Financial Times to offer first non-exec director post grad course
The Financial Times is launching the UK’s first accredited post-graduate certificate for non-executive directors starting September, a six-month course based on the UK Corporate Governance Code and accredited by Edexcel to professionalise the sector.
And our survey said… the HRzone member survey results
HRzone’s member survey reveals that 85% of readers access the platform at work, with employment law and compliance as top priorities. Practical guides, whitepapers, and twice-weekly bulletins are preferred content formats for this professional HR audience.
1/3 of unionised workplaces expect a strike over next year
A third of UK employers recognizing unions expect strike action within the next year, according to a CIPD survey of HR practitioners. Nearly three-quarters of employers believe the country is entering a more unstable industrial relations era, with pay, redundancy, and pensions as top strike triggers.
Latest research gives tips for ERP success
Research shows that effective ERP system implementation requires differentiated staff training focused on changing work practices throughout the entire project lifecycle, not just at the end. Poor training provision delivered late and in a task-based format can cause initiatives to fail, making customized, ongoing training essential for success.
Organisations could use social tools to aid ROI and engagement
Enterprise social media and collaboration tools could help organisations improve knowledge worker engagement and return on investment by increasing visibility of accomplishments and information quality. A Forrester study found that despite significant investment, many companies lack clarity on worker productivity and struggle with employee disengagement.
The guide to… rewarding staff when salary increases and promotion are frozen
When salary increases and promotions are frozen, organizations can retain talented employees by offering development opportunities, coaching, mentoring, and lateral career moves. A strong talent management strategy and clear career pathways help employees see their growth potential and remain motivated despite limited traditional rewards.
New study highlights decision-making differences between genders
A Warwick University study finds that men tend to make definitive judgments when categorizing objects, while women are more likely to acknowledge ambiguity and partial categories. The research suggests these cognitive differences may suit men for roles requiring quick decisions and women for positions demanding nuanced analysis.
Ageism ‘endemic’ in the workplace
Ageism is widespread in UK workplaces, with surveys showing young people hold negative stereotypes about older workers’ productivity and suitability for employment. Care provider Anchor is launching a petition calling for a dedicated government minister to champion over-60s and tackle age discrimination.
CIPD HRD: How can HR and L&D work better together?
HR and L&D professionals share strategies for better collaboration at the CIPD HRD conference, with insights from training experts on engaging learners across organizations.
Wellbeing – can it work with flex?
Flexible benefits schemes can help employers deliver comprehensive wellbeing strategies cost-effectively by offering a mix of preventative and restorative health benefits, from employee assistance programs to discounted health screening and gym memberships, while maintaining core coverage.
HP boss wins breathing space over sexual harrassment letter
Former HP boss Mark Hurd has won a delay in the unsealing of a letter containing sexual harassment allegations, with a Delaware court ruling the document will remain sealed until September. The decision allows Hurd to present his case before potentially damaging personal information becomes public.
Coaching ‘vital’ to laid off managers
Research shows coaching plays a vital role in helping older managers adapt after job loss. A two-year study found that managers who redefine themselves beyond their career status and accept change cope most successfully, while those unable to move past lost status experience depression and despair.
Engagement matters – HR and L&D can work together when they get engaged
HR and L&D professionals must break down silos and work together to drive employee engagement and learning success. While LMS systems remain relevant, the real solution lies in combining formal and informal learning approaches with strong employee engagement strategies that foster self-directed learners across the organization.
Cable criticises Cameron immigration targets
Vince Cable criticises the Prime Minister’s immigration targets as “very unwise,” warning that a permanent cap on non-EU skilled workers could damage the UK economy and prevent employers from filling vacancies. Business leaders agree, cautioning that restricting skilled labour immigration could be “disastrous” for economic competitiveness and financial services.
Judge ‘league tables’ proposed to improve employment tribunals
The CBI proposes regional league tables rating judge performance to reform the employment tribunal system, which it says has become inefficient and a barrier to justice. The employers’ group recommends tracking metrics like judgment timeliness and documentation reduction to restore system credibility and fairness.
HR at a crossroads: can we collaborate to improve business execution?
A new study reveals 80% of organizations struggle to communicate strategy effectively, with only 18% excelling at converting corporate strategy into employee goals. HR leaders must collaborate with IT to implement systems that align workforce performance with business execution, yet most lack adequate tools and processes.
Recruitment procurement framework for local authorities sees 11 companies triumph
Eleven recruitment agencies have been appointed to a new Managed Services for Temporary Agency Resources framework designed to help local authorities reduce recruitment costs and tendering time. The framework covers corporate hiring, education recruitment, or both, with Manpower and Reed winning all six available lots alongside other suppliers including Adecco and Blue Arrow.
Employers not buying into value of apprenticeships
Despite government claims that apprenticeships generate significant economic returns, two-thirds of employers don’t consider on-the-job training appropriate for their organizations, according to a CIPD survey. While apprenticeships show strong ROI when they’re a worker’s first qualification, low employer demand and concerns about quality remain major barriers to program expansion.
Chancellor Osborne – payroll’s hero, comp & ben’s villain?
The Chancellor’s proposal to merge income tax and National Insurance could streamline payroll administration but risks complicating benefits, salary sacrifice schemes, and pension contributions. Payroll experts see administrative benefits in combining multiple tax brackets, yet consultations must address potential tax increases on employee benefits and reduced incentives for flexible benefit participation.
The top 10: UK employment law changes in April 2011
April 2011 brought significant UK employment law changes, including draft guidance on the Agency Workers Regulations—set to take effect in October 2011—which require equal pay and conditions for temporary agency workers after a 12-week qualifying period. The Coalition Government also published guidance on the Bribery Act 2010 and introduced other statutory changes affecting employment practices.
