‘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.
Sainsbury’s suppliers to offer skills training to unemployed
Sainsbury’s is partnering with 60 suppliers to train 100 unemployed people through a new 12-month paid scheme in construction, engineering, facilities management, and retail. The initiative aims to address skills shortages while providing participants with hands-on experience and potential permanent employment or further education opportunities.
The new face of reward – grasp the opportunity
Grasp the opportunity to reconsider your reward system in light of increased scrutiny on bonuses and salaries. Effective reward strategies should demonstrate transparency, link performance to compensation, and create a more motivated workforce while maintaining compliance and corporate responsibility.
New government must provide clear plan for business growth
The British Chambers of Commerce has issued a 12-point plan demanding the incoming government prove its business credentials within 90 days, including scrapping planned National Insurance increases, implementing a regulatory review, and prioritizing infrastructure. The BCC warns that failure to deliver this growth plan will result in a slower or non-existent economic recovery.
Letter to an ex-MP – what next for the honourable members?
An executive recruiter humorously advises a former MP on career options after losing her parliamentary seat, suggesting unconventional paths from adult entertainment to financial services, highlighting the challenges of life beyond Westminster.
