National Apprenticeship Week: How to get started
National Apprenticeship Week highlights how apprenticeships can create motivated, skilled employees while helping businesses meet training needs cost-effectively. With government grants available, employers can develop a workforce aligned with company values over one to four years.
National Apprenticeship Week: Training the Baker Tilly way
Baker Tilly’s five-year apprenticeship scheme has trained 70-100 school leavers for careers in accounting through AAT qualifications, with 50 still employed at the firm. The program offers government-funded, cost-effective training in workplace skills while providing a practical alternative to university degrees.
International Coaching Week: Profile of average coach revealed
A global study reveals the average UK coach is female, over 45, and holds a master’s degree, with most coaching relationships lasting 4-12 months. Leadership is the most profitable coaching specialty, though public confusion about coaching benefits remains a major barrier to market growth.
National Apprenticeship Week: Who’s doing what and where
National Apprenticeship Week kicks off over 500 events across the UK to boost employer interest in apprenticeship schemes. Major employers including Starbucks, Aldi, and McDonald’s announced new apprenticeship initiatives, though only 20% of businesses currently offer such programs despite a 140% rise in training places over four years.
Minister for disabled: Unemployment result of unwillingness to work
The UK minister for disabled people attributes unemployment to workers’ lack of appetite for available jobs, citing 400,000 vacancies in jobcentres despite 2.68 million unemployed people. Critics note jobcentre figures don’t reflect actual labour market demand, with some regions having 16 jobseekers per vacancy.
Legal Insight: How not to slip up in the snow
Severe UK weather is expected to last until the end of February, disrupting travel and work. Employment lawyer Clare Cruise addresses key questions about employee obligations, workplace policies, and time off rights during adverse weather conditions.
Blog: Using Google+ for recruitment
Google+ offers HR professionals recruitment opportunities through features like Circles for targeted networking, Sparks for talent searches by keyword, and company pages where job postings can reach interested candidates. The platform allows recruiters to separate professional and personal content while leveraging integrated Google account information for comprehensive candidate profiles.
Lack of workplace training ‘boosts UK inequality’
Two out of five UK employers provide no training to their staff, leaving 13 million workers without learning opportunities and widening inequality, according to union organisation Unionlearn. Experts argue that equal access to workplace training is both an equality issue and an economic necessity for improving worker retention and motivation.
National Apprenticeship Week: Apprenticeships O2-style
O2 offers advanced apprenticeships as a structured three-year program combining rotational placements across departments with specialized training. The initiative helps identify skills gaps while developing talent to meet evolving industry requirements and improve long-term employability prospects.
The Learning Awards winners revealed
The Learning and Performance Institute announced winners across 14 categories at its annual Learning Awards ceremony on February 2. Afiniti won Training Company of the Year, Barclaycard took Training Department of the Year, and Jim Hainie from Afiniti earned Trainer of the Year honors for creating a learning culture with measurable business impact.
Waterstones ends unpaid work placements
Waterstones has ended its participation in the government’s Work Experience scheme after The Guardian revealed unemployed people were working unpaid at its stores. The decision came following a review prompted by the coverage, though dozens of other major retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Boots continue the practice despite legal challenges.
Blog: Breaking the taboo – How to tackle redundancy and redeployment
When organizations must downsize or redeploy staff, implementing fair, objective processes with clear communication and external expertise is essential. Key steps include transparent communication, standardized evaluations based on defined criteria, and support for affected employees throughout the transition.
Fewer ex-offenders required to reveal spent convictions to employers
The Justice Minister proposes significantly reducing how long ex-offenders must disclose spent convictions to employers, shortening the period from up to 10 years to as little as two years. The reforms aim to improve employment prospects for former criminals and reduce reoffending rates while maintaining public safety protections.
Sustained high unemployment to ‘permanently damage UK economy’
A think tank warns that sustained high unemployment—predicted to reach 9% this year and remain above 7% through 2014—could permanently damage the UK’s long-term economic supply and productivity.
Steve Boorman, Royal Mail’s ex-chief medical adviser, on health and well-being
Staff absences cost UK businesses 175 million working days annually, but presenteeism—employees working while ill—can be even more expensive. Steve Boorman, Royal Mail’s former chief medical adviser, explains why proactive workplace health programs and occupational health services are essential for protecting employee wellbeing and improving business performance.
Ask the Expert: Is it legal to have a dual reference policy?
A dual reference policy risks discrimination claims because providing inconsistent information to different employees—detailed references for strong performers but only factual confirmations for weaker ones—could appear discriminatory. Employment law experts recommend offering all employees consistent, fair, and accurate references to avoid legal exposure.
Move to darker suits reflects darker employee mood
Since the recession, employees have shifted from navy to charcoal suits, reflecting a darker mood in the workplace. Sales data shows navy suit purchases dropped from 47% to 37%, while charcoal rose from 9% to 11%, suggesting workers’ subconscious mood changes through clothing choices.
Awards shortlist for best internship provider unveiled
IBM and BP are among organizations shortlisted for the National Council for Work Experience’s 2012 Awards, recognizing exceptional internship providers across all sectors. Winners in 13 categories will be announced March 20 in London.
Blog: Social media for HR – fear, authenticity and learning together
HR leaders increasingly need guidance on implementing social communication tools effectively. This post covers key insights from a CIPD talk on social media for HR, addressing common concerns like fear and authenticity while exploring how organizations can create supportive, collaborative environments through appropriate social tool usage.
Workplace alcohol policies should be mandated, says charity
Alcohol Concern is calling for mandatory workplace alcohol policies at all UK publicly-listed companies to address employee drinking behaviors and reduce lost productivity. The charity estimates alcohol-related issues cost the economy £6.4 billion annually in lost working days and absenteeism.
