Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1068299
15 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 JANUARY 2019 COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENT For all their myriad adaptations, insects don't survive cold weather very well. It's no surprise therefore that following the frosty evenings of the past few days, the creepy crawl- ies practically disappeared – either dead or hidden under- ground, behind bark, etc. The same goes for butterflies, which don't survive winters but live on in the eggs they lay. Despite the cold, however, some caterpillars are in fact already out, and only this week I spotted the dark bristly progeny of a painted lady (M. farfett tax-xewk). Like most of our butterflies, the painted lady is named after the plant favoured by its voracious larvae (= caterpillars). The painted lady's young do indeed eat leaves of thistles, but also borage and mallow. When they are done eating and growing, they pupate and spend the rest of winter in suspended anima- tion, to then emerge in spring for a few frantic days of mat- ing and nectar binge-drinking. Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 546: Support local farmers and win! Find out more at www.foemalta.org/goodfood Text Victor Falzon Photo Desiree Falzon 541 - SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS 472. PAINTED LADY Book fair at Is-Suq Tal-Belt SKILL shortages in Europe are damaging the growth prospects of companies and the conti- nent's economy, according to Building a Better Working Eu- rope, a new survey released as part of the EY Attractiveness Survey series. The most alarm- ing talent shortages are in digital skills, with cybersecurity (48%) and artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics (48%) identified as the scarcest skills according to the survey respondents. According to the survey, Euro- pean companies recognize they have skill shortages and 89% say they are investing in improving the digital skills of new and exist- ing workers. However, only 43% of companies have a human re- sources (HR) strategy that looks more than three years ahead. These findings mirror EY's re- cently published Malta Attrac- tiveness Survey, which found that investors ability to source skilled and un-skilled labour is becoming increasingly challeng- ing. Sixty-four percent of re- spondents face difficulties find- ing or recruiting the personnel they need. This figure has risen over the last four years, amount- ing to 47% in 2015. For Malta to remain globally competitive, 70% of respondents are convinced that emphasis should be on developing Malta's education and skills. Further- more, 63% of investors suggest- ed that policy-makers invest in enhancing workforce skills for the digital age. Andy Baldwin, EY Area Man- aging Partner – Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA), stated: "The relentless march of digitalization is already hav- ing a profound impact on the labor market, creating short- ages in specialist digital skills and surpluses in other areas. The reskilling and upskilling of Europe's workforce need to take an inclusive view on what talent means, implement com- prehensive people strategies and commit to investing in the train- ing and development of existing staff alongside the recruitment of new employees." EY survey finds digital skills shortage in Malta threatening future growth TODAY is the last chance to visit the Book Fair being held at Level 1 at is-Suq tal-Belt. Go and browse the vast range of books which are of- fered at a fantastic price of €2.99. This book fair includes Maltese history, culture and folklore, natural history, novels, health and recipe books amongst others. There is also a section dedi- cated to children's literature. Is- Suq tal-Belt offers a supervised children's area on Level 1, where kids can enjoy various activities. This book fair is being organised for the first time at Suq tal-Belt in collaboration with Wise Owl Bookshop, an award-winning independent publishing house which is family-run and has a history in the publishing industry dating back to 1934. After visiting the book fair, one can savour a taste of delicacies from around the globe from one of the various food stalls at is-Suq tal-Belt where dining, unwinding and experience all come together to create an enjoyable atmos- phere for everyone. The book fair will be open from 11am to 4pm.