Mass absence from work on 15 May
Millions of UK workers planned to participate in National Work From Home Day on 15 May 2008, organized by Work Wise UK to demonstrate productivity benefits and reduce commute stress. The initiative, supported by major organizations including the TUC and CBI, aimed to be the largest mass absence from work in a generation.
Women dip out as apprenticeships geared towards men
Women remain significantly underrepresented in high-paying apprenticeships like construction, engineering, and vehicle maintenance, while dominating lower-paid sectors like childcare and hairdressing. A TUC report reveals virtually no progress since 2002/03, with women earning 26% less than male apprentices on average.
Learning at work: The key to qualification?
The Employer Based Training Accreditation programme allows employees to gain nationally-accredited qualifications while working. Companies like Network Rail and McDonald’s can now award QCF-recognised certifications, addressing inconsistent workplace training across the UK.
The workplace injuries a surgeon cannot heal
Employers have a legal and moral duty to address the long-term mental health impacts of workplace accidents, not just physical injuries. A landmark court ruling found a company liable for an employee’s suicide years after a severe accident, establishing that psychological harm is a foreseeable consequence requiring proactive support and early intervention.
How to stop the appraisal rot
Only 58% of UK workers receive formal appraisals, and poor execution costs the economy over £2 billion annually. Many employees view appraisals as meaningless and unfair, but businesses can improve outcomes through staff involvement, proper manager training, and tailored systems designed for their specific needs.
HR tip: Mobile phone use at work
Employers can legally restrict or ban personal mobile phone use at work to maintain productivity and minimize disruptions. You may prohibit phones on-site entirely or require them to be switched off during work hours, with use permitted only during breaks or with manager approval.
Empower your managers to power your business
Line managers face increasing pressures from flatter organizations, higher workloads, and regulatory demands, yet often lack the tools, training, and accessible information needed to manage effectively. HR can empower managers through better systems, guidance, and employee data access to improve employee development and business performance.
Experts demand delay to sexual harassment rules
HRZone.co.uk and BusinessZone.co.uk are calling for a delay to new sexual harassment rules set to take effect on 6 April, citing insufficient time for businesses to prepare. The regulations were laid down in Parliament just three weeks before implementation, with the government estimating compliance costs of £10m for small firms.
Education workers suffer poor health
A survey of education workers found that 70% of teachers and lecturers report health problems linked to their jobs, with stress, sleep disruption, and exhaustion being the most common issues. Increased workload and new education initiatives are cited as primary causes.
UBS faces further job cuts as credit crunch gloom spreads
UBS disclosed $37 billion in losses from US sub-prime mortgages and structured credit, prompting Chairman Marcel Ospel’s resignation. The Swiss bank plans further job cuts in its London investment banking division, with details expected in coming weeks.
Pregnancy discrimination puts diversity in the spotlight
Up to 30,000 women annually lose their jobs due to pregnancy, according to a new report highlighting persistent discrimination in the workplace. The Fawcett Society’s research reveals mothers face significant wage gaps and harassment, sparking renewed calls for workplace diversity and inclusion efforts.
KPMG enhances package for working parents
KPMG has expanded its parental support package, including extended maternity pay and family services, in response to growing challenges faced by working parents and the rising “Sandwich Generation” juggling young and elderly dependents.
Laying down the law: Legislation roundup
April brings significant employment law changes affecting corporate accountability and maternity rights. The Corporate Manslaughter Act now holds organizations criminally liable for management failures in duty of care, while amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act simplify pregnancy discrimination claims and expand maternity leave benefits.
The growth of internet use at work
As personal internet use during work hours increases, HR departments face growing pressure to maintain productivity while managing employee access to social networking sites. Organizations are adopting various solutions, from blocking specific sites to implementing clear policies, each with distinct advantages and challenges.
Fraudsters embellish expenses to buy diamonds and cars
British workers are defrauding employers of £1 billion annually through inflated expense claims, including fake receipts, personal purchases like diamonds and cosmetic surgery, and home improvements. A survey found 84% of employees feel no guilt about inventing claims, with only 8% ever caught and dismissed.
Talent management to be unveiled
A six-month study by InfoBasis is examining how UK organizations define and implement talent management across different sectors and company sizes. The research, publishing in September, will identify effective methods for understanding, planning, and developing employee talent pools during economic uncertainty.
Sexual harassment laws introduced with just three weeks’ notice
New sexual harassment rules come into force on 6 April with only three weeks’ notice, requiring employers to protect staff from harassment by customers and suppliers. The regulation, introduced via statutory instrument without parliamentary debate, allows uncapped compensation awards but has received minimal publicity and criticism for the rushed timeline.
The challenge of imparting bad news
HR business partners must focus on their own mindset when delivering bad news rather than just managing receivers’ reactions. Successful delivery requires clarity of purpose, long-term perspective, and techniques to overcome our natural avoidance of difficult conversations while maintaining client relationships.
Ask the expert: Corporate manslaughter
The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 imposes liability on organizations and senior managers for serious health and safety breaches resulting in death. While a separate policy isn’t required, companies should integrate manslaughter considerations into existing H&S policies and maintain continuous review and evaluation practices.
Strategic development: Are we missing the point?
Many organizations fail to establish a baseline before implementing strategic development programs, making it impossible to effectively evaluate their impact. Without knowing where you currently stand, you cannot accurately measure success or demonstrate return on investment, a critical oversight in organizational and human resource development.
