Ask the expert: Grievance response time
Employers must respond to employee grievances without unreasonable delay, according to ACAS guidance, though no specific timeframe is legally mandated. If an employer fails to handle a grievance properly, employees may pursue claims for breach of contract or, in serious cases, constructive unfair dismissal.
Team Extreme: Teambuilding can be a rollercoaster
Team bonding activities like Alton Towers’ bootcamp can boost staff productivity and retention. Sift Media tested the trend, completing challenges including orienteering, rollercoaster endurance, and psychometric testing to strengthen workplace relationships.
Exec pay on ice
More than half of FTSE 350 companies froze executive salaries this year, continuing a trend where most executives received no pay rise for two consecutive years. When increases were granted, the average was just 3%, well below historical rates, reflecting boardroom recognition that substantial executive pay rises are no longer defensible during economic downturns.
Talent drain evident as ‘notice week’ ends
Nearly half of UK workers plan to change jobs by year-end, with talent drain concerns rising as employers implement austerity measures. Young workers and engineers show the highest intention to leave, prompting experts to recommend strategic retention through flexible benefits and incentive plans.
Institute of Directors slates Time to Train
The Institute of Directors has called for the scrapping of Time to Train regulations, labeling them “spectacularly bad” and poorly designed. The rules, which allow employees to request time off for training, came into force for large employers in April and are set to apply to smaller businesses next year. The IoD warns they will impose significant costs and undermine existing workplace training practices.
UK unprepared to deal with ageing workforce
UK organisations are “woefully underprepared” to manage an ageing workforce, with a third of board directors lacking understanding of the implications despite recognising the value of older workers’ experience. The CMI and CIPD report warns that without appropriate policies and action, businesses risk losing the talent and knowledge of over-50 employees.
Organising the chaos in HR
Managing organizational change effectively is crucial for HR leaders navigating today’s complex business environment. According to experts at the NG HR US Summit, successful companies pace changes gradually and involve employees in the process, rather than implementing multiple initiatives that damage morale and create chaos.
Not enough jobs to offset public sector cuts
Private sector job growth is unlikely to offset heavy public sector cuts, according to industry experts responding to recent UK labour market statistics. While employment rose 286,000 in the three months to July, job vacancies fell and claimant unemployment increased, raising concerns about labour market fragility ahead of significant public sector redundancies.
More cuts in L&D expected
L&D managers anticipate moderate to substantial budget cuts over the next six months, with 37% also forecasting staff reductions. Despite these pressures, 87% believe they can still meet organizational learning needs effectively, though experts question whether this confidence is justified.
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Is there really time to train?
Employees in businesses with 250+ staff gained the right to request training time off from April 2010, with expansion planned to all employers by 2011. The regulations aim to boost skills development, though employers face significant implementation costs and some business groups call for their repeal.
Ask the expert: Pregnant again while on maternity leave?
When an employee becomes pregnant while on maternity leave, her existing maternity leave typically continues until completion, followed by a standard return to work and then a new maternity leave period. If her job poses health and safety risks during pregnancy, the employer must offer suitable alternative work or suspend her on full pay rather than dismiss her.
Cuts cause ‘bullying tactics’ accusations from unions
Birmingham City Council has issued legal notices to nearly 26,000 staff warning of new contracts with pay and conditions cuts, prompting unions to condemn the move as bullying tactics. The council aims to save over £330 million by 2014 through workforce restructuring.
NHS introduces official whistleblowing policy
The NHS has introduced an official whistleblowing policy giving all health service staff contractual rights to raise concerns about malpractice, patient safety, and serious public interest risks without fear of discrimination. NHS employers must now implement local whistleblowing procedures developed with staff representatives to promote workplace openness and accountability.
NI holiday not enough to avoid double dip
The government’s national insurance holiday for start-ups outside London and the South-East is insufficient to prevent a double-dip recession, according to business groups. Employers argue additional tax breaks are needed to boost job creation and offset predicted public sector job losses of 600,000.
The pension journey: auto-enrolment is just the beginning
Auto-enrolment successfully increases pension scheme participation, but employers must go further with communication and engagement to maximize its value. Experts emphasize that helping employees understand pension benefits and tax advantages is essential for building a sustainable workplace savings strategy.
Solving the talent puzzle: identifying the talent of tomorrow
Identifying tomorrow’s leaders requires looking beyond current performance metrics to assess ambition and potential. Organizations that combine performance evaluations with intangible qualities like drive and stretch—while embracing collaborative leadership values—can effectively spot and develop future talent.
Scalable resources future of outsourcing
Over half of European organizations planned to increase IT outsourcing in 2010, shifting focus from cost-cutting to gaining flexible, scalable resources. Despite economic pressures, companies sought access to new capabilities and delivery models like cloud computing and SaaS to support business growth.
Voluntary benefits– knight in shining armour or plaster over a sore?
Voluntary benefits programs offer employees discounted lifestyle products and services at minimal employer cost, but success depends on genuine implementation rather than masking underlying organizational problems like pay freezes or understaffing.
Up to 14 years to recover from lost public sector jobs
The UK faces a potential 14-year recovery period to replace 2.2 million public sector jobs lost to austerity cuts, according to analysis by the TUC. Even with private sector employment growing at historical averages of 0.7%, some regions like Yorkshire could take 24 years to return to pre-recession employment levels.
