95% of agency workers have no insurance
A survey reveals that 95% of agency workers lack personal accident or life insurance, leaving them vulnerable and driving higher premiums for employers in high-risk sectors like waste and logistics.
Jobcentres should be privatised, says Association of Learning Providers
The Association of Learning Providers is calling for jobcentres to be privatised as part of broader public service reforms. The group, representing three-quarters of Work Programme contractors, argues private providers should compete to help both long-term and recently unemployed people find employment.
Exclusive: Alan Sugar to star in next ‘Undercover Boss’ TV series
Alan Sugar is going undercover at Amstrad for the next series of the popular TV show Undercover Boss. The businessman will disguise himself with a beard, glasses, and a baseball cap while taking on various roles, from fixing set-top boxes to working in customer service and the canteen.
Councils to take part in mentoring scheme
Five councils are piloting a work pairing scheme that matches young people with mentors at small-to-medium businesses for up to 10 weeks of work experience. The government plans to expand the successful initiative to 50,000 trainees nationwide.
Training budgets continue to be squeezed
Training budgets remain under pressure as 42% of organizations expect further cuts over the next year. A CIPD survey shows companies are shifting more training in-house, favoring cheaper options like e-learning and coaching over external providers.
Vocational training scheme to help jobless
The UK government is introducing mandatory vocational training for jobless people, with sanctions including benefit cuts for those who refuse or fail to complete courses. However, business leaders warn against sidelining vocational education, with 87% of senior decision-makers stating it’s crucial for economic growth.
Delayed Bribery act to be enforced despite scarce resources
The UK’s Bribery Act will be enforced despite controversial guidance criticized as “deplorable” loopholes. The legislation, delayed over a year due to business lobbying, takes effect in July with exemptions for London-listed companies and firms without bribery risk in their supply chains.
Paternity leave additions explained
From 3 April 2011, fathers can take up to 26 weeks of additional paternity leave in a child’s first year if the mother returns to work. This new right gives parents greater flexibility to share childcare responsibilities and requires eight weeks’ notice from employees.
Bonus and salary review season
As bonus and salary review season approaches, organizations face pressure to retain key employees amid recovering financial markets and reduced bonus pools. HR leaders must identify critical talent, address workplace push factors beyond compensation, and implement strong recruitment and onboarding practices to prevent turnover.
Taskforce set up to increase employee engagement
A government-sponsored taskforce chaired by David MacLeod has been established to address employee engagement issues and boost UK organizational productivity. The initiative, involving public and private sector representatives, will develop practical best practice recommendations and strategies to improve employee motivation and workplace performance.
Skills Active funding cut despite employer satisfaction
Skills Active criticizes the government’s decision to cut funding for its Young Apprenticeship scheme despite strong employer satisfaction ratings and evidence of program success. The sports and leisure sector body argues the decision was based on a flawed vocational training review, contradicting its own evaluation showing 100% employer approval and high apprentice satisfaction rates.
‘Mansion tax’ to return?
A modified mansion tax on high-value properties could fund the scrapping of the 50p income tax rate, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has indicated. The tax would not be implemented until the economy recovers, though the exact form remains unclear.
Ask the expert: Pay grade – has this employee got a case?
An employee accepted a pay cut of £7,000 during a role restructuring but continues performing their original duties at the higher level. Legal experts examine whether they have grounds to claim back lost wages due to the employer’s breach of contract.
Mediation and wellbeing: An all-weather strategy
Mediation offers an effective, informal approach to resolving workplace conflict that improves employee wellbeing and reduces organizational costs. By training managers in mediation skills and embedding the process into wellness strategies, organizations can prevent escalation and boost staff morale and productivity.
How will EMA cuts affect the nation’s workforce?
The UK government cut Education Maintenance Allowance funding from £560m to £180m, replacing grants for 650,000 students with targeted bursaries for 12,000 vulnerable teenagers. Critics warn the cuts could increase dropout rates among poorer students, while a new StartUp Britain initiative aims to boost entrepreneurship with limited government funding.
Gender issues: Effective workplace communication
Effective workplace communication depends more on emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills than gender differences alone. Success requires recognizing and accepting diverse perspectives among all colleagues, adapting communication styles, and fostering inclusive teamwork beyond oversimplified gender-focused approaches.
Will the new paternity leave rights benefit you?
Despite new government legislation enabling six months of paternity leave, two out of five new fathers won’t take it due to financial concerns, fear of career damage, or job loss anxiety. A UK survey found that affordability remains the biggest barrier, with many choosing paid holiday instead.
Report: Average take-home pay is lower than in 2004
UK workers have seen their take-home pay fall 5% in real terms over two years, with average salaries now lower than in 2004 when adjusted for inflation. Financial services and construction sectors experienced the sharpest wage declines, driven by job fears and low company profits limiting pay rises.
Encouragement from managers increases staff engagement
Manager encouragement directly impacts staff engagement through guidance, feedback, and autonomy. Research shows employees are more motivated when managers offer recognition, demonstrate organizational values, and empower workers to complete tasks independently.
Chancellor’s windfall tax will cause tens of thousands to lose their jobs
The oil and gas industry warns that the Chancellor’s £2bn windfall tax on North Sea producers will cause tens of thousands of job losses as it deters overseas investment in new reserves. The Treasury disputes these concerns, arguing that profits will remain high despite the levy.
