Society daily 13.02.12

• A study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, which surveyed 1,000 UK employers, concluded that the number of unemployed will most likely be close to 3 million by the end of 2012, reports the Independent

• The Independent also reports that members of the Public and Commercial Services union will stage demonstrations on Tuesday 14 February over plans to close dozens of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency offices.

• Bonuses in the public sector will be subjected to new restrictions, as a result of public outrage over pay levels at taxpayer-subsidised organisations such as the BBC and RBS, reports the Telegraph.

On my radar ...

• With 18% of young people in the UK now classified as NEET's (not in education, employment or training) Google, FutureGov, RSA and Livity are holding a hack weekend, 17-18 February, to help them develop web-based solutions to get into work or education.

One of the ideas is for a site that allows young people to build skills profiles. The site could also highlight the gaps in their experience or skills required for their desired career path and suggests actual work, education or training opportunities that will fill those gaps.

Another idea is for an online space where young people, employers, educational providers and community organisations can network with one another. People could then use the space to create 3D CVs, use careers advice webinars and post videos about job opportunities.

At the end of the event an independent jury will choose the winning idea, and students from that winning team will receive a Google Interactivism Award to develop their prototype.

It's free, and NEETs and student developers can still register for the event here

• On to the other end of life's spectrum ... the Joseph Rowntree Foundation is today launching a wonderful campaign to encourage people to think differently about old age. It is part of a research programme looking at how we can ensure a better life for older people with high support needs, and the foundation has commissioned former poet laureate Sir Andrew Motion to write a a poem reflecting the thoughts and feelings of a range of marginalised older people (LGBT, South East Asian elders, people with learning disabilities, Gypsy and Travellers and those living with dementia). You can listen to Motion reading his poem as well as view an exhibition of stories and a portrait gallery asking what it's like to be 100 years old on the newly launched better life website

Soulmates offer

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On the Guardian Professional Networks

• As public services diversify, how can we make sure of the best outcomes for staff and service users alike, asks Julian Le Grand?

• Speaking the language of benefits: how to explain welfare reform to tenants

• The Guardian housing network also has a live discussion today at 12pm on how to advance your career in housing. Join our experts who will debate how you can progress in your housing, communities and regeneration career.

• Is the UK high street facing an inevitable 'death spiral'? Research suggests that people today feel lonely even when in a crowd. So why not turn the high street into a welcoming space, asks Dr Sean Carey

• Celebrity supporters are more than just volunteers. When they donate time for which they could charge, it makes them major donors 'in-kind', argues Charity Celebrity

Events and seminars

The Guardian Public Services Summit 2012

2 and 3 February, Sopwell House, St Albans

A new landscape for public services

Debate new models, challenge opinions and celebrate innovative thinking with a range of esteemed speakers, including Sir David Normington, Geoff Mulgan, Ben Page, Dame Mary Marsh and many more…

View the programme, speakers and book your place