Employers in the dark about the scope of new anti-bribery legislation
Most UK employers lack awareness of new anti-bribery legislation set to impose corporate criminal liability, substantial fines, and potential jail time for directors. A survey found 60% unaware that failing to prevent bribery by employees or agents would become a criminal offense, while businesses struggle with understanding compliance requirements and implementing adequate prevention procedures.
Rotherham local govt joint venture aims for improved workforce management
Rotherham’s RBT joint venture has implemented OrgPlus HR software to improve workforce management and organizational planning across its 15,000 employees. The system enables managers to access attendance data and perform scenario modeling for reorganizations, while staff gain transparency through org charts and reporting structures. The software is expected to support strategic planning amid budget constraints and performance assessment requirements.
Legal briefing: Right to train
From April 2010, employees with 26 weeks’ service at firms with over 250 staff gained the right to request time off for training or study to improve their job performance. Employers must consider such requests seriously and respond within 28 days, though they’re not obligated to approve them.
Technology – HR’s best friend?
Modern HR technology now provides organizations with data-driven insights into workforce performance, helping HR leaders demonstrate the business value of people strategies and earn recognition at the boardroom level.
Businesses petition against NIC increase
Multiple UK business groups have launched a petition against a planned 1% National Insurance contribution increase, warning it will function as a “tax on jobs” that could lead to significant job losses and discourage hiring during economic recovery.
A possible 25,000 jobs to go in public sector
Local councils in England could cut up to 25,000 jobs over the next three to five years due to falling revenues and increased demand from the recession, potentially creating social unrest. A BBC survey of 49 councils found over 70% predicted spending cuts of 5-20%, with roads, libraries, and leisure services facing the highest risk of cutbacks.
Brain drain – 1/3 of grads plan to leave UK
A third of recent UK graduates plan to leave the country due to poor job prospects, with 75% citing difficulty finding work domestically. The trend could trigger significant brain drain, particularly to Europe, as employers struggle with recruitment feedback and candidate engagement.
Workforce planning: Do you have the right people and skills?
Effective workforce planning requires aligning your people and skills with business needs and customer expectations. Discover how strategic recruitment, knowledge transfer programs, and job security drive productivity and innovation while preventing costly talent loss.
2010 opens new opportunities to align HR strategy with business objectives
A Hewitt Associates study reveals HR leaders see 2010 as a transition year to better align HR strategy with business objectives, balancing cost reduction with growth initiatives while addressing persistent gaps in strategic involvement and operational execution.
Stop wasting training
UK organisations waste an estimated £9.5bn annually on training that fails to improve performance. A three-year study found that 25% of learners don’t apply their training or see performance improvements, often due to insufficient line manager support and poorly targeted learning content.
Retain talent and avoid the brain drain
Organizations must prepare for talent loss as employees regain confidence to seek external opportunities. Research shows employees are 1.5 times more likely to stay five years when they perceive career development opportunities, making visible progression paths essential for retention as economic conditions improve.
Does your organisation need some Saas?
Software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions are increasingly popular for HR functions like learning management and performance reviews. Unlike traditional IT implementations, SaaS offers lower costs, easier deployment, and no need for expensive upfront capital investment or hardware maintenance.
Happy employees, happy customers – engage and grow
Notting Hill Housing CEO Kate Davies shares how understanding customers holistically and empowering staff with autonomy and decision-making power transformed service delivery, boosting satisfaction from 58 percent through addressing communication gaps, job completion, and repair quality.
Re-engagement – now is the time
Nearly half of employees are unsure what their managers expect of them, causing significant workplace miscommunication and wasted time. HR can address this disconnect through non-judgmental coaching and training that helps managers and employees understand different communication styles.
Workplace bullying – not only at Number 10
Workplace bullying extends far beyond recent headlines about political figures. Nearly a third of all employees have experienced or witnessed bullying at work, with the public sector particularly affected despite anti-bullying policies. HR and management must actively prevent workplace bullying culture from developing.
Ask the expert: Can we demote rather than dismiss?
Employers can demote rather than dismiss an employee as a disciplinary sanction if the contract permits it. While immediate implementation is legally permissible, consider giving notice if the salary reduction is significant to maintain trust and avoid potential disputes.
New Balance HRD going the extra mile for flood victims
New Balance’s HR Director Paul Kennedy and seven employees are walking 140 miles across five days to raise £10,000 for Cumbrian flood victims still recovering from devastating 2009 floods that damaged over 1,500 homes and businesses.
Government to drive paternity leave awareness
A government awareness campaign aims to inform fathers of their paternity leave rights, as research shows one in three are unaware of their entitlements. The ‘Dads at Work’ initiative precedes April 2011 changes allowing mothers to transfer up to six months of maternity leave to fathers.
Employers snubbing staff training
Despite 88% of UK employers recognizing staff training’s importance, most cite cost and time constraints as barriers to implementation. A new survey reveals that while employees view training as crucial for career development, over half of companies avoid it due to expense.
CIPD: We’re not out of the woods yet!
The UK labour market remains in an extremely fragile state, with unemployment likely to worsen before improving, according to CIPD analysis. Despite a slight fall in joblessness, underemployment has surged and job losses are accelerating, particularly affecting older workers and those seeking full-time positions.
