West Somerset Methodist Circuit

1. How to write emails that people will read. When you send an email, chances are that it is competing with hundreds of others for the recipient's attention. Here's how to compose emails that people will actually read, answer, and act on. READ MORE

2. Growth forecasts slashed. Official growth forecasts "paint a gloomy picture" despite the chancellor's claim that tax cuts will boost growth, said the BBC. In his Commons speech, Jeremy Hunt claimed the government had put the economy "back on track", but the Office for Budget Responsibility has cut its growth forecasts, to 0.7% in 2024 and 1.4% in 2025. It added that living standards would not return to pre-pandemic levels until 2028. TheAutumn Statement was an "attempt to hoodwink voters", said The Mirror, but the Daily Mail welcomed the "biggest tax cuts since the 1980s". Editor

3. No poll bounce for the Tories. The Conservatives have enjoyed no poll bounce after the government cut taxes in last week's autumn statement, according to a poll. Labour is on 42% (up two points from a week ago), the Conservatives are on 26% (-1), the Lib Dems 11% (-1), Reform 8% (-1) and the Greens are unchanged on 7%. Across all respondents, 23% of people polled thought the autumn statement was good, against 27% who thought it was bad, while nearly 50% were not sure. The Observer

4. Richest 1% produce most carbon. The richest 1% of humanity is responsible for more carbon emissions than the poorest 66%, according to a new report from Oxfam and Stockholm Environment Institute. "The great carbon divide" found that the elite group, made up of 77 million people including billionaires, millionaires and those paid more than $140,000 (£112,500) a year, accounted for 16% of all CO2 emissions in 2019. The twin crises of climate and inequality are "fuelling one another". The Guardian

5. These are the world’s 10 largest economies. 10, Italy $1.997 trillion GDP; 9, Russia, [$2.133]; 8, Canada [$2.200]; 7, France [$2.778]; 6, UK [$3.199]; 5, India [$3.469]; 4, Germany [$4.031]; 3, Japan [$4.301]; 2, China [$18,321; 1, US [$25,035]. The five largest economies make up half of the world’s GDP. The 10 largest account for two-thirds, while the 25 largest represent 84% of the world’s GDP. Together, the remaining 167 nations account for just 16% of global GDP. World Economic Forum

6. The introverted leader. It's often thought that the best leaders need to be extroverts or outgoing. However, many experts say that is not the case. While extroverted leaders have important strengths, they also tend to command the centre of attention and take over discussions. Thoughtful communication and critical thinking are two important leadership traits associated with introverts. In a dynamic, unpredictable environment, these are the qualities that the most effective leaders possess. Editor

7. Universities add Small Talk 101. Where is university tuition going? In some cases, to classes that help future grads practice the dying art of small talk. That’s because educators and employers alike have noticed today’s youngest workers are sorely lacking soft skills. With just 54% of employers saying university students are very or extremely proficient communicators, professors are now adding mixers and networking events to their curricula. The focus on improving interpersonal skills appears to be working, said teachers. The Wall Street Journal

8. Worst couriers named. Online shoppers are still enduring "substandard" delivery services, according to Citizens Advice. A study by the group found that more than one in three shoppers, or 13.3m people, experienced a delivery problem with the last parcel they received. Evri, formerly Hermes, was recorded as the worst provider, followed by Yodel. The Independent

9. Decorate with AI. Microsoft has unveiled an AI tool that remote workers can use to “clean up” their homes during video calls. The “decorate your background” feature, which will be rolled out on Microsoft Teams next year, eliminates mess and clutter, and can be used to add house plants, lights and even a Christmas tree. Daily Mail

10. The bottom line. 77% of adults in Great Britain think the Government has achieved not very much or not much at all in the 12 months since Rishi Sunak became PM. YouGov