Ask the expert: Aggressive behaviour during disciplinary hearing
An employee threatened to kill a colleague and became aggressive during his disciplinary hearing, requiring security to escort him out. Employment law experts explain whether the company can proceed with a decision in his absence and whether dismissal would be fair.
Oil and gas giants join skills pledge
Shell and BP have joined the Skills Pledge, committing to support all employees in achieving Level 2 qualifications in numeracy, literacy, and other relevant skills. The pledge, now signed by 852 organizations, aims to boost productivity, employee engagement, and organizational commitment through training investment.
HR salaries soar as war for talent hots up
HR salaries are surging across both private and public sectors in 2008 as competition for talent intensifies. Senior HR professionals can earn up to £140,000 annually, with employers increasingly competing on compensation, employer brand, and work-life balance benefits.
‘Happy’ care workers feel let down by public
English social care workers report high job satisfaction, with 90% happy in their roles, yet fewer than half feel their work is publicly appreciated. A major Skills for Care survey reveals concerns about workforce skills gaps and insufficient pay incentives for qualifications.
Multi-tasking mothers enjoy start-up success
A new study reveals that 92% of business-owning mothers credit parenting skills like multitasking, planning, and efficiency as key to their entrepreneurial success. Forty percent started their companies while pregnant or within a year of giving birth, with many choosing beauty, health, and childcare sectors.
£10k slap for hiring illegal workers
The UK Home Office has launched a campaign warning employers of a new £10,000 fine and two-year prison sentence for hiring illegal workers, effective February 2008. The government aims to crack down on illegal employment through radio and newspaper advertising, part of major immigration system reforms.
Bosses fail to match benefit expectations
New research shows employers are offering benefits that don’t align with employees’ actual needs, with over half of workers not using available perks. While employers prioritize pensions and death-in-service coverage, employees increasingly desire flexible working arrangements and medical insurance that companies rarely provide.
Four signs of dysfunctional management revealed
Research by BlessingWhite identifies four signs of dysfunctional management: silent dissent, data without insight, lack of emotional passion, and resistance to change. Poor communication and charismatic but dominating leadership styles often prevent senior teams from contributing candid feedback.
Ditch the character, say CV experts
Recruitment experts warn job seekers to remove vague interests like “socialising” from CVs, as 67% of employers find them irrelevant and often dishonest. Instead, candidates should showcase personality through their covering letter and focus on highlighting genuine skills and experience.
UK must rise to finance skills challenge to maintain world leader status
The UK finance sector must address critical skills gaps to maintain its world-leading position, union leaders and government officials warned. With the industry accounting for 8% of GDP and employing over a million workers, experts called for coordinated efforts including apprenticeships, employer training pledges, and union-led workplace learning initiatives.
Which? publishes ‘no go’ questions guide
Which? has published a CV and Interview Handbook identifying illegal interview questions, including those about age, marital status, childcare, sexual orientation, and religious views. Employers who ask such questions face unlimited fines under discrimination legislation.
Workers admit using flu as an excuse to skive off work
A survey reveals that 83% of UK workers would consider using Norovirus as an excuse to skip work, with 73% admitting they’ve previously used flu-like symptoms as false justification. Employment experts warn that frequent fake sick days can damage employee credibility and increase workplace absenteeism.
Green credentials attract top talent
Companies with strong environmental policies attract higher quality job candidates, with 67% of jobseekers saying green credentials would influence their employer choice. Top talent increasingly seeks employers who demonstrate environmental responsibility and positive community impact.
‘Learnbus’ provides one way ticket to success
Learnbus, a mobile learning center launched by GMB and unionlearn, travels to workplaces lacking training facilities. The double-decker bus features an IT suite and advice center, helping remove barriers to learning across Merseyside, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester.
Flexible working for all: Do we want or need it?
The government plans to extend flexible working rights to parents of older children, but experts argue it should be offered to all employees instead. Despite current legislation limiting the right to specific groups, 92 percent of employers already consider flexibility requests, with only 9 percent being denied.
Single women tire of being married to the job
Unmarried women aged 34-44 report the highest workplace dissatisfaction, with one in six British workers feeling unfulfilled overall. The survey reveals that many seek meaning through volunteering and helping others, while nearly a quarter have taken sabbaticals to pursue greater fulfillment.
Investment in training set to grow
Companies are increasing investment in training and career development in 2008 to boost employee engagement and retention beyond salary increases. This shift reflects broader total rewards strategies that include benefits, career programs, and recognition initiatives aimed at differentiating from competitors.
Illness, return to work and the psychological contract
The psychological contract—the unwritten expectations between employers and employees—plays a crucial role in retaining sick or injured workers and maintaining team engagement. When illness occurs, balancing early intervention with privacy concerns is essential to prevent breaches of trust that can lead to resentment and disengagement.
Human capital intelligence: Raising the bar
HR departments should evolve beyond basic employee tracking to embrace human capital intelligence systems that integrate recruitment, development, and compensation data. This strategic approach helps organizations make informed decisions about workforce capacity, skills, and costs to support business growth and competitive advantage.
Colborn’s Corner: New year, new start?
With 42% of workers planning to job hunt this January, employers face significant staff turnover challenges. While salary and benefits matter, research shows management quality and listening to employee feedback are equally critical to retaining top performers.
