Working with children blacklist ruled ‘against human rights’
A High Court ruling has found that the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 breaches human rights law by blacklisting people from working with children without first allowing them a “right to be heard.” The judge ruled that denying individuals the chance to make representations before being barred violates their right to a fair trial under the Human Rights Act.
CIPD Conference 2010: Chris Grayling seeks HR support for government scheme
At the 2010 CIPD Conference, Government Minister Chris Grayling urged the HR community to support the government’s back to work scheme by hiring long-term unemployed workers. The scheme required those refusing work to lose benefits and long-term unemployed individuals to undertake 30 hours weekly unpaid work. Grayling emphasized that business participation was essential for the scheme’s success.
Unemployed: take work or lose benefits
A new three-strikes policy will force unemployed benefits claimants to accept job offers or face losing payments for up to three years, with no right of appeal. The mandatory sanctions escalate from three months for the first refusal to six months for the second, then permanent removal on the third offense.
Report extract: HR’s role in enabling innovation
HR plays a critical role in building innovation capability across organizations. While 81% of UK companies consider innovation central to their mission, only 36% provide formal innovation training—despite evidence that structured programs significantly improve collaborative working and idea generation. Regular, ongoing training delivered across the entire organization proves far more effective than one-off sessions.
The five myths of outsourcing
HR directors must evaluate outsourcing to deliver key HR services strategically. While outsourcing can access specialized capabilities and drive transformation, common myths—including guaranteed cost savings and the need for perfect processes beforehand—often prevent informed decision-making.
Pub academy, have Tennent’s staff got the pint factor?
Tennent’s Lager has opened Scotland’s first pub academy in Glasgow, a £1 million investment offering staff training in bar work, management, food preparation, mixology, and hospitality skills to support the industry’s recovery.
3/5 workers overestimate their value to employers
Most UK workers want to change jobs, but three-fifths overestimate their financial value to employers. A survey found 78% of staff desire new employment, though only about a third actively search, with 61% believing they’re underpaid despite being out of touch with market rates.
Businesses at risk from poor communication of security policy
A survey of 2,000 office workers reveals that one in four believe their employer inadequately communicates security policies, with nearly two-thirds admitting policy ignorance has already caused breaches. Many workers lack proper training despite years of employment, creating significant security risks for businesses.
HR ineffective at conflict resolution
Workplace conflict is rising due to increased workloads, yet only 16% of employees trust HR to resolve disputes. A CEDR study found 87% of UK workers experienced increased conflict, with most preferring managers or neutral advisors over HR intervention.
Podcast: Working with unions
Industry leaders predict a sharp rise in union activity this winter. HR professionals must understand the legal position on unions, including their rights to take industrial action and what constitutes lawful versus unlawful strikes.
Five steps to bagging the best talent
Attracting and retaining top talent requires UK businesses to become employers of choice through effective time and talent management strategies. By implementing systems that streamline administration, enable flexible working, and eliminate inefficiencies, companies can create a win-win environment that boosts employee satisfaction and productivity.
Low take-home pay still squeezing private sector employees
Private sector take-home pay has reached a 12-month high at 1.6% growth, but remains below pre-recession levels and lags behind 3.1% inflation, still squeezing household spending power. Public sector pay growth stagnates at 1.3% amid government pay freezes and job losses.
Ministers defend ‘work activity’ scheme
Government ministers defend a Work Activity scheme requiring long-term unemployed claimants to undertake 30 hours weekly of manual work or face benefit cuts, despite criticism from the Archbishop of Canterbury and opposition parties over fairness concerns.
Employment law round-up: Interesting developments in 2010
Employment law saw significant changes in 2010, including new fit notes guidance, extended paternity leave options, and major provisions from the Equality Act affecting discrimination protections and workplace policies.
Five minutes with… Doug Shaw
Meet Doug Shaw, an active HRzone blogger and songwriter who shares his musical influences, favorite memories, and life philosophy in this intimate Q&A. Learn what he can’t live without and his greatest wish for mankind.
Get reward and recognition right; or don’t do it at all
A poorly executed reward and recognition scheme can damage employee morale and employer brand rather than boost it. Companies implementing R&R programs must prioritize clear strategy, effective communication, and proper execution to avoid undermining their intended purpose.
National Stress Awareness Day misses the point – focus on resilience
An HR services firm argues that Stress Awareness Day should shift focus to building resilience, a learnable skill set that helps employees manage workplace pressures more effectively than treating stress symptoms alone. Rising stress-related absences, particularly in the public sector, highlight the need for organizations to invest in resilience training.
Top tips to beat stress at work
Work-related stress costs UK businesses millions annually and affects hundreds of thousands of employees. Expert tips include establishing clear communication channels, recognizing stress symptoms, understanding your workforce, and implementing sustainable stress management initiatives tailored to your workplace.
CIPD: 1.6 million jobs will go in UK
The CIPD warns that the UK government’s austerity measures will eliminate 1.6 million jobs over five years, with 900,000 losses in the private sector and 725,000 in the public sector. Graduate unemployment has reached its highest level in 17 years at 8.9%.
Attention ladies: you will not be getting paid until 2011
Women earn 16.4% less than men on average, meaning Equal Pay Day on November 2 symbolizes the point women stop earning for the year. Research indicates that at current rates, the gender pay gap won’t close until 2067.
