Benefits must be tailored to age to attract top talent
Different age groups prioritize different workplace benefits, according to research showing young workers value development programs while older employees prefer flexible working and health insurance. Employers who tailor benefit packages to their workforce’s age profile can better attract and retain talent while maximizing value for their investment.
Proposed MBNA sale puts 5,000 UK and Irish financial services jobs at risk
Bank of America plans to sell its MBNA credit card business, putting 5,000 jobs at risk across the UK and Ireland. The decision affects 4,000 employees in Chester and 1,000 in Carrick-on-Shannon as the bank divests non-core assets under a new strategy.
Union ballots Fujitsu’s ICT staff for strike action over pay
The Public and Commercial Services union is balloting 750 Fujitsu ICT staff supporting five government departments for strike action over pay. The dispute centers on pay rises of 1.5-2.5%, well below inflation, while senior managers receive bonuses exceeding £14,000. Potential industrial action in September and October could affect critical services including HMRC tax systems and DVLA driving license operations.
Blog: What to do about bullies in the workplace
Workplace bullying affects 27% of employees, with most perpetrators being bosses or supervisors. Despite reports to HR, 62% of cases receive no action, prompting experts to recommend removing bullies entirely to create a culture of recognition and respect.
The HR Headmistress: On unfair dismissal
Dismissal for “some other substantial reason” (SOSR) is a catch-all category allowing employers to terminate employment when other fair reasons don’t apply, such as business reorganization or fixed-term contract endings. However, employers must act reasonably throughout the process or risk unfair dismissal claims, as demonstrated in recent tribunal cases.
Update: BP and Dyson warn of UK engineering skills shortages
BP and Dyson warn that the UK faces a critical engineering skills shortage that could hinder business growth and force companies to relocate operations overseas. Both leaders cite insufficient numbers of qualified engineers and skilled workers as a major barrier to expansion and recruitment.
Falling employer confidence leads to sharp hiring slowdown
Employer confidence is plummeting, causing a sharp slowdown in hiring plans across the UK economy. A survey of over 1,000 employers shows a significant decline in three and twelve-month recruitment intentions, with manufacturing hit especially hard by global economic uncertainty.
Blog: The kids aren’t alright
Recent riots highlighted youth unemployment as a critical issue, with roughly 20% of 16-24 year-olds jobless. While HR professionals remain divided on whether better employment opportunities could have prevented the unrest, experts agree that lack of prospects significantly impacts young people’s self-esteem and relationship to society.
The secret to staff satisfaction
Employee satisfaction is at its lowest since 2009, with stress and lack of managerial support affecting workplace morale. HR leaders can boost staff satisfaction through open communication, accessibility, acknowledging achievements, and setting clear targets to help employees feel valued and engaged.
Ask the Expert: What to do about excessive sick leave?
Handling excessive employee sick leave requires following a fair capability procedure rather than applying contractual dismissal clauses directly. Employers should obtain medical reports, check for disabilities under the Equality Act, and hold meetings with the employee to discuss illness and explore reasonable adjustments before disciplining or dismissing.
Civil service union takes legal advice after losing redundancy pay battle
A civil service union is seeking further legal advice after losing a High Court challenge against government cuts to redundancy and early retirement pay-outs. The Public and Commercial Services Union argued the changes, which reduced some redundancy payments by up to two-thirds, breached European human rights law, but the judge ruled ministers had justified the cuts as necessary for tackling the budget deficit.
Employee career-switching to become norm
Over half of UK workers plan to change careers within five years, driven by personal interests, income needs, and work-life balance desires. Employers must adapt to this new reality where frequent career transitions become the norm rather than exception.
VAT changes could threaten salary sacrifice schemes
From January 1, 2012, UK companies must pay VAT on non-cash benefits provided through salary sacrifice schemes, including bikes and childcare vouchers, following an EU court ruling. The change applies to various employee benefits and could complicate administration for employers.
BA and Oracle launch social media-based recruitment campaigns
British Airways is launching its biggest pilot recruitment drive in 10 years, planning to hire over 800 new pilots by 2016 through a YouTube-promoted scheme that covers training costs. Oracle is simultaneously creating 1,700 jobs across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with both companies using social media platforms including Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to find candidates.
UK riots: Rallying staff round in an emergency
Most companies lack robust emergency plans for staff safety during wide-scale disruption like riots. A checklist of eight key measures—including alternative rallying points, emergency contact procedures, and clear leadership responsibility—can help organizations protect employees and maintain communication when normal operations are disrupted.
Emotional intelligence is key to exceptional leadership
Emotional intelligence is fundamental to exceptional leadership. Research in neuroscience reveals that emotions influence all decision-making, and understanding human behavior—including stress responses and social dynamics—enables leaders to manage teams more effectively and achieve better outcomes.
FE colleges given more freedom to provide local training for unemployed
Skills Minister John Hayes has announced new freedoms for further education colleges to provide fully subsidised training to the unemployed. From 2011/12, colleges can deliver courses to benefit claimants and, with local discretion, to people on wider benefits to help them enter employment.
CEO Insight: Stinkyink.com’s John Sollars on staff engagement
John Sollars, managing director of Stinkyink.com, shares his ten strategies for keeping staff engaged and motivated without relying on expensive bonuses. His approach emphasizes workplace atmosphere, good working conditions, employee involvement, and both team and individual recognition to boost morale and performance.
Blog: ‘Cokehead’ accountant nearly bankrupts employer
A 58-year-old accountant was sentenced to two to four years in prison for stealing nearly $400,000 from his employer over nine years to fund a cocaine addiction. The telecommunications consulting firm nearly went bankrupt before the theft was discovered in 2010.
UK riots: How to deal with staff disruption
UK businesses affected by civil unrest face employment law obligations including paying absent staff or arranging alternative work. Employers can explore options like remote work, holiday use, or lay-offs with proper notice, while employees unable to reach work due to transport disruption should not face disciplinary action.
