 increased 66% between 2001 to 2009 (Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia). Lone mother participation rates increased from 51% to 64%. Attributed to nation’s improved economic performance, the need for additional family income, preference for shorter career breaks, and government policies such as the 2004 childcare tax rebate. Biggest increases in spending were on housing rents and mortgage payments while car costs and petrol feel the most. Most likely major life event facing Australians over a 12-month period were changing jobs and moving house.  [CR: Interesting how moms in the workforce is attributed to “improved” economic performance AND need for additional income.  We are doing better so we need to work more? In a country where the primary stress is changing jobs. Something feels not quite right here.] (Jacob Breger)

Degrees versus apprenticeships: Apprentices earn an average of $52k after training (2010 National Centre for Vocational Education Research NCVER) compared to $50k for bachelor graduates (Graduate Careers Australia survey). Federal government aiming for 40% of young Australians to have a bachelor’s degree or above by 2025. Tertiary Education Minister Chris Evans figures show 2.4% increase in higher education enrolments in 2011 from 2010, NCVER May data shows 6.9% increase in apprenticeships.  Bachelor degrees show higher income in subsequent years. [CR: Access to education is critical, but so is initiative and opportunity.] (Primrose Riordan)

Labour market is weakening, making it harder for blue-collar workers (manufacturing, wholesale, transport, construction) to find work outside the mining sector especially for males over 50.   Unemployment is 5.1%, expected to hit 5.2%.  Structural changes have driven growth towards mining and energy, while online shopping and frugal consumer spending habits decrease growth in retailing, manufacturing, and travel. In FY2012, mining sector employment grew 24%, whereas all other sectors which represent 98% of total employment remained flat. [CR: A clear example of the two-speed economy. Knowing this, how will you cross-skill?] (Bianca Hartge-Hazelman)

China’s southern Guangdon province discharged 9.5 billion tonnes of raw sewage (75% of Guangdon’s output) into local rivers. Over 50% went into the Pearl River Delta. [CR: One of the world’s fastest growing economies, and still we have this.]

10 July 2012: Job ads fall and ACTA treaty back to the drawing board

Australian newspaper and internet job ads fell for third month in a row. Newspaper and internet ads decreased 2.6% in May, and another 1.2% in June. Newspaper adds dropped 3.3%, internet ads dropped 1.1%. Attributed to a “mild softening” in labour demand, potential concern over global economy, and pressure on profitability. (ANZ Group’s monthly job ads index)  [CR: When I see decreases or increases such as this, I have to ask whether this is a “decrease” or a “correction”. We pass value judgments on increase and decrease as “good” and “bad”, when in reality a continuous increase of job ads would appear untenable and be incredibly painful for anyone looking to hire or maintain staff.] (Jacob Greber)

China city of Wenzhou mandates corporate expenses: The Wenzhou city Commission for Discipline Inspection imposed a limit of $9.28 per person on work-related meals.  Banned abalone, sharkfin, sea cucumber, high-end and imported alcohol, and premium cigarettes on expenses. China’s national government to ban shark fin at government functions within 3 years.  Chinese officials spent 200 billion yuan on meals in 2004. [CR: Two thoughts: 1) We see the invisible hand of the market at work for environmental outcomes. Increase cost, stop the undesirable behaviour.  2) I cannot imagine a governemnt body in Australia called the “Commission for Discipline Inspection”.  That is just so non-politically correct.] (Yidi Zhao)
NAB online sales index for May showed online spending grew by 14% year on year, compared to 41% for same month in 2011. Brick and mortar retail grew by 0.2% in the same period.  Multi-channel retailers (those offering both online and store-front) are generating up to 30% of their monthly sales through their online stores. [CR: The story is not that online is decreasing, but that the tipping point has passed and we are seeing the innovation normalise and prepare for the next leap, which will be whatever follows mobile.] (Mercedes Ruehl)

ACTA treaty on terminal pause: Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is a multinational treaty designed to stop illegal downloads and sale of fake luxury goods and medication. On July 4, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly against ACTA.  Treaty being reviewed in Australia by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, recommended delaying final ratification. A minimum of six countries required to enforce the treaty. Current position is that a new treaty may be negotiated, citing lack of transparency in negotiations as the reason for the failure. [CR: Free downloads now almost seen as a “right”, be interesting to see the reaction when they finally do crack down.] (David Ramli)  

CBA mobile stats: In June, 46% of online interactions were through mobile devices.  Kaching mobile solution opened up to allow merchants who bank with other institutions to receive payments. (Brian Corrigan)

Nokia engineers say they have developed a filter system to stop 80% of accidental touches on the smartphone. New Scientist research shows that about 1500 out of 4000 touches are unintentional mistakes. [CR: I will admit to a few unintentional tweets.]

