London Book Fair forced online despite UK bookshops reopening

One of the world’s most important literary events will be fully online for a second year running.

The London Book Fair (LBF) said on Thursday that the three-day programme, starting on June 29, would not be an in-person event, despite recent efforts to reopen the British economy.

Last Monday, the UK allowed bookshops to reopen for the first time this year as the country gradually makes its way out of lockdown.

LBF, which cancelled its 2020 live programme, said that while it could not offer a physical event this year, the Online Book Fair would take its place.

“Given the complex challenges and constraints of the global pandemic, we wanted to give as much notice as possible to exhibitors and attendees, while making the best possible decision for the publishing industry,” LBF director Andy Ventris said.

“With the continued uncertainty around international travel and vaccination rollouts, it has become apparent that an in-person fair for 2021 would not be able to offer the full value to participants that we want to deliver.”

LBF is a large book-publishing trade fair held annually, usually in April, and is a global marketplace for rights negotiations.

The Online Book Fair will look to attract a global audience.

“We are deeply committed to delivering a digital event in June that offers real value and flexibility, and to broaden the reach of the fair to the widest possible international audience,” Mr Ventris said.

“The Online Book Fair will provide the industry with a dynamic digital programme packed with content and opportunities to make new connections.”

LBF hopes to hold a live event in April 2022.

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Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do

Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.

“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”

Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.

Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.

“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”

For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.

“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”