Public sector pensions must be more affordable, says CBI
The CBI warns that public sector final salary pensions are unsustainable, creating a £1 trillion liability that costs taxpayers £10 billion annually. The organization recommends shifting to defined contribution schemes and ensuring public sector employees and employers fully fund their pensions without hidden taxpayer subsidies.
Cases in point – bitesize employment law April 2010
This April 2010 employment law roundup examines five key cases affecting HR practitioners, including rulings on team poaching, holiday pay calculations in aviation, dismissal for gross misconduct, unfair termination procedures, and Information and Consultation Regulations breaches.
The HR business partner health check
Assess how well your HR Business Partner model is working with this health check. Learn what’s needed at central and local levels to translate HRBP theory into effective practice that drives business strategy and builds manager engagement.
Ask the expert: SOS – help with SOSR
When dismissing employees for SOSR due to salary reductions, offer re-engagement on new terms within the notice letter. Make clear when current employment ends and when new employment begins the following day, ensuring notice remains unambiguous while allowing acceptance during the notice period.
Negative body language ends in disappointment for job seekers
Poor body language can undermine job seekers during interviews, with research showing that 93% of communication impact comes from non-verbal cues and tone rather than words. Common mistakes like limp handshakes, slouching, avoiding eye contact, and speaking too quickly can damage candidates’ chances of making a positive first impression.
Mandelson: Business leaders ‘tricked’ by Tories
Lord Mandelson has accused the Conservatives of “tricking” business leaders into backing their plan to reverse a 1% National Insurance rise on employers, claiming the pledge involves hidden costs through VAT increases. The Tory-backed letter from 23 business leaders, including EasyJet’s founder, contradicts Labour’s tax policy ahead of the election.
Cheers! How a global brewery engaged their employees
Molson Coors Brewing Company (UK) launched a major employee engagement programme to align 2,400 staff with the company’s growth strategy. The initiative featured interactive zones and experiential learning rather than traditional presentations, helping employees understand how they contribute to key business goals like attracting new customers and supporting the beer market.
Easter egg hunt – Winner announced
Beverley won Demijohn’s Easter egg hunt competition on HRzone, claiming an olive oil and fruit vinegar set featuring Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Blackcurrant Vinegar—a gourmet alternative to traditional chocolate Easter eggs.
Fit notes – do they fit the bill?
From April 2010, the ‘fit note’ replaces traditional sick notes, requiring GPs to assess whether employees may return to work after seven days of absence. The new system aims to reduce sickness absence and save the UK economy £240m over ten years by promoting workplace adjustments and earlier return to work.
The fit note – friend or foe?
The new fit note replaces the restrictive Med-3 form, allowing GPs to advise that employees may be “fit enough” to work with adaptations rather than simply declaring them unfit. This reform aims to reduce sickness absence costs and enable earlier workplace return, opening dialogue between patients, employers, and healthcare providers.
Essential HR skills (part 2): 12 things every HR programme manager should know
HR programme managers need 12 essential skills to drive successful organizational change. This guide covers key competencies including developing a shared vision, securing sponsor support, understanding stakeholders, maintaining clear communication, and managing change effectively through a solid business case.
Tribunal ‘fast track’ scheme announced
The Ministry of Justice has launched a fast track scheme to help employment tribunal award winners pursue non-paying employers more easily. The initiative, starting April 6, allows staff to apply to High Court Enforcement Officers to seize employer assets, with a reduced £50 court fee replacing the previous £70.50 charge.
Government takes on long term unemployment
The government launched a “Jobseekers Guarantee” requiring long-term unemployed claimants to accept jobs or work placements or lose benefits. Funded through existing budgets, the initiative extends the Future Jobs Fund and introduces personalized Job Centre Plus support, alongside expanded disability employment programs.
Manifesto for employment – what do you want to see?
Hays recruitment consultancy has released an employment manifesto calling for greater workforce flexibility, reduced employer National Insurance, reformed employment laws, and closer alignment of education with industry needs rather than traditional academic focus.
Graduates: Less is more
An HR body urges the government to reduce its focus on university degrees and promote vocational diplomas instead, citing that nearly 60% of recent graduates cannot find suitable employment. Current plans to expand university places risk creating debt-burdened graduates for jobs that don’t require degrees, the organization warns.
Why bother engaging?
While 92% of companies recognize employee engagement as strategically important, nearly half don’t measure their engagement levels. Modern HR software now makes tracking and analyzing employee engagement simpler than ever, enabling organizations to unlock enhanced performance and competitive advantage.
Survey: HR in the digital workplace
K2 Advisory is conducting a survey to understand how HR professionals shape digital workplace policies, technology adoption, and device usage in modern organizations. The research explores HR’s role alongside IT and business strategy in enabling effective remote work, social media policies, and mobile device management. Complete the anonymous survey to receive findings overview.
Ask the expert: Sickness in an SME
An SME manager seeks advice on handling an employee with 22 sick days in one year, often on Mondays and Fridays, who now claims an underlying health condition. Legal experts recommend conducting an informal fact-finding meeting to understand the medical situation before taking action, while being cautious about disability discrimination concerns.
Don’t drop the ball now – engage for recovery
Staff engagement is crucial for organizational recovery, with the 2010 Best Companies to Work For survey revealing that managers now play a more critical role than senior leadership in motivating employees and driving productivity.
Top tips: Employee engagement
Employee engagement means helping staff find their work meaningful and worthwhile so they perform well and stay motivated. Employers can boost engagement through clear communication, autonomy, recognition, and understanding what matters to each team member.