US Judge Richard Posner calls into question the validity of using software patents, in June threw out the case Apple was bringing against Motorola Mobility.  Said “It’s not clear that we really need patents in most industries. You just have this proliferation of patents, and its a problem.” [CR: A question I am asked from start-ups, “should we patent?”This issue with patents is that it is not an assessment of who came up with the idea first, but which digital corporate has the biggest legal pockets. The patent process then becomes a tool to squash competition.]

Google Android data: Of all devices that accessed Google’s App store in the two-week ending last Monday, 10.9% were running the current operating system, Ice Cream Sandwich released eight months ago. 64% of devices run previous operating system Gingerbread, released in December 2010. [CR: Mmmm... fragmented deserts.]

Analysts are saying Blackberry may be up for shareholder lawsuits if there is indication RIM has misled investors.  RIM shares dropped 95% from peak mid-2008, posted a $518 million quarterly loss. BlackBerry 10 delayed, to be launched “later this year”. [CR: The risk of optimism.]

6 July 2012: Telstra charge increase and Retailer strategic response to online competition

Telstra to increase mobile charges: New range of “Every Day Connect” plans incorporate a 10% increase in call rates to $.99 per minute, a $.05 increase to flag fall rates to $.40, and lower data allowances, which are 500 meg a month lower.  Cheapest smartphone plans increased from $49 per month to $60 per month. Telstra says traffic on wireless network is doubling every 12 months. Telstra signed up 958,000 new mobile customers pushing market share to 44%. Telstra’s annual capital budget at 14% of sales at $3.5 billion, $1 billion of which goes into mobile network infrastructure.  Telstra’s 4G network covers 40% of the population, Optus expected to activate 4G in capital cities in coming weeks and Vodafone committed to launching services next year. (John McDuling)

Commonwealth Bank Facebook banking: CBA plans Facebook banking by end of the year to enable payments to Facebook friends, mobile numbers, and email addresses. Customers will be able to make BPAY payments and transfer funds or check account balances and transactional histories. Android and iPhone Kaching app has been downloaded more than 365,000 times, used to transfer more than $1 billion. [CR: Puts new emphasis on someone “hacking your Facebook”] . (Brian Corrigan, Paul Smith)

Wheat price increase: Drought across US midwest cropping belt drives prices up 31% in past fortnight to 10 month high.  Wheat is at $US8 per bushel, was at $US9 per bushel in 2010 during the Russian drought and below $US13 per bushel of the soft commodities boom four years ago. Expected to continue to increase and affect food prices globally unless weather conditions change. Farmers resistant to forward sell due to threat of El Nino associated with drought in Australia. Last year was a record Australian wheat crop harvest of 29.5 million tonnes, this year is expected to be 24.1 million tonnes. [CR: Wonder if the price increases will be blamed on the carbon tax?] (Sophie Morris)

Salvos Stores increase 8% in sales over 64 stores in NSW and ACT over the past year. Those shopping for fashion reasons account for 15% of the increase. Australian Bureau of Statistics said retail sales rose 0.5% in May, the biggest rise since 2010. Total retail sales rose 3.3% over the year. Influenced by satorialist-style blogs capturing people wearing street style. [CR: Social media influencing retail, although I suspect the government carbon tax payment may have an impact on certain socio-economic areas, as noticed a few days ago.] (Lisa Carapiet)

Flight Centre increase: Boost in corporate and leisure sales contributed to profit before tax upgrade of 18% on prior year. Focus for the year will be on growing business organically by opening more stores and recruiting additional sale staff.  Expected to employ 1000 new sales consultants and open it’s 2500^th shop and business.  [CR: Good to see an article about employment numbers going the other way for once.] (Michael Hobbs)

US retailers respond to online: Competing against “showrooming”, where shoppers check out products in stores then buy online.  Best Buy responds by replacing standard bar codes with Best Buy-only bar codes on big ticket items so they cannot be scanned and compared online.  Walmart, Macy’s Best Buy, Sears, and the Contain store now add web return centres, pick-up locations, free shipping outlets, payment booths, and drive-through customer service centres for online sales. Over 50% of sales through Walmart.com are picked up at Walmart stores. In April, Walmart started offering cash sales online, accessed a new type of customer. 40% of customers who paid with cash online used non-cash methods to pay such as check or debit card when picking up in store. The service accounts for 2% of online sales. Sears offers drive through for same day pickup of web purchases.  Container Store VP of stores John Thrailkill: Online orders tend to be larger than in-store purchases, customers who picked up orders in store visited 50% more often than customers who only shopped in store. (Stephanie Clifford)

29 June 2012: Google Nexus 7 tablet and Law firm gender equality

Analysts weigh in on Google Nexus 7 tablet: Nexus 7 seven-inch screen, costs half of cheapest iPad, more a rival to Amazon’s Kindle Fire (not yet in Australia). Nexus 7 in Australia mid-July, 8-gig version is $249, 16-gig is $299, comes with $25 Google Play voucher. Telsyte research director Foad Fadaghi: No 3G connectivity, consumers and content producers want bigger screens. Gartner analyst Carolina Milanesi: Only available through website and Google Play store, likely impact on sales. Kind Fire estimated sales of 4.8 million devices December 2011 quarter before sales dropped 80% Q1 2012.Gartner estimates global tablet sales to double 2012 to reach 118.9 million, Apple iPad expected to retain 61.4% market share.

