News: Big brand retailers urged to employ ex-offenders
The Justice Secretary is urging major retailers to hire former prisoners to reduce reoffending rates and tackle unemployment among ex-offenders. The initiative includes recruitment drives, workplace training, and prison-based work programmes, though unions raise concerns about fair wages and competition with unemployed workers.
News: Employers join with working mums to slam proposed maternity leave cuts
Employers and working mothers are opposing government proposals to cut default maternity leave from 26 to 18 weeks. Nine of 11 major employers surveyed, representing over 300,000 workers, warned the changes could increase absenteeism and harm workplace retention of women.
News: Boots’ move to slash Sunday pay unlawful, rules tribunal
An employment tribunal has ruled that Boots unlawfully cut Sunday pay for long-serving employees from double time to time-and-a-half without permission. The retailer now faces potential compensation or backdated payment running into thousands of pounds following the decision.
Ask the Expert: What is the legal status of union-appointed safety reps?
Union-appointed safety representatives have statutory rights under UK regulations to represent employees and conduct safety work, though the regulations don’t clearly specify whether they must represent all employees or only union members. Employers cannot terminate these appointments, and safety reps have exclusive rights including paid time for safety duties.
Blog: Can you tell your performance measurement from your performance management?
Discover the difference between performance measurement and performance management. While often confused, these two distinct processes are essential for organizational success. Learn the six key measurement equations and how to build an effective performance framework aligned with your business goals.
Blog: What HR can learn from alien abductions
An HR assessor uses the hypothetical scenario of alien abduction to assess employee engagement and value. The exercise reveals whether staff feel appreciated and integral to their organization, with insights into what truly motivates workers beyond salary.
Legal Insight: The pros and cons of the employee share ownership model
Employee share ownership models offer potential benefits like increased staff engagement and productivity, as seen at John Lewis, but organizations must carefully consider the structural and practical implications before implementation. The government is promoting this approach as part of a “responsible capitalism” agenda, though unions and others have raised concerns about the model’s applicability across different business types.
News: Budget cuts see public servants improvise to get training
Budget cuts have forced UK public sector workers to rely on colleagues and online research to develop essential skills, with 41% learning new competencies through informal means as external training provision shrinks.
News: Whitehall contractor status crackdown mauled for ‘missing the point’
The UK government plans to crack down on over 2,000 senior civil servants paid as contractors rather than staff, but industry experts argue the crackdown misses the point about legitimate contracting arrangements and tax compliance responsibilities.
Blog: Why you should beware of video CVs
Video CVs are re-emerging as a recruitment tool, but they present significant practical and legal challenges. Employers may struggle to fairly compare candidates without standard formats, and video submissions risk exposing protected characteristics that could lead to discrimination claims, making them problematic under employment law.
Blog: What makes a good mayor?
A good mayor needs both a compelling vision and practical ability to improve city services like transport, housing, and crime. This article explores parallels between mayoral and business leadership, emphasizing that successful leaders must balance charisma with tough decision-making and build strong teams to amplify their impact.
How to manage a mixed age workforce
Managing a mixed age workforce requires addressing the diverse needs of older workers staying longer post-retirement-age abolition and younger Generation Y employees entering the workplace. Key strategies include flexible work arrangements, ongoing training, and recognizing that age diversity—from different learning styles to technology adoption—brings both challenges and proven business benefits like improved customer service and productivity.
Legal Insight: Health matters part 3 – Tackling presenteeism
Presenteeism—when employees work while ill—costs UK employers nearly twice as much as absenteeism, with mental health-related presenteeism alone costing £15.1 billion annually. Managers must address this through leading by example and creating workplace cultures where taking sick leave is genuinely acceptable.
TV Review: The Apprentice Week 7 – Know, and listen to, your team
In Week 7 of The Apprentice, teams purchase wholesale goods to sell at a profit, but poor stock management and pricing decisions cost one team the win. The episode highlights how listening to team members and strategic planning are crucial to business success.
News: ‘Dress down Friday’ becomes the new norm for workplace attire
Workplace dress codes are becoming increasingly casual, with casual wear now the norm across many industries beyond just creative fields. A UK survey reveals that only 48% of full-time employees wear suits regularly, while younger workers and women are significantly less likely to wear formal attire to the office.
Legal Insight: Age discrimination – What you can and can’t do
Age discrimination law has become a major issue for employers since the abolition of the default retirement age in 2011. While both direct and indirect age discrimination can be objectively justified, recent UK Supreme Court rulings provide limited guidance on what constitutes valid justification for practices like compulsory retirement ages.
Blog: The value in encouraging staff to raise their public profile
Encouraging key employees to build their public professional profile benefits both individuals and organizations. A two-step process—rediscovering expertise and taking targeted profile-building actions—helps overcome hesitation and empowers staff while strengthening company reputation through respected thought leaders.
Blog: How to hold on to good employees – Part 3
Keep your best employees by providing adequate resources and support, fostering growth through training and development, and showing genuine care for their wellbeing. This final part covers three essential retention strategies: employee support, growth opportunities, and creating a workplace where people feel valued.
Six steps for succession planning success
Succession planning is critical for organizational success, yet many employers lack the expertise to implement it effectively. This six-step guide helps organizations identify future management needs, develop talent, and ensure key positions are filled efficiently while improving employee retention and engagement.
Talking Point: Would you want to live in an ‘anywhere working’ city?
UK employees spend nearly 200 hours commuting annually. A new concept called the “anywhere working city” uses technology and third spaces—locations between home and office—to reduce commuting time and support work-life balance in crowded urban areas.
