Legal Insight: The implications of the SFO’s latest Bribery Act guidance
The UK Serious Fraud Office’s new leadership signals stricter enforcement of the Bribery Act 2010, ending the previous lenient self-reporting approach. Employers face increased prosecution risk unless they implement robust, proportionate anti-bribery procedures tailored to their specific business risks, with potential penalties including unlimited fines and up to 10 years imprisonment.
News: BBC to investigate harassment claims after journalist’s suicide
The BBC has appointed an independent investigator to examine whether it properly handled sexual harassment complaints made by journalist Russell Joslin, who died by suicide in October. His family claims the broadcaster failed to act on his harassment allegations, which Joslin himself blamed for his mental health deterioration before his death.
News: UBS bankers head to pub after being turned away at door
UBS bankers were denied office access and handed redundancy letters on the fourth floor after the Swiss bank announced 10,000 job losses worldwide. Unable to return to work, affected London traders gathered at a nearby pub to process the sudden job losses.
News: UK HR pros least likely in world to use social media
UK HR professionals use social media far less than their global counterparts to recruit candidates or communicate with staff, with only 47% leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and CV sites to identify job prospects, according to a new study.
Blog: How to deal with equal pay after the Birimingham ruling
A recent Supreme Court ruling allowing 170 women to pursue equal pay claims against Birmingham City Council highlights ongoing pay discrimination despite 40 years of equal pay legislation. Organizations can mitigate legal risks by conducting equal pay audits or implementing analytical job evaluation processes to identify and address wage gaps.
Blog: Did you know that suicide is the 2nd biggest killer of young men?
Male suicide is the second biggest killer of young men, yet remains largely ignored due to societal pressure preventing men from discussing their feelings. This post explores how social media and awareness campaigns can help reduce male suicide rates and encourage open conversations about mental health.
Talent Spot: Louise Rooney, head of HR at ServiceSource
Louise Rooney, head of HR at ServiceSource, oversees rapid expansion at the UK-based IT firm, which has grown from 120 to 165 employees in less than a year with plans for 100 more positions. Her focus balances external recruitment with internal people development to support the company’s growth.
Talking Point: Is low staff turnover for losers?
Low staff turnover isn’t always a sign of success. While losing valuable employees is costly, very low attrition rates can indicate stagnation, low morale, and reduced performance. The key is understanding what “healthy” turnover looks like for your specific business needs and industry.
News: ‘Freedom Food’ gangmasters lose licence for alleged human trafficking
A gangmaster company supplying workers to major UK egg producers has had its licence revoked following arrests on suspicion of human trafficking for labour exploitation. Over 30 Lithuanian workers were allegedly subjected to debt bondage, excessive hours, and abuse before being freed in a police operation.
News: Learning management systems sector is now a “buyer’s market”
The learning management systems sector has shifted to a buyer’s market due to commoditization, slowing growth, and market saturation. With over 500 vendors competing and no clear leaders, buyers now have more leverage to negotiate better deals and find suitable solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Do you over-think things? If so, stop it at once…
Overthinking turns small situations into major problems and leads to analysis paralysis. Learning to think things through just enough—without spiraling into worst-case scenarios—helps you make better decisions and move forward with confidence.
Blog: Did Man City’s Mancini display emotional intelligence?
Roberto Mancini demonstrated emotional intelligence by immediately taking public responsibility for Manchester City’s Champions League defeat to Ajax, shielding his players from media scrutiny. However, his blame-acceptance was somewhat diluted when he later mentioned the team’s missed chances, raising questions about the authenticity of his accountability.
Giz a job: The state of the HR recruitment market
HR recruitment activity is rebounding after the summer slowdown, with increased permanent hiring across financial and professional services. Strong demand exists for HR generalists and mid-level talent professionals earning £60,000-80,000, though senior roles above £150,000 remain challenging due to cost constraints and candidate inflexibility.
Infographic: How staff engagement boosts business performance
Staff engagement directly impacts business performance by improving productivity, reducing turnover, and enhancing customer satisfaction. This infographic reveals the key connections between engaged employees and measurable business outcomes.
Five tips for becoming a successful interim
Discover five essential tips for building a successful interim career, from choosing the right agency and role type to understanding tax implications and professional insurance requirements.
News: One in 5 UK workers fail to earn Living Wage
One in five UK workers fail to earn the Living Wage of £7.20 per hour, affecting 4.82 million employees and hitting Northern Ireland and Wales particularly hard. Bar staff, waiters, and retail assistants face the worst low-pay conditions, with those earning below Living Wage reporting worsening finances and job security.
News: 1/3 of workers fiddle travel expenses to top up pay
Nearly one in three UK workers regularly inflate travel expenses to boost their pay, according to a survey revealing that 23% request blank receipts to add extra charges and 10% claim for personal taxi trips as business expenses.
Blog: Family-friendly law – The debate continues
The debate over family-friendly laws in the UK intensifies as critics argue that paid maternity leave burdens businesses and hinders women’s career advancement, while others defend protections that prevent workplace discrimination and support working parents.
Blog: Workforce planning – The answer to train operators’ prayers?
London Midland trains faces driver shortages causing service cancellations on the Northampton-Birmingham line. Workforce planning—a strategic approach involving succession planning, skills development, and role design—could help train operators anticipate staffing needs and retain qualified drivers long-term, addressing both immediate gaps and future demand.
Legal Insight: Working with the Working Time Regulations
The Working Time Regulations set maximum 48-hour weeks and mandate rest breaks and holidays, but austerity measures have pressured employers to find cost-cutting alternatives like on-call shifts and reduced staffing. Recent European case law on sick leave accrual and holiday entitlements has further complicated compliance for businesses managing tight budgets.
