Containing labour costs key priority for business
Most UK employers are prioritizing containing labour costs and limiting pay rises this year, with only 3% planning above-inflation increases. However, bosses recognize they must improve staff engagement and communication to retain employees after a difficult recession year.
Skills investment in UK manufacturing needs to be protected if it is to lead recovery
UK manufacturing leaders call for continued investment in worker skills and training as production moves back onshore. Companies must develop multi-skilled workforces through apprenticeships to capitalize on manufacturing recovery and create new jobs.
New qualification in Strategic Quality Management launched
The University of Portsmouth has launched a tailored 18-month Master’s programme in Strategic Quality Management for Hewlett-Packard. The course trains 22 selected employees in lean methodologies and change management techniques to improve business efficiency and support HP’s strategic objectives through work-based learning and distance education.
Beat the recession: be a great place to work
Top European workplaces outperformed during the recession, achieving 15% revenue growth and 13% productivity gains while maintaining low turnover and expanding staff. Success depends on employee trust, manager credibility, and pride in work rather than salary alone.
Employers beware: Social network comments can be used in court
Social media posts about work can be discovered and used as evidence in court lawsuits, according to a US federal court ruling. The decision means employers and employees should establish clear policies restricting work-related content on social networks, even if marked private.
NHS saving for ‘brutal job cuts’
The NHS in England is establishing a £2 billion redundancy fund to address a £20 billion financial shortfall, with staff expecting significant job cuts. Hospital workers face particular vulnerability as labor costs account for roughly two-thirds of hospital funding, with several trusts already announcing redundancies.
Will public sector pay freeze be good for UK or just cause misery?
Business leaders have called for a two-year public sector pay freeze to reduce the UK’s budget deficit, potentially saving £18 billion, but unions warn it would cause hardship as inflation reaches 5.3%. The proposal has sparked debate over whether spending cuts should target public sector wages or government services and procurement.
Layla’s on the case: The bullying line manager
When a bullying complaint is substantiated, should a company proceed with disciplinary action even if the employee initially accepts an apology? This case explores whether an employer must follow its dignity-at-work policy regardless of the complainant’s changing preferences, and the risks of ignoring employee concerns.
Exploring the engagement and retention relationship
Rising resignation rates threaten business stability as employee engagement and retention become critical priorities. Research shows 60% of executives plan to leave during economic recovery, while turnover climbs to 13.6% amid declining trust in leadership. Organizations must focus on retaining proven talent through improved engagement and clear career development opportunities.
Is there reward after recession?
As UK organizations emerge from recession following widespread salary freezes, research reveals mixed implementation and growing employee concerns about pay fairness. While over half of organizations froze salaries during the downturn, some continued selective pay increases for high performers, creating perception of unfairness that threatens employee morale and retention.
Facebook? More like Faceache, as 10% complain about boss online
Around one in ten workers under 35 have posted negative comments about their boss on social media, according to a UK study. The research highlights growing concerns about blurred boundaries between personal and professional social networking, with employers needing clear policies on acceptable use.
Met’s HR system £10 million over budget
The Metropolitan Police’s new HR system is £10 million over budget and running six months late, with costs reaching £48 million. The platform, provided by Steria, has no fixed launch date and was expected to save £15 million annually while managing over 55,000 staff.
Only 1/3 want to retire
Only 31% of UK workers want to retire between ages 60 and 65, with most planning to work until 66 or beyond. The survey reveals that 41% of over-55s would continue working past retirement, while 61% express interest in becoming self-employed during a gradual transition to retirement.
Green jobs for the Welsh valleys
British Gas has opened a green skills training centre in Tredegar to equip 1,300 unemployed people and engineers with expertise in emerging green technologies. The facility will train energy-efficiency assessors and installers while supporting Wales’ wider green jobs strategy.
BA strike called off – for now
A High Court injunction has halted British Airways cabin crew’s planned 20-day strike due to a union technicality, though disruption affecting 100,000 passengers continues this week. The court ruled Unite union didn’t properly notify members of the strike ballot result, but the union plans to appeal and further action is expected later this month.
Legal briefing: Equality laws explained
Equality laws protect against discrimination based on religion and philosophical beliefs, but recent court cases show how these protections can conflict with other deeply held views, raising complex questions about balancing fundamental rights in a democratic society.
Coping with the ash cloud: a guide for HR
HR must update extreme weather and emergency absence policies to prepare for disruptions like volcanic ash clouds. Legal experts explain employee pay rights during forced absences, expense coverage, and how to craft flexible policies that balance employer and worker needs.
Generation Y – why engaging them is different
Generation Y workers expect collaborative, flexible environments with regular manager communication and clear objectives—not dictatorial management styles. Employers must adapt their approach to engage and retain talented young professionals who value teamwork, innovation, and work-life integration.
Ask the expert: Can we promote a worker above their supervisor?
Yes, you can promote a worker above their supervisor based on merit while following fair procedures. However, employers should address the underperforming manager through formal performance management, capability processes, or settlement agreements rather than simply reassigning responsibilities, which could trigger constructive dismissal claims.
Migration cap ‘needs consultation’ says CIPD
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development calls for employer consultation on the government’s proposed migration cap, warning it could hinder hiring during economic recovery. The HR body also welcomes scrapping National Insurance increases and praising plans to simplify welfare-to-work programs and abolish default retirement ages.
