Birmingham City Council’s Martini employment contract in flux
Birmingham City Council’s controversial ‘Martini’ employment contract—which allows managers to demand staff work anywhere, anytime—will be imposed on all remaining workers from November 1st, despite unions warning of lost bonuses, overtime pay, and benefits totaling up to £6,000 annually for staff.
McDonald’s David Fairhurst appointed to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills
David Fairhurst, Chief People Officer of McDonald’s Europe, has been appointed as a Commissioner for the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. His appointment recognizes his 20 years of HR expertise and pioneering work in employee development, including creating McDonald’s apprenticeship program with over 8,000 participants.
Caroline Waters: The Equality Act and HR
BT’s director of people and policies discusses how the Equality Act creates a clearer framework for workplace inclusion and equality law implementation. Despite short-term compliance costs, Caroline Waters argues that treating all employees with respect and equal opportunity provides competitive business advantages, attracting talent and improving retention.
Book review: Screw Work – Let’s Play by John Williams
John Williams’ “Screw Work – Let’s Play” offers practical advice for turning hobbies and interests into successful businesses, with useful tips on internet marketing and social media. Though the evangelical tone may deter some readers, the book provides valuable guidance for those leaving traditional employment to pursue new ventures.
Apprentice Helen offered £100,000 job – but sticks with Greggs
The Apprentice runner-up Helen Milligan turned down a £100,000 job offer from Ten Lifestyle Concierge to remain with Greggs, where she accepted a senior role. Despite losing the final to inventor Tom Pellereau, Milligan received multiple job offers in the concierge sector she pitched to Lord Sugar.
Ask the expert: Restrictive covenants
Employers cannot legally cancel unpaid salary or bonuses for breaching restrictive covenants, as such conditions may be unenforceable penalty clauses. Expert legal advice recommends tailoring covenants to specific business needs and implementing them through employment contracts rather than policies.
Book review: Managing 4 Good By John Fagan
Managing 4 Good by John Fagan offers a comprehensive guide to sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility. The book presents the business case for responsible management while introducing the “Sphere of Influence” model—a stakeholder mapping tool that helps organizations assess environmental, community, business, and workplace impacts on decision-making.
Will the office still exist in 2021?
As technology advances and remote work becomes viable, 58% of UK workers believe traditional offices won’t exist by 2021. Cloud computing and collaboration tools are enabling companies to reduce costs while maintaining or improving productivity, potentially eliminating the need for physical office spaces.
Sports Direct pays out biggest employee share windfall in history
Sports Direct is paying out its biggest employee share windfall ever, with 2,200 permanent staff receiving an average of £44,000 each after the retailer exceeded profit targets for the second consecutive year.
EHRC attempts at clarity muddy the religious waters
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s intervention in four religious discrimination cases at the European Court of Human Rights has triggered fierce opposition from LGBTQ+ and humanist groups, who argue it prioritizes religious expression over protection from discrimination in public services.
What a performance! Talent and technology
Companies must strengthen the link between employee performance and rewards to attract and retain talent in a competitive job market. While 60% of private sector staff expect pay tied to performance, only 24% experience this in practice, highlighting a critical gap in performance management systems.
UK Association of Coaching gets a code of conduct
The UK Association of Coaching has endorsed a new Code of Conduct submitted to the European Union by international industry bodies to professionalise the coaching sector. The code sets standards for practitioner competencies, training, and ethical conduct, while establishing guidelines for professional bodies to ensure accountability and self-regulation.
NOTW – what next for employees?
Following the News of the World’s closure due to the phone hacking scandal, approximately 200 employees face uncertain futures. While News International Group may offer alternative positions, many could face redundancy and struggle to find work due to stigma associated with the scandal. Former employees may pursue legal claims for wrongful dismissal or breach of the implied employment duty of trust and confidence.
Employment downturn imminent, say experts
Labour market experts warn an employment downturn is imminent despite falling unemployment figures. Job vacancies are declining and jobseeker claims jumped by 24,500 in June—the largest increase in two years—suggesting underlying weakness in the UK jobs market.
Case in point: Capability dimissals and medical opinions
Capability dismissals require employers to obtain medical evidence and make informed business decisions about an employee’s ability to work. The DB Schenker Rail v Doolan case establishes that while medical opinions are necessary, the employer—not medical professionals—must decide whether adjustments or dismissal are appropriate.
NAO warns public sector HR is not delivering
The National Audit Office warns that public sector HR is failing to deliver value, with only 48% of civil servants reporting that training improved their job performance. Unclear accountability, fragmented departmental strategies, and poor alignment between skills development and business needs are undermining the government’s £275 million annual training investment.
Unemployment will not improve before 2016, says CIPD
The Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development warns unemployment will peak at 2.7 million in mid-2012 and remain elevated through 2015, with anaemic economic growth preventing meaningful job market improvement before 2016.
Nissan offshores HR shared services to India
Genpact has acquired Nissan’s HR shared services centre in Japan and secured a seven-year contract to manage HR services for the automaker’s 54,000 employees worldwide, including payroll, benefits, and training through 2018.
UK fraud rising to record levels
UK fraud reached a record £1.1 billion in the first half of 2011, up 59% year-on-year, according to KPMG’s Fraud Barometer. Internal fraud by managers and staff accounted for a quarter of incidents, while professional criminals were responsible for the majority, with their activity nearly doubling.
Rail union considering legal action over lost contract
A rail union is considering legal action after Bombardier lost the £1.4 billion Thameslink contract to Germany’s Siemens, which could result in 1,400 job losses. The RMT claims the tendering process was unfairly weighted against UK manufacturers and taxpayers’ broader economic interests.
