Southern sickies spiral
Absence rates in southern England are rising, with 45% of companies reporting increases from the previous year, according to HR firm Jaluch. The survey found that 97% of employers struggle to manage absence effectively, with stress and depression driving more long-term sickness claims.
Property concerns dent productivity
Housing shortages, falling property prices, and mortgage issues are reducing workplace productivity, according to a new Trades Union Congress report. The study warns that poor housing conditions and unaffordable properties force longer commutes and increase health problems, ultimately harming the UK economy.
HR administration certificate boosts competence levels
A new HR administration certificate program, developed by InitialFirst Learning and Development and HR4UK.com, helps administrators master employment law and best practices. The four-unit distance learning course enables competent administrators to gain legal knowledge and manage personnel records effectively.
Critic slams equality bill proposal
A diversity expert criticizes a proposed equality bill, arguing that allowing positive discrimination for female and ethnic minority job applicants could undermine workplace diversity efforts and create workplace suspicion rather than solve discrimination issues.
Credit crunch insomnia hits professionals
A Travelodge survey reveals 75% of UK workers aren’t getting enough sleep, with professionals in recession-hit industries sleeping significantly less. Estate agents average just 5 hours 50 minutes nightly, while bankers and drivers also report severe sleep deprivation due to financial and job security concerns.
Civil servants to undergo compulsory data training
Civil servants handling personal data must complete annual training under new government measures responding to a major data breach affecting 25 million child benefit claimants. The mandatory training is part of a broader security overhaul including encryption, privacy assessments, and stronger accountability across all government departments.
Caption competition: And the winner is…
Discover the winning caption from our photo competition featuring a remote worker taking “duvet days” too literally. Lorraine Whale won Thornton’s chocolates for her humorous entry about Mary’s work-from-home mishap.
Time to shine for business leaders
Business leaders must prioritize strong employee relationships and clear communication to drive engagement and productivity amid economic uncertainty. Key challenges include building trust, giving credit for success, and maintaining honest dialogue with teams during difficult times.
Relocation gives rise to HR concern
Half of HR managers cite inadequate support for relocated employees’ families as a major concern, particularly regarding spouse assistance and child education. The Middle East presents the biggest challenge, with companies needing better international preparation and cultural briefing to ensure successful relocations.
Toxic Blacklist
A new National Staff Dismissal Register blacklists employees dismissed or resigned during disciplinary proceedings, affecting up to three million workers. The privately run database, backed by major retailers including Harrods and Selfridges, includes unproven allegations without requiring employee consent or conviction, raising serious concerns about due process and workers’ rights.
Illegal workers: Prosecutions on the rise
Since February 2008, UK employers face criminal penalties up to two years’ imprisonment and unlimited fines for knowingly employing illegal workers. Civil penalties of up to £10,000 per employee apply to negligent hiring, though employers have a defense if they properly verify workers’ right to work before employment.
Ethical Q&A: Persistent lateness
Persistent employee lateness frustrates most managers and costs UK businesses millions annually. Ethical employers should investigate the underlying causes—such as low morale or commute issues—through informal conversation rather than assigning blame, potentially offering flexible hours as a solution.
Innovative internal communications get better results
Improving internal communications through engaging formats like blogs and peer networks drives better employee engagement and organizational performance. Rather than relying solely on compensation and benefits, companies should treat employees as valued participants and foster transparent, two-way dialogue to build stronger workplace culture and commitment.
Understanding your employees’ demographic differences
Different demographic groups of employees have varying priorities for commitment and retention. HR professionals can enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover by adopting flexible approaches that account for gender, age, educational, and occupational differences rather than treating all employees the same.
HR Software Show round-up
The HR Software Show in London showcased major developments in HR technology, including NorthgateArinso’s new automated background checking service and industry consolidation trends. The event highlighted growing demand for background screening tools and competitive pricing pressures from web-based HR platforms.
Harman defends positive discrimination plans
Harriet Harman has defended the Equality Bill’s plans to encourage positive discrimination for women and ethnic minorities in hiring, while also requiring companies to report pay gaps between male and female employees to address wage inequality.
Flexible working business case more compelling than legislation
Over 90% of businesses would adopt flexible working policies without legal requirement, finding measurable benefits in productivity, profitability, and employee retention. However, the IoD warns against extending legislation, arguing the business case alone is more compelling than regulation.
HR tip: Time off for redundant employees
Employees with two years’ service who are redundant have a statutory right to reasonable paid time off during notice to seek alternative employment or training. Employers can offer all redundant staff generous time off at convenient times to maintain goodwill.
Fall in productivity since smoking ban introduced
A year after the smoking ban, 71% of employers report decreased productivity as workers take longer and more frequent smoking breaks. However, the ban has also reduced new smokers among staff and sick leave by 82%.
Applicants not selling their achievements
Research reveals that 73% of recruiters reject candidates with vague CVs lacking workplace achievements. Applicants who effectively highlight their accomplishments can negotiate salaries up to 5% higher, yet most focus on listing responsibilities instead of demonstrating concrete results.
