Book review: Top Tips for Talented Working Parents by Jo Lyon & Harriet Beveridge
This pocket-sized guide by Jo Lyon and Harriet Beveridge offers practical tips for working parents seeking better work-life balance. With 15 short chapters covering topics like managing sleep deprivation and workplace expectations, it provides actionable advice and coaching questions ideal for time-pressed parents navigating professional and family responsibilities.
Best practice: Transforming the recruitment breakdown in the AA
The Automobile Association transformed its recruitment process from paper-based applications to a digital solution, improving efficiency and candidate experience while attracting higher-quality applicants for its 8,000-strong workforce.
Public sector learning pros brace for budget cuts
Nearly two-thirds of public sector learning professionals expect budget cuts in 2011, prompting a shift toward e-learning and mobile training solutions. As organizations seek cost-effective approaches, trainers are increasingly adopting digital tools to demonstrate value and reach employees through smartphones and tablets.
UK households squeezed to 1970s levels
UK households face their worst financial squeeze since 1977, as unemployment rises and real earnings fall for the fourth consecutive year. Disposable incomes are expected to drop about 2% in real terms, with pay growth lagging inflation that could exceed 5%.
What’s holding back women in business?
Women make up just 12.5% of FTSE 100 corporate boards despite government targets for 25% female representation by 2015. Marion Stewart, an IT industry veteran, argues that quotas alone won’t solve the problem—instead, fundamental cultural and educational changes are needed to advance women to leadership roles based on merit.
Sweatshop labour claims in Kent
The UK’s largest greenhouse complex, which supplies major supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsbury’s, is under investigation by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority following union claims that agency workers at its Kent facility are denied holiday pay and job security. Unite alleges workers face “sweatshop labour” conditions through permanent casualisation contracts.
FairPensions rally calls for living wage by top 100 companies
FairPensions held a London rally with 2,500 investors and philanthropists to push the UK’s top 100 companies to pay a living wage of £7.20-£7.85 per hour. The group plans to write to chief executives and raise the issue at shareholder meetings to address wage inequality affecting over 3.5 million low-paid workers.
Most employers need to work on their CSR targets
Most UK employers fall short on corporate social responsibility, with only 40% of workers feeling their employer does enough in this area. A new survey reveals that employees increasingly expect CSR engagement and charitable giving, with better programs boosting retention and productivity.
London Underground agrees strike action
London Underground staff have voted to strike in support of two dismissed drivers, with the RMT union claiming they were sacked for union activities. The move comes as Parliament considers proposals requiring 50% of union members to back strikes, with the government criticizing the union’s decision to ballot while cases remain in the employment tribunal.
Corporate Manslaughter Act: are you doing enough?
The Corporate Manslaughter Act holds organizations liable for fatal health and safety failures, with recent sentencing guidelines recommending fines starting at £500,000. Businesses must reassess their safety policies and worker protections, particularly for lone workers, to comply with this serious legislation.
DRA: frequently asked questions
The default retirement age (DRA) has been phased out, meaning employers can no longer force retirement at a set age. Employers must now objectively justify any retirement age if challenged, and many businesses are discovering that retaining older workers offers benefits including experience, mentoring capabilities, and improved productivity.
Chairman of Glencore makes sexist gaffe
Glencore’s newly appointed chairman Simon Murray sparked controversy by suggesting young women shouldn’t be hired for board positions because they marry and have children. Business leaders and policymakers criticized his remarks as outdated and discriminatory, though Murray later apologized and affirmed his commitment to equal opportunities.
SuccessFactors purchases Plateau for $290m
SuccessFactors has acquired learning management system provider Plateau for $290 million to strengthen its talent management platform and better compete with on-premise vendors. The purchase integrates with SuccessFactors’ existing offerings to create a comprehensive suite combining social video learning, career development, and training management capabilities.
Absenteeism costs UK business £32bn a year
Absenteeism costs UK businesses approximately £32 billion annually, with workers taking an average of 10 unscheduled days off per year—roughly double the rates in the US and Asia-Pacific. The figure represents only direct costs, excluding losses from reduced productivity and staff replacement.
Teachers likely to strike over changes to pensions
Two major teachers’ unions have voted to ballot members for strike action over the government’s proposed pension changes. The strikes, which could disrupt schools across England and Wales, would see teachers work longer, pay more contributions, and receive lower pensions in retirement.
Recruitment ROI in the ‘new normal’
HR leaders increasingly demand higher recruitment ROI following the financial crisis, requiring recruitment partners to deliver greater accountability through thorough job briefs, candidate pre-qualification, and strategic alignment with organizational goals.
Where will you be on 5 May? We’ll be at the ConnectingHR unconference
Join HR and L&D professionals at the ConnectingHR Unconference on May 5 in London. This unique event features interactive discussions, networking with practitioners at all career stages, and inspiring conversations in a collaborative community atmosphere.
Book review: Winning With a Culture of Recognition by Eric Mosley and Derek Irvine
Winning With a Culture of Recognition by Eric Mosley and Derek Irvine provides practical strategies for building effective employee recognition programmes that boost satisfaction, loyalty, and corporate culture. Using real-world examples, the authors demonstrate how personalized appreciation and well-designed reward systems can deliver measurable business value across organizations of all sizes.
Top tips: how to get involved with the Work Programme
Learn how HR professionals and employers can support the Work Programme by hiring the unemployed, taking on apprentices, volunteering expertise, and offering work experience placements to help reduce benefit dependency and boost employment.
Facing up to social media
Social media use in the workplace poses significant challenges for employers, including lost productivity, reputation risks from employee posts, and bullying concerns. HR professionals must establish clear policies and fair disciplinary procedures to address these issues while avoiding unfair dismissal claims.
