Training success: Spot the signs
Learn how to effectively measure training success by observing behavioral changes rather than testing knowledge alone. Establish clear performance benchmarks before training, use checklists to track competency development, and follow up with managers to ensure participants apply new skills in their roles.
No NMW ‘loophole’ for interns
Unpaid internships are illegal under National Minimum Wage law, regardless of voluntary agreements, according to a new report. The research calls for clearer enforcement and recommends banning unpaid internships in Parliament to set an example for other industries.
L&D split over train to gain and apprenticeships
The skills industry is divided over government plans to cut £200 million from the Train to Gain vocational training scheme to fund 50,000 extra apprenticeships. A survey found 50.9% disagree with the reallocation, though nearly half believe Train to Gain needs reform or replacement due to limited effectiveness.
10 ways to better assessment
Discover ten expert strategies for HR professionals to maximize workforce assessment effectiveness. Expert tips include minimizing organizational risk, improving staff retention, enhancing hiring quality, identifying leadership potential, and accelerating industry evolution through strategic testing and certification programs.
Working hours culture changed by recession
The recession triggered a shift from long working hours to mixed hours culture, with nearly one million full-time jobs lost and men disproportionately affected. HR managers are advised to reconsider returning to long-hours work, given the importance of work-life balance to employee well-being.
Unions may coordinate action against cuts
The RMT union has tabled a motion at the TUC Congress calling for coordinated industrial action against the government’s proposed public sector cuts and pension reforms. The motion aims to establish a broad alliance involving unions and community groups to organize strikes, demonstrations, and lobbying efforts to oppose the cuts.
Ask the expert: Change to rate of bank holiday pay
Learn how to properly change bank holiday pay rates in employment contracts. Expert guidance covers the legal process for modifying contractual terms, including consultation requirements, documentation needed, and potential employment law risks to avoid costly disputes.
Align training with business objectives
Organizations increasingly recognize that training directly impacts business success, shifting from treating it as a cost to cutting during downturns to viewing it as essential for competitive advantage. Training professionals must professionalize their approach and demonstrate clear business value, or risk losing relevance as others fill the gap.
Coalition plans to simplify PAYE
The coalition government proposes simplifying the PAYE system by introducing a single computerised tax account for each employee, combining employment and national insurance records with real-time payment updates. This would reduce administrative burden on employers and HMRC while enabling better coordination of benefits and tax codes.
The end of team bonding down the boozer?
New research reveals that while nearly 60% of managers use pub visits for team building, over half of employees dislike these outings. Only 23% of bosses think they boost team spirit, prompting experts to recommend workplace wellness programs as more effective alternatives.
Managing remotely: Hands on, but hands on what? (Part 2)
Remote managers must balance open communication channels with clear boundaries to maintain team engagement and trust. Part 2 explores using social media platforms for internal collaboration and addresses the unique challenges of cultural sensitivity when leading from a distance, including visibility gaps that require enhanced listening skills.
UK skills rating sliding
The UK risks sliding down international economic rankings unless it improves skills for 10 million workers, according to a new report. Currently the sixth-largest economy, the UK is falling below average in skills despite living on “past glories,” experts warn.
20% claim they are bullied by boss
One in five UK workers claim to be bullied by their boss, according to a survey of 1,298 employees. The study also found that 31% of bullying victims were women, and 57% of those bullied were actively seeking new employment.
Unite union prepares for court battles
Unite union is preparing simultaneous legal battles against British Airways and Ford. The union plans to sue BA under European human rights legislation over the withdrawal of travel perks from striking cabin crew, while also seeking compensation from Ford regarding misleading pension advice given to 3,000 workers who transferred to Visteon UK in 2000.
April ‘too soon’ for retirement age scrapping
The CBI warns that the government’s plan to abolish the Default Retirement Age by April 2011 is too rushed, making workforce planning and employment benefits administration extremely difficult for businesses. The coalition’s proposed timeline gives employers insufficient preparation time to address unresolved legal and employment questions.
Leadership matters: Disruptive team member
A team leader struggles with a disruptive employee who aggressively challenges her, performs poorly, and threatens grievances. While the employee has some disability-related absences, the core issues are performance and conduct that require separate management from disability considerations.
Eye care: What you need to know
UK employers must provide free eye tests and special glasses to employees who regularly use computer screens under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1993. However, a recent survey reveals many businesses fail to comply with these legal obligations, creating potential liability and health risks.
Business to be consulted on public spending
Skills Minister John Hayes has launched public consultations on how to allocate scarce public resources to meet employers’ needs. The consultations examine skills priorities, funding allocation, and how government should support learning while encouraging private sector investment and cost-effectiveness.
Coalition plans will lead to more older workers
Coalition benefit reforms could increase older workers returning to jobs by over 750,000, but Age UK warns age discrimination remains the biggest recruitment barrier, with 4% of workers aged 50+ refused jobs based on age despite 2006 legislation.
Workplace morale at all time low
Workplace morale has reached record lows, with job satisfaction dropping to its lowest level ever according to surveys of thousands of workers. Two out of five employees say they would leave if they could find a better job, citing poor pay, long hours, unappreciated work, and unhelpful colleagues as main sources of dissatisfaction.
