Ask the Expert: How can we avoid ageism claims over gym membership?
A six-month waiting period for gym membership benefits won’t expose your organization to age discrimination claims, provided the qualification period stays under five years. Employment lawyers confirm this approach complies with equality legislation and won’t affect employees or their eligible family members.
News: Thinktank and nurses’ leaders dispute impact of regional pay deals
A think tank claims regional pay deals could save £6.3 billion in public spending, but nursing leaders warn the move will drive thousands of NHS staff to leave, harming patient care and exacerbating existing staffing shortages.
News: “Real likelihood” of coordinated strikes by year end, warns Unite
Unite’s general secretary warns of a “real likelihood” of coordinated public sector strikes by year end over pensions, pay cuts, and job losses. The warning comes ahead of the TUC Congress, where unions are expected to vote on strike action following an October protest march.
Book Review: Organisational behaviour for dummies
This comprehensive guide by Cary Cooper, Lynn Holdsworth, and Sheena Johnson explores individual and group behavior in organizations across six key sections: foundational OB concepts, employee dynamics, leadership and motivation, organizational culture and change, recruitment and development, and practical top-10 tips for workplace success.
Blog: How to beat the holiday blues and get back to business quickly
After summer break, managers should help teams return energized by reflecting on insights gained, refocusing on business strategy, and reconnecting as a unit. This approach boosts employee engagement and motivation for the busy months ahead.
News: Unemployment fears used to dampen pay, claims incoming TUC boss
Incoming TUC boss Frances O’Grady claims unemployment is being used as a deliberate measure to suppress wages and intimidate workers into accepting poor conditions. She also highlights rising underemployment, with 3.3 million workers wanting more hours, particularly affecting women and young people.
News: Pensions gap widens between top directors and everyone else
FTSE 100 directors’ average occupational pensions are 24.4 times larger than average UK workers’ pensions, according to TUC research. The gap reflects both executive excess and inadequate private sector pensions for ordinary workers, with auto-enrolment offering limited relief without stronger employer contributions.
In a Nutshell: Five tips for rolling out a global HR system successfully
Discover five essential tips for successfully rolling out a global HR system based on Aviva’s experience implementing Workday across multiple regions. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls through phased deployment, clear communication, and managing expectations honestly.
Blog: Do you undertake workforce planning?
A survey of 900 UK companies reveals that while 81% plan no redundancies, 41% lack workforce planning strategies. Despite economic challenges and skills gaps in key sectors, businesses must align talent management with growth objectives to remain competitive.
Legal Insight: The HR implications of pensions auto-enrolment
Pension auto-enrolment creates significant HR responsibilities beyond payroll administration. UK employers must comply with anti-avoidance rules affecting recruitment, employment terms, and flexible benefits packages, with potential fines up to £50,000 for non-compliance.
News: UK rounds up allies to fight EC female board quotas
The UK is rallying European allies to block EU proposals mandating 40% female board representation at large companies by 2020. Britain argues that existing voluntary schemes need more time to work rather than imposing legally binding quotas across the bloc.
News: LinkedIn misuse means candidate research ‘should be conducted with caution’
HR professionals should exercise caution when using LinkedIn for candidate research, as a survey reveals widespread profile inaccuracies, exaggerated achievements, and inflated connection numbers among users. Two-thirds of LinkedIn users fail to update their information, while some fabricate accomplishments or trade recommendations.
Infographic: The latest national salary snapshot
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Blog: Reshuffles – A matter of perception?
Cabinet reshuffles, like business team restructures, require balancing internal needs with external perceptions. Leaders must consider how organizational changes satisfy stakeholders while maintaining team performance and corporate objectives.
Blog: Nine signs that you may be lacking ambition in your career
Identify nine key signs that your career ambition may be waning, including unclear career goals, boredom in your role, and reluctance to speak up about your professional aspirations. Discover critical questions to assess whether you need a career change or renewed motivation.
Talent Spot: Community blogger, Christina Lattimer
Christina Lattimer, owner of HR and leadership development consultancy People Discovery, has spent her career tackling people management issues. After working as a business manager in the Court Service for over 20 years, she transitioned to HR in 2002 and now helps managers develop better leadership skills through workshops and mentoring.
Five social media platforms to help boost your career
Discover five social media platforms—LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, BranchOut, and Facebook—that can significantly boost your career prospects and help you connect with potential employers and industry professionals.
News: European religious discrimination cases could shake up UK employment law
A European Court of Human Rights case involving four Christians could reshape UK employment law on religious discrimination. The claimants seek to overturn British court rulings that denied them the right to wear religious symbols at work, arguing employers must accommodate religious expression where reasonable.
News: Sailors’ pay docked after £1.2m MoD overpayment error
Hundreds of Royal Navy sailors must repay a combined £1.2 million overpaid by the Ministry of Defence, with some facing up to four days’ pay docked monthly. The error affected 423 personnel placed on incorrect pay grades over several years, with individual overpayments ranging from £9 to £17,000.
Talking Point: Could HR and internal comms make happy bedfellows?
HR and internal communications professionals must collaborate to help organizations navigate future uncertainty and build trust with increasingly diverse workforces. Both functions are essential to fostering organization-wide understanding and engagement during periods of significant change driven by technology, economic shifts, and generational differences.
