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.
‘Dire’ job figures signpost tough times ahead
UK unemployment rose to 2.51 million in March, the highest level since 1994, with youth joblessness and economic inactivity reaching record levels. The HR sector warns the new government must act decisively to address the “dire” labour market conditions and restore full employment.
Train to reduce turnover
Training programs are key to reducing IT staff turnover, with 80% of IT personnel citing skills acquisition as vital to job satisfaction. While younger employees prioritize professional development, all age groups value training for career progression and organizational contribution.
Highest level of adults engaged in learning for a decade
Adult participation in education and training has reached its highest level in a decade, with 43% of UK adults currently engaged in learning or having done so in the past three years, according to a survey by TNS Omnibus and NIACE. The economic downturn has driven this increase, with notable improvements among lower-income groups for the first time in 20 years.
Legal update: Discrimination and commission
Recent employment law cases clarify that degree requirements don’t constitute age discrimination, dismissal for refusing equal opportunities policies can be lawful, and whistleblowing protections extend to disclosures made before employment began.
Boost profit with wellbeing and CSR
Research shows companies investing in employee wellbeing and corporate social responsibility see measurable financial returns, with FTSE 100 firms reporting 10% profit boosts and top performers achieving 61% shareholder returns through reduced absenteeism, higher engagement, and enhanced reputation.
Lack of clinician training a danger to NHS
Insufficient clinician training poses a serious risk to NHS standards, warns the BMA’s Junior Doctors Committee chair. New research shows two in five UK doctors miss essential training due to working extra shifts, jeopardizing future medical workforce development.
Take the Alan Sugar leadership test
Test your leadership potential with this Alan Sugar-inspired assessment from Kingston University. Answer 12 questions to discover whether you have the enterprise, creativity, and motivation needed to lead in your organization or start your own business venture.
SuccessConnect: Get with the Cloud or lose your job in HR
Cloud computing is transforming HR’s role from administrative to strategic, enabling HR professionals to contribute meaningful business value. SuccessFactors CEO Lars Dalgaard argues that HR leaders who adopt cloud solutions gain competitive advantage, while those resistant to change risk obsolescence in their roles.
PCS wins high court bid
The PCS union has won a High Court challenge against government cuts to civil service redundancy pay. The judge ruled that changes to the Civil Servant Compensation Scheme were unlawful and must be quashed, as union agreement was required before altering the scheme. The decision overturns measures designed to save £500 million over three years that would have affected up to 100,000 staff.
‘Football fever’ – World Cup absence
Most employers lack plans to manage staff absences during the World Cup, with only 10% having or developing absence policies. The CIPD recommends flexible hours, shift swaps, unpaid leave, and on-site match screenings to address expected staffing challenges.
The leadership required to forge a coalition government
Forging an effective coalition government requires political leaders to move beyond advocacy and adversarial debate toward genuine collaboration and inquiry. Leaders must find common ground, build relationships, and skillfully manage conflict to create solutions that serve the public interest.
Ask the expert: Disciplinary while off sick
Managing disciplinary procedures while an employee is off sick presents legal risks and practical challenges. Employers should generally wait until the employee returns to work to address capability issues, unless dismissal is clearly justified beforehand. Legal advice is essential to navigate disability discrimination protections and other potential claims.
Is Simon Cowell your dream HR director?
A UK poll reveals that Simon Cowell is the public’s ideal HR director, with 82% of respondents citing his ruthless approach to hiring and firing. Lord Alan Sugar topped the rankings for CEO, while other celebrities were selected for various office roles based on their professional expertise and personalities.
SuccessConnect: Dalgaard’s Wheel of Fortune
SuccessFactors CEO Lars Dalgaard unveiled new cloud HR offerings at the Success Connect conference, including SuccessFactors Calibration and Goal Execution tools. The firm, which derives 60% of revenues from products created in the last five years, claims to offer more comprehensive talent management solutions than any competitor.
Unite announce BA strike action plans
Unite union has announced British Airways cabin crew will strike across four separate periods in May and June, starting May 18. The action will disrupt peak travel seasons including spring bank holidays and school half-term, potentially affecting World Cup travel plans.
BA strike fears continue
British Airways faces potential three-week strikes after union members overwhelmingly rejected the airline’s staffing proposals. Unite leaders are considering five-day stoppages with 24-hour breaks, though any action cannot begin before next Monday due to required notice periods.
