Blog: What’s your communication style?
Discover your natural communication style and learn how to adapt it for different situations. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses in communication is key to building confidence and avoiding misperceptions that could undermine your message.
Blog: Seven career questions to ask yourself for 2013
As we enter a new year, consider seven critical career questions: Do you have a clear three-year plan? Have you developed new skills and knowledge? Do you have a mentor providing feedback? These reflections help ensure meaningful career progress and professional growth.
HRD Insight: GL Hearn’s Susan Wright on graduate intern schemes
GL Hearn’s head of HR discusses the company’s graduate internship programme, which pairs up to two interns with the planning department for three-month placements focused on research tasks. The scheme aims to provide graduates with practical workplace experience and measurable skills while supporting the business’s resource needs.
Is it worth doing an MBA?
An MBA is a graduate business degree covering management, finance, marketing, and strategy. Modern programs offer specialized tracks in areas like energy, financial services, and entrepreneurship, with many schools expanding globally to provide diverse learning environments for career advancement.
News: UK’s oil and gas industry to create 85,000 jobs over next 3 years
The UK oil and gas industry is forecast to create 85,000 jobs over the next three years, driven by decommissioning projects, higher oil prices, and new technology. Roles range from engineers and drillers to geologists, with average North Sea wages at £64,000 annually, though a serious skills shortage poses challenges.
News: What to do when it snows?
When snow disrupts UK travel, employers must check employment contracts to determine if staff are entitled to pay for missing work. Employers can choose to pay anyway for morale benefits, but should apply policies consistently across all employees to avoid discrimination claims. Planning ahead with flexible working options and clear weather policies helps manage future disruptions.
Blog: Discretion denied – The implications of change to indefinite leave to remain rules
Changes to indefinite leave to remain rules in December 2012 removed discretion previously granted to UK immigration caseworkers for assessing absences in settlement applications. Migrants with legitimate business travel or employment-related absences now face stricter requirements, potentially hindering settlement prospects for highly skilled workers despite initial expectations that the new rules would simplify the process.
Book Review: The art of recruitment – An illustrated guide to the dark art
The Art of Recruitment is a humorous illustrated guide featuring cartoons and practical tips for job seekers and recruiters. With tongue-in-cheek illustrations by former recruiter Paul Taylor, the book offers light-hearted insights into recruitment practices alongside actionable advice for both sides of the hiring process.
A month-by-month guide to key new legislation for 2013
Track major UK employment law changes throughout 2013, including increased tribunal compensation limits, expanded parental leave to 18 weeks, reduced redundancy consultation periods, and new tribunal fees and procedures. Key legislation spanning February through summer covers flexible working rights, employee shareholder status, and whistleblowing protections.
Three ways to make the most of your older workers
Employers must adapt workforce strategies as older workers comprise a larger cohort and can work longer without mandatory retirement age limits. Three key approaches include evaluating performance management systems, accommodating flexible work arrangements, and facilitating knowledge transfer from experienced staff.
A five-step programme for creating a healthy corporate culture
A healthy corporate culture drives competitive advantage through clear communication of vision, employee engagement, and strategic development of diverse talent. This five-step program helps HR directors build resilient teams and foster an environment where employees thrive and contribute to organizational success.
News: Older workers valued least in the workplace, reveals study
Despite being valued for their strong work ethic and reliability, workers over 60 face significant age discrimination in hiring, according to a study by age diversity specialist Dr. Lynda Shaw. Two-thirds of survey respondents believed age could hinder job prospects regardless of experience, with older workers ranked as least valuable to businesses.
News: Public sector is still a good place to work, say staff
Despite recent cuts and job losses, 90% of public sector workers would recommend careers in public service, citing positive workplace culture as the main attraction. However, real-term pay cuts are prompting over a quarter to seek higher wages in the private sector.
Employee engagement = good customer service
Research shows that 62% of customer complaints stem from staff attitude and competence, highlighting how engaged employees directly impact business success. HR plays a critical role by advocating engagement, developing managers, implementing recognition systems, and investing in employee training to drive better customer service outcomes.
Information security: The role of HR
HR plays a critical role in information security across the employment lifecycle. From pre-employment screening to post-employment activities, HR implements security policies and controls that protect organizational information assets. Clear policy communication and proper implementation, as highlighted by the Royal Bank of Scotland case, are essential to avoid costly legal disputes and maintain security effectiveness.
Living Leader Learnings: How can I get my team to trust me?
Building team trust requires consistent actions rather than words. Focus on listening genuinely, following through on commitments, and being authentic by sharing concerns and involving your team in problem-solving rather than just presenting answers.
Ask the Expert: How does the DRA’s removal hit employment contracts?
The Default Retirement Age was removed in 2011, making it unlawful to dismiss employees based on age alone. Employers should remove retirement age clauses from contracts and notify employees of the change, as most no longer need alternate retirement language unless they can objectively justify a specific retirement age.
Analysis: Stringfellows wins unfair dismissal appeal against dancer
Stringfellows nightclub won a Court of Appeal decision overturning an unfair dismissal claim by former lap dancer Nadine Quashie. The court ruled she was self-employed rather than an employee, finding the club had no obligation to pay her wages since clients paid fees directly.
News: Govt unveils “traineeships” to make youth work-ready
The government is launching a new traineeship scheme for 16-to-24 year olds, designed to equip them with work-ready skills in literacy, numeracy, communication and problem-solving. The six-month full-time programme will prepare young people for apprenticeships or employment, addressing employer concerns about school leavers’ basic competencies.
Blog: DWP sackings reinforce need for robust social media policy
Eleven DWP civil servants were fired for social media use, highlighting the importance of clear organizational policies. A robust social media policy protects employers from liability, sets expectations for employees, and defines acceptable behavior regarding confidentiality, network security, and workplace representation.