White collar salary reflecting economic challenges: Mining industry top at $2,173 per week, up 35% in past 5 years; nearest white collar industry is financial services at average $1,375 per week. Executives in the $150k to $300k laid off last year who took “gardening leave” finding it difficult to get a job at same calibre or salary. Likely survival solutions for “GFC mark 3” of restricted pay, shorter working weeks, and taking leave. [CR: How much of your job satisfaction is based on your own perceptions and relative availability of work?]

List of recent job cuts: Fairfax Media (1900), News Ltd (1000), ANZ (1000), First Fleet (1000), Macquarie Group (885), Westpac (560), Qantas (500), Toyota (350), Telstra (325), Perpetual (295), PWC (211), Reckitt Benckiser (190), Norsk Hydro (150), Holden (100). [CR: What do you do with 8,466 people? Who’s hiring?]

 Memorandum of Understanding between CommBank and China’s UnionPay: Allows use of Chinese bank card in taxis, at Eftpos terminals, and to pay tuition fees.  UnionPay is China’s only bank card provider, has 3 billion cards on issue. China is Australia’s third largest source of inbound tourism, over 500,000 Chinese visited Australia year to March 2012. China is largest source of overseas students for Australian universities, injecting nearly $4 billion in Australian economy in 2011.

Housing less affordable, government programs ineffective: Council of Australian Governments report on affordable housing. In 2009-10, 45% of poorest households in capital cities (lowest 40% by income) were paying more than 30% of income towards rent. Up from 2007-08, where 38.1% were paying more than 30% of income towards rent. Among poorest 10% of households, 60% were paying more than 30% of income towards rent. Report found no progress towards National Affordable Housing Agreement’s 2008 commitment to providing affordable, safe, and sustainable housing. Reform Council chairman Paul McClintock “The ability of governments to impact general housing affordability is very limited”, citing economic management issues of setting interest rates and general income growth having greater affect than specific housing programs like first home owner grants and rental assistance. OECD figures show ration of house prices in Australia 28% of long term average, house prices unlikely to rise in real terms for many years.

Japan quake and nuclear: Tokyo Electric Power Co. Committed to restarting world’s largest nuclear power plant. Only 2 of 50 reactors are back online after the quake. Radiation and public cost of over $138 billion sparked anti-nuclear sentiment, Germany shut down all plants, Italy scrapped plans, China imposed temporary halt on approving projects. [CR: Is nuclear bad only because the accident happened? What is the impact of other sources without an accident?]

Partnership survey of 38 legal firms: 30.2% of partners (60 of 199) appointed in the last ix months were female. Average is 21.6%. Average has been climbing: 20% in 2009, 20.3$ in 2010, 20.8% in 2011. The best nine firms have between 27 and 67 partners and average over 25% women. Reason for lower representation in larger firms cited as a need to be a “24/7 partner, available at the whim of the client, not so family friendly.” [CR: Interesting how 25% representation is good only because the average is so low, but if we are expecting closer to 50%, it is pretty poor.]

Comment by Michael Bradley, managing partner of Marque Lawyers: NSW law society’s 2011 report on advancement of women in the profession: 60% of law graduates and young lawyers are women.  50% of women and 43% of men opt out in the first 5 to 10 years.  Bradley’s answer: “The problem is that although law firms are really very flexible now towards working mothers, clients are not. Clients maintain unreasonable demands of accessibility, and that undermines the whole flexible working thing.” [CR: Speaks to the risk of a values disconnect between clients and the organisation, and staff and the organisation in any professional services firm.]

20 June 2012: Tablet manufacturers by market share and UK jobless youth

Top tablet manufacturers by market share of 65.3m units shipped worldwide: Apple iPad – 40.5m, 62%; Samsung Galaxy Line – 6.1m, 9%; Amazon Kindle Fire – 3.9m, 6%; Barnes & Noble the Nook – 3.3m, 5%; AusTek Transformer line – 2.1m, 3%; Others – 14%.

More Queensland government jobs to go: Newman says 20,000 more jobs in public sector than needed. There are 244,000 public servants, 208,000 full time equivalents.  Full time jobs increased 40% since 2000. Independent auditor report found departments had an “entitlement culture”, annual direct cost of unplanned absences rose 55% from 2007 to 2011.

APN News and Media said at the annual general meeting that it was examining targeted and substantial acquisitions in the digital space.

UK Jobless youth soars: 18 to 24 year olds out of work in Britain increased 874$ in the past 12 years, increased 264% in the last 12 months.