Test case could see employers set their own DRA
A UK Supreme Court case this week could determine whether employers can set their own default retirement ages. The ruling on City law firm Clarkson, Wright & Jakes’ forced retirement of a 65-year-old partner may allow companies across the private sector to impose age-based retirement policies, provided they can justify them.
Ask the Expert: What questions can I legally ask on a job application form?
Learn which job application questions are legally permissible and which may violate anti-discrimination laws. An employment law expert explains why questions about attendance and willingness to travel could expose employers to discrimination claims under the Equality Act.
NHS spends £7m on management training after axing 2,000 bosses
NHS London spent £7 million on management training consultants for GPs after cutting 2,000 management positions, despite critics arguing the expertise already existed within the NHS and the funds could have been spent on patient care instead.
Blog: Alternative benefits to give you a hiring edge
Beyond standard salaries, companies can attract top talent with unique perks like pet-friendly offices, hack days, office competitions, snack bars, and educational resources. These alternative benefits help create a modern workplace culture that appeals to a wider variety of candidates.
Age discrimination still “firmly embedded” in UK workplaces
A UK government report reveals that age discrimination remains deeply embedded in British workplaces, with one in three people experiencing age-related prejudice last year. The analysis highlights concerns about stereotyping across age groups and warns that excluding older workers from suitable roles could harm economic productivity as the population ages.
100 employers pledge to open up equality of internship opportunities
Over 100 companies, including Barclays, HSBC, Tesco, and BP, have pledged to open up internship and work experience opportunities to young people from all backgrounds as part of the Government’s social mobility initiative. Signatories commit to advertising positions publicly, providing financial support, and using fair recruitment practices to ensure ability and merit, not connections, determine access to opportunities.
Update: PCS threatens further strikes and legal action over pensions
The PCS union threatens further strikes and legal action if the Government excludes it from pension negotiations. The dispute centers on demands for proper talks over plans requiring public sector workers to pay more and work longer for pensions, with potential value declines of up to 25%.
BMW negotiates with unions over agency worker get-out clause
BMW has suspended plans to use a legal loophole that would allow it to pay temporary workers less than permanent staff, following union negotiations. The luxury automaker agreed to pause implementation of the Swedish derogation while discussing agency worker practices with Unite union.
The emerging practice of strengths-based recruitment
Strengths-based recruitment assesses what candidates do well and enjoy, rather than relying solely on competency-based methods that often focus on rehearsed responses. This emerging approach matches individuals’ natural talents to roles, increasing employee engagement and identifying authentic high performers better suited for organizational success.
Case Study: Cloud HR system key to Direct Line Group’s transformation
Direct Line Group, separating from RBS, implemented a new cloud-based HR system as part of its corporate transformation. The organization’s status as a “green field” site allowed HR director Mark Martin to evaluate and select applications aligned with their people strategy rather than inheriting legacy systems.
Blog: Do employee benefits really improve recruitment and retention?
Employee benefits packages significantly influence recruitment and retention, with 43% of employees reporting their benefits kept them in their current role. Competitive, flexible benefits tailored to diverse employee needs can be as attractive as higher salaries, while clear communication about available benefits maximizes their impact on engagement and loyalty.
How many of your workforce would you hire again?
A survey of FTSE 250 HR directors found that 68% would not rehire their existing workforce, revealing a significant hiring problem. Research shows only about 25% of recruits are “linchpin” employees—reliable, high-quality performers who truly understand organizational value. HR leaders must clearly define what excellence looks like and hire strategically to build high-performing teams.
Graduate recruitment to return to 2007 levels this year
Graduate recruitment is expected to return to 2007 pre-credit crunch levels this year, though starting salaries remain unchanged at £29,000 annually. Top employers plan to increase hiring by 6.4%, with competition for talent now beginning during school years rather than at graduation.
One third of UK businesses have no staff contingency plans for Olympics
A third of UK businesses lack contingency plans for disruptions caused by the Olympic Games, risking missed opportunities from increased demand. With less than 200 days until the event, companies should develop clear staffing policies, manage leave requests carefully, and thoroughly vet temporary labor providers to avoid legal and reputational risks.
Blog: The art of communication in tough economic times
Effective communication is crucial for maintaining employee morale and productivity during economic downturns. Research shows that employees who receive explanations for workplace decisions report significantly higher satisfaction levels than those kept in the dark, regardless of the actual outcome.
Cleaning manager hangs himself at Heathrow over job security fears
A 50-year-old cleaning manager at Heathrow Airport took his own life after learning he might need to reapply for his job with an airline contractor. Keith Stone’s death highlights workplace stress and job insecurity concerns in the aviation industry.
Talent Spot: David Arkless, president of End Human Trafficking Now!
David Arkless, president of global corporate and government affairs at ManpowerGroup, advises governments on labour issues and leads a campaign against human trafficking. His career path from a working-class background to executive leadership demonstrates how seizing unexpected opportunities shapes professional success.
Capita plans to offshore TV Licensing jobs branded as “callous”
Capita plans to relocate 350 TV Licensing jobs from Bristol to Lancashire and India, prompting union criticism of the “callous” move. The offshoring proposal comes just weeks after the company secured a £560 million, 10-year contract renewal with TV Licensing.
Accountant jailed for stealing cash due to share disappointment
A Norfolk accountant earning £65,000 annually was jailed for 16 months after stealing £80,000 from his employer over two years due to disappointing returns on company shares. He used the stolen funds for personal expenses including a wedding reception and credit card payments, repaying £60,000 before sentencing.
Olympus sues 19 current and former execs for £30m in compensation
Olympus is suing 19 current and former executives for £30 million in compensation as it recovers from a £1.1 billion accounting scandal. All sued board members, including president Shuichi Takayama, will resign by April, though former CEO Michael Woodford says a complete board overhaul is necessary to restore credibility.
