Layla Bunni’s On the case: Get to grips with DDA
Layla Bunni examines disability discrimination claims under the DDA, using a case study where an employer conditionally offers employment based on a recent employer reference. The article explains how candidates with disabilities may be protected when standard requirements create barriers, and advises employers on avoiding potential discrimination claims.
Want engaged employees? Engage with the wellbeing of your employees
Genuine employee wellbeing initiatives strengthen engagement and reduce absenteeism. Offering comprehensive health benefits, including private medical care and preventive services, demonstrates organizational compassion while improving productivity and retention rates.
Tories unveil plan to ‘get Britain working’
The Conservatives have unveiled a ‘Service Academy’ plan to create up to 50,000 training places and work placements for the unemployed, with 11 major employers in hospitality and tourism already signed up. The scheme aims to provide industry-designed pre-employment training to give jobseekers practical skills and career entry routes as part of their ‘Get Britain Working’ welfare reform plans.
Fathers want employers to be flexible friends
A new survey reveals that while few fathers plan to take extended paternity leave, nearly 80% would embrace flexible working arrangements if employers supported it. However, concerns about finances, job security, and management attitudes prevent many from taking advantage of new parental rights.
HR 2.0 – how you’re using social media
HR professionals use social media to network with peers, stay current with industry trends, and build their personal brands, with 78% relying on these platforms for knowledge sharing and professional development.
Workers should not be held back by lack of part time work
A charity and government officials are calling for more part-time and job-share positions to improve employment opportunities for women and carers. The government plans to recommend that employers consider offering flexible working arrangements for new vacancies, though concerns remain about balancing this with career progression and economic stability.
Win an athlete at work™ development programme!
Win a spot in K2’s athlete at work™ development programme, which applies elite athletic performance principles to business. This two-day intensive coaching clinic teaches proven techniques for peak performance, motivation and wellbeing, helping professionals unlock their full potential and deliver competitive advantage.
Identify the right skills and the skill gaps
Identify skill gaps in your organization using a “Can-Do chart,” a practical tool that maps employee competencies against team needs. This workforce planning approach helps prioritize training investments, reduce dependency on key individuals, and align development with business objectives.
Can you afford to ignore your disengaged employees?
Disengaged employees represent a persistent challenge many organizations overlook. While engagement initiatives successfully convert neutral employees, they often fail to impact the 15% actively disengaged workforce, potentially affecting business performance and customer satisfaction.
Proof of engagement – it worked for me
Birmingham City Council’s BEST employee engagement programme increased staff motivation from 56% to 83% between 2006-2008, generating over 6,000 service improvements while demonstrating that investing in staff engagement drives performance and productivity.
Ask the expert: Off sick but on Facebook
An employee on sick leave for work-related stress has posted on Facebook about nights out clubbing and drinking, raising questions about the legitimacy of their absence. Employers can invite the employee to a meeting to clarify their intentions and discuss whether their social activity conflicts with their medical certification, though active socializing alone doesn’t necessarily invalidate stress-related leave.
‘Must speak Polish’ job ad investigated
The UK’s equality watchdog is investigating whether a meat manufacturer discriminated against British workers by advertising factory jobs exclusively for Polish speakers. The Equality and Human Rights Commission said refusing applicants based on nationality violates the Race Relations Act, while the company claimed the requirement was a mistake caused by miscommunication during operational disruptions.
A bold step for IT L&D
The Institute of IT Training has completed a management buyout to become an independent, self-governing body. Industry leaders endorse the move as an opportunity to strengthen professional standards and expand the organisation’s role in technology-based learning and development.
Gas workers may strike over bullying
British and Scottish Gas workers are being balloted for strike action over allegations of workplace bullying and macho management culture. The GMB union sent ballot papers to 8,000 members, with voting closing March 23, following claims of overwork, excessive up-selling pressure, and harsh disciplinary practices.
Manufacturing must retrain to stay competitive
Manufacturing industry leaders are calling for government investment in workforce retraining to help the sector remain competitive amid advancing technology and digital transformation. Without updated skills training, companies risk falling behind in innovation and commercialization despite the UK’s strong technological heritage.
McDonald’s: Would you like a GCSE with that?
McDonald’s is launching the UK’s first national work experience-based qualification as youth unemployment remains high and young people increasingly view academic credentials alone as insufficient for securing employment. The new 10-day placement programme combines practical workplace experience with skill development and mock interviews, offering participants a GCSE-equivalent qualification upon completion.
Graduates? No thanks!
Tesco’s corporate affairs director criticized school and university graduates for lacking basic literacy, numeracy skills, and proper work attitudes, despite achieving record academic results. She also blamed government bureaucracy for distracting teachers from their core task of classroom instruction.
Engaging employees – it’s a management issue
Line managers play a crucial role in employee engagement, with nearly 90% of staff at top-rated companies saying their direct boss cares about their job satisfaction. A survey of over 276,000 employees reveals that manager support matters more than senior leadership in driving motivation and loyalty.
Small businesses, watch your back when hiring
Small business owners face significant risks from bad hiring decisions, unlike larger corporations that can absorb liability. This guide offers expert advice on conducting employee background checks to protect your company from financial, reputational, and security risks while respecting privacy laws.
Five myths about public sector pay
Persistent myths about public sector pay obscure the real issues, from misleading salary comparisons that ignore job complexity to flawed arguments about pay caps and performance management challenges specific to government employment.
