Classroom based learning still favoured
Despite the rise of online and blended learning options, classroom-based training remains the most popular format, with nine out of 10 employees receiving in-person instruction according to a survey of 2,500 workers across the UK and Europe. Coaching and online training are also growing, but classroom learning continues to dominate corporate training provision.
Business unprepared for bribery act
Many UK businesses remain unprepared for the Bribery Act taking effect July 1, with 11% unaware it exists and 84% lacking anti-bribery staff training. A law firm survey reveals significant compliance gaps, particularly among media, advertising, and entertainment companies.
Payroll giving encouraged in ‘Big Society’ re-launch
The UK government launched a year-long campaign to boost payroll giving, aiming to increase the proportion of employees donating to charity through their wages from 3% to match US levels of around one-third. The initiative includes revamped Payroll Giving Awards, exploring a kite mark scheme for businesses, and addressing barriers like employee re-registration when changing jobs.
Under 30s feel exploited and disengaged
Young workers under 30 are the most disengaged in the workplace, with only one in five highly engaged compared to 31% of those in their 60s. A global survey reveals 36% were forced into unwanted jobs and 60% plan to leave within six months, citing economic pressures and exploitative employer practices.
Agility – fit for purpose
True agility means being fit for purpose—responding effectively to changing circumstances while sustaining performance. Organizations today face increasing complexity and uncertainty, making speed, flexibility, and adaptability critical business challenges that require genuine practice, not just rhetorical commitment.
Prime Minister’s advisor attacks work ethic of UK managers
Ratan Tata, an Indian steel magnate and PM advisor, has criticized UK managers for lacking work ethic and unwillingness to go beyond 5pm, despite his own companies announcing significant job cuts across UK steel and automotive plants.
Appeal for HR panel to oversee ‘gagging orders’ at Suffolk County Council
Liberal Democrat leader Kathy Pollard calls for an HR panel to oversee “gagging orders” at Suffolk County Council after payments totaling £405,665.90 were made to 13 employees in just three months, up significantly from previous years’ spending on staff compromise agreements.
SuccessConnect: IT ying to the HR yang
Doug Dennerline became president of SuccessFactors, serving as the operations counterpart to CEO Lars Dalgaard. Dennerline, who previously led enterprise sales at Salesforce.com, is tasked with bridging the gap between IT and HR leadership to position SuccessFactors as a strategic business tool for the C-suite.
SuccessConnect: all you need is love – and some investment in customer support
SuccessFactors CEO Lars Dalgaard believes customer support and employee care are central to business success, implementing a heart-focused company vision that emphasizes vulnerability, passion, and putting people at the nucleus of corporate strategy.
Air tax increase could cost 77, 000 jobs
A proposed increase to Air Passenger Duty could eliminate up to 77,000 jobs and cost the UK tourism industry £475 million annually, according to a report. The changes would reduce passenger numbers by three million yearly and harm regional airports, while increasing carbon emissions by 360,000 tonnes per year.
Development focus welcomed by employees
Research shows 74% of employees want more workplace development opportunities, while 82% of HR professionals are prioritizing staff training this year. Most workers are willing to learn both on-the-job and at home, viewing development as key to feeling valued and advancing their careers.
Facing the challenge of business transformation – Societe Generale
Societe Generale implemented a new HRIS system across 83 countries to achieve its goal of becoming a relationship-focused bank during the global financial crisis. The initiative addressed HR visibility challenges while adapting to a transformed banking sector with stricter governance requirements and lower profit margins.
A guide to benefits: the basics
Employee benefits are a crucial part of compensation packages used to recruit and retain talent. Non-cash benefits like pensions, health insurance, and flexible arrangements can provide competitive advantage and tax efficiency while supporting employee satisfaction and organizational goals.
The HR Headmistress asks: Overtime – is it bad for business?
Overtime offers business flexibility during busy periods but relying on it regularly creates problems: employee fatigue increases mistakes and accidents, while paid overtime can reduce productivity and create unsustainable costs for employers.
Learning at work day highlights skills gap
Learning at Work Day highlights critical skills gaps in today’s changing economy. The campaign features workshops on leadership, transferable skills, and soft skills development, with activities ranging from guerrilla art to bread-baking and team challenges designed to inspire continued learning.
Long hours are bad for your health, study reveals
Working more than 11 hours daily increases heart disease risk by two-thirds compared to standard seven to eight-hour workdays, according to an 11-year University College London study of over 7,000 civil servants. The research highlights dangers of long work hours, particularly for those with other cardiovascular risk factors.
Public servants co-ordinate strikes to fight cuts
Over a million public servants are set to coordinate national strikes starting June 30 to protest government budget cuts, pay freezes, and pension changes. The PCS union and three teaching unions are balloting members for what would be the first coordinated strike action since 1979, expected to disrupt schools and government services.
Immigration loophole exposed by MPs
MPs have exposed significant weaknesses in the UK’s intra-company transfer visa scheme, criticizing the UK Border Agency for insufficient checks on employers bringing foreign workers into the country. The investigation found that companies exploit loopholes involving salary allowances to hire cheaper workers from abroad, while the agency lacks proper monitoring systems to track compliance or ensure migrants leave when required.
Pay inequality growing – and bad for business
UK pay inequality is reaching record levels, with top executives set to earn 214 times more than average workers by 2020. A High Pay Commission investigation found no evidence that high executive pay improves business performance, yet boardroom compensation continues to spiral beyond financial constraints.
Gordon Ramsay faces family employment tribunal
Gordon Ramsay faces an employment tribunal after his mother-in-law, Greta Hutcheson, and two other family members filed claims alleging unfair dismissal, breach of contract, and unpaid redundancy. The legal action stems from their dismissal from his restaurant empire last year, continuing an ongoing family feud.
