UK political figures lack leadership qualities – study
A study of 2,000 business leaders found UK political party heads scored poorly on leadership qualities, with Prime Minister Gordon Brown ranked last at 4.5, while Richard Branson topped the poll at 8.06. Over a quarter of managers remained undecided on which party to support ahead of the general election.
Recession continues to strain employee-employer relations
Recession-driven strain on workplace relations is intensifying, with calls to Acas’ conciliation service doubling since September. The service has referred over 8,000 pre-claim cases and prevented approximately 5,000 employment tribunal cases through arbitration, which resolves disputes in about three weeks compared to six to nine months for tribunals.
Workforce poaching: it’s happening
A UK court found bonds dealer BGC Partners guilty of unlawful conspiracy for systematically poaching staff from rival Tullett Prebon. The landmark case highlights legal risks companies face when recruiting competitors’ employees at scale, particularly through coordinated strategies and substantial financial inducements.
HR director raises £40,000 for local charity
Paul Kennedy, HR Director of New Balance, led a team of eight walkers across 140 miles to raise £40,000 for Cumbria flood victims. The “Pound for Cumbria” walk, which began in Cheshire and ended at Dovenby Hall, supported the Cumbria Community Foundation’s relief efforts for families affected by devastating 2009 floods.
Five more skills academies to target priority areas
The UK government is establishing five new National Skills Academies in priority sectors including rail engineering, logistics, and biotechnology, backed by a £50 million Joint Investment Programme. These academies will train over 30,000 people in the next four years, building on 13 existing academies already funded by businesses contributing more than £130 million.
Skills gap worst in leadership, management and technical roles
A government-commissioned report reveals the UK’s most severe skills gaps are in leadership, management, and technical roles, with 1.7 million workers not fully proficient in their jobs. Poor training investment and inadequate manager development threaten Britain’s competitive position globally.
What does service excellence look like for HR?
Service excellence in HR combines nine key criteria beyond technical skills, including passion, positive outlook, self-belief, and health. These characteristics differentiate truly excellent HR functions that deliver superior service while managing costs and enhancing organizational value.
Take five – communicate better (part two)
Michael Richards continues his communication improvement series with five more essential tips, including aligning internal brand messaging with external communications, enforcing professional courtesy standards, establishing clear cultural guidelines, and ensuring dress codes reflect your organizational culture.
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.
