A question of ethics: Candidate profile-building using social media
Organizations increasingly use social media to recruit talent and investigate candidates’ backgrounds, raising ethical questions about privacy. While strategic recruitment campaigns on platforms like LinkedIn can help attract qualified applicants, scrutinizing candidates’ personal social media profiles presents legal and ethical concerns that HR professionals must carefully navigate.
PAYE pooling proposals could cut costs – and lead to more tax probes
HMRC’s PAYE pooling proposal would allow connected employers to combine returns and payments, potentially reducing administrative costs. However, accountancy firm Baker Tilly warns the consolidated approach could make employers larger targets for tax compliance investigations, resulting in higher estimated penalties.
News Analysis: Jobs market shows mixed picture
London’s financial sector faces significant job losses with 30,000 positions expected to disappear by year-end, while retail employment also declined sharply. However, some recruitment sectors showed modest signs of recovery as employer confidence gradually improved.
Blog: High-performance HR – it’s about technology AND social media
High-performance HR requires mastery of both technology and social media tools like LinkedIn. Many HR professionals underutilize these platforms for talent scouting and career development, despite their transformative impact on recruitment and professional networking.
Small businesses call for tax relief to help with sickness absence costs
The Federation of Small Businesses calls for tax relief to help employers manage sickness absence costs, which averaged £1,500 per firm annually. The proposal would allow businesses with less than £45,000 in National Insurance Contributions to recover statutory sick pay expenses.
Tube drivers to start industrial action on Friday
London Underground tube drivers are beginning industrial action Friday over safety concerns and proposed operational changes. The RMT union, representing about half the driver workforce, rejected what it claims are dangerous cost-cutting measures that could eliminate jobs and reduce station staffing.
Legal Insight: The Bribery Act revisited
The Bribery Act 2010 criminalizes both individual bribery and corporate failures to prevent it. Organizations must implement adequate anti-bribery procedures proportionate to their risks, with top-level commitment and regular risk assessments, or face liability for associated persons’ corrupt conduct.
The pros and cons of social recruitment
Social media recruitment offers employers direct access to millions of potential candidates, reducing hiring costs and speeding up the process. However, organizations must carefully manage this approach, as inadequate monitoring and response strategies can lead to costly brand damage.
Cloud HCM market set for a big shake-up next year
The cloud HCM market is poised for significant consolidation next year, with HR and talent management software vendors expected to lead acquisition activity. Workday, bolstered by new funding and an anticipated IPO, is expanding its portfolio with 174 new functions in its latest version to compete with Oracle’s growing focus on human capital management.
Blog: 10 top tips to build an engaged workforce
Engaged employees drive business growth—companies with high engagement grow 4.5 times faster and experience lower turnover. Discover 10 actionable strategies including recognition, feedback, rewards, and development opportunities to build a more engaged and productive workforce.
Book Review: The why of work by Ulrich & Ulrich
Ulrich & Ulrich’s book argues that understanding why we work makes people and businesses more effective. However, the review questions whether this philosophical approach addresses immediate workplace pressures and whether management books like this can actually shift corporate culture.
Axing unfair dismissal rights “not beneficial” for employers or staff, warn experts
Experts warn that proposals to remove unfair dismissal protections would harm employers, workers, and the economy. A leaked report recommends replacing existing laws with a “no-fault dismissal” scheme allowing easier termination, but economists argue the changes could increase workplace instability without delivering promised benefits.
Employers lose top talent due to neglect not pay, says study
A CIPD study reveals that poor management trust, job dissatisfaction, and excessive stress—not low pay—are the primary reasons employees leave. When workers feel disillusioned with senior management culture and values, they’re significantly more likely to seek new opportunities, even in challenging job markets.
Talent Spot: John Hardman, HR director at HSS Hire
John Hardman, HR director at HSS Hire, combines deep people expertise with broader business operations experience. Throughout his career at NatWest, Pfizer, and Phones 4U, he has consistently expanded beyond traditional HR roles while championing internal talent development and investment in employee growth.
Melody Hossaini’s verdict on the Young Apprentice: Episode one
Melody Hossaini reviews the first episode of Young Apprentice, where twelve teenagers compete for a £25,000 prize. The teams make and sell frozen treats, with the girls’ team winning despite the boys’ strategic pricing mistakes and poor flavor choices.
Blog: What HR can learn from Hannibal the Great
HR professionals can learn from Hannibal’s “find a way or make one” mindset by moving beyond saying no and embracing calculated risks. Rather than defaulting to legal concerns and past practices, HR should innovate and develop creative solutions that help businesses succeed while maintaining compliance and ethical standards.
Cunard denies ship registration switch is “smoke screen” for staff wage cuts
Cunard denies switching its ship registration from the UK to Bermuda is meant to circumvent employment laws, claiming the move enables at-sea weddings. The cruise operator plans to offer on-board ceremonies from spring, though critics suspect the decision aims to reduce crew wages.
Clegg promises yet more employment law change this autumn
The Coalition Government plans to introduce major employment law reforms this autumn, including significant tribunal system changes and new “smart regulation” designed to boost economic growth and reduce red tape for businesses.
Mediation: Part Two – How to find the right provider
Finding the right workplace mediation provider requires understanding the difference between employment and workplace mediation, choosing between evaluative and facilitative mediation styles, and vetting mediators’ experience and credentials. Since the mediation industry lacks unified regulation, HR directors should carefully evaluate potential providers’ qualifications and approach.
Getting women on the board is not about quick fixes
Achieving gender balance on corporate boards requires sustainable, long-term cultural change rather than quick fixes. HR leaders must build strong foundations through mentoring, coaching, and demonstrating the business value of diversity, while securing buy-in across all organizational levels.
