HR tip: Monitoring bullying in the workplace
Effective workplace bullying monitoring requires a clear policy, employee training, and proactive management. Address incidents immediately, handle complaints promptly, and use performance meetings to check in with employees about workplace relationships. Combine conversation with formal discipline when necessary.
Video-based service to offer coaching on demand
eConsult.tv is launching a video-based coaching platform that lets users learn from industry experts on demand. The site features over 3,000 video clips covering topics like negotiation and networking, allowing learners to select specific questions and answers from top professionals.
Expert salutes talent potential of Facebook
Facebook offers significant recruitment potential, serving as a “talent goldmine” filled with millions of passive job candidates, according to recruitment experts. Companies can leverage the platform by creating branded groups to engage prospective employees and build meaningful employer-candidate relationships.
Police officer sacked for sex on the job
A senior British Transport Police inspector was dismissed after admitting to sexual misconduct while on duty and in uniform at Gatwick Airport. The IPCC found his conduct brought the police service into “disrepute and ridicule,” though he was previously acquitted of criminal charges.
Chancellor’s three-year pay deals angers unions
Unions criticize Chancellor Alistair Darling’s announcement of three-year public sector pay deals capped at 2 percent, saying the decision bypassed consultation and undermines independent pay review bodies and collective bargaining procedures.
Access still denied to disabled workers
Disabled workers in the UK face ongoing employment barriers as disability advocacy is overshadowed by more prominent diversity initiatives like race and gender. With nearly one in five working-age people having disabilities but only half employed, experts argue employers must prioritize disability inclusion alongside other diversity efforts.
£15 million windfall for staff at mobile phone giant
O2 is distributing £15 million to eligible employees through its Thanks a Million scheme, rewarding staff with up to £1,000 each for achieving top customer satisfaction rankings. Long-serving employees receive an additional £500 bonus for loyalty since the scheme’s introduction.
Boss in the dock after shaming pregnant executive
A Kent-based security firm and its managing director have been found guilty of 24 instances of sex discrimination after telling a pregnant executive she would be “useless” and “never be the same again.” The sales director could receive up to £200,000 in damages.
The long and winding road: Reducing commuting
UK workers face Europe’s second-longest commutes, with over an hour of daily travel becoming increasingly common. HR departments can help reduce this burden through flexible working arrangements like flexitime, job shares, and remote work options.
Using technology to resolve disputes
Online dispute resolution (ODR) uses secure digital platforms to resolve workplace disputes like discrimination, harassment, and unfair dismissal claims. This technology-enabled mediation allows participants to communicate asynchronously from anywhere, eliminating scheduling conflicts and travel costs while maintaining confidentiality and promoting thoughtful responses.
Small fry net skills boost
A £30 million government initiative aims to boost small business management skills through the ‘Train to Gain’ service, which provides tailored leadership training and connects employers with skills brokers to identify training needs.
It’s all about the culture
Company culture directly impacts business success and employee loyalty. Management consultant John Pope explains how organizational culture reflects leadership values and shapes how work gets done, using two contrasting manufacturing companies as examples of effective yet different cultural approaches.
Ask the expert: Drug testing
Learn how to implement an alcohol and drugs policy with random drug testing from employment law experts. Discover the legal requirements for requesting employee drug tests, handling positive results, and conducting fair random testing procedures while respecting human rights.
E-speed drives buoyant jobs market
The Monster Employment Index shows sustained growth in the UK jobs market, with December postings rising five points to 174. Strong demand continues in marketing, PR, media, banking, and finance sectors, alongside increased hiring for HR roles and technical positions.
Government slammed for £3m staff and communication bill
Government spending £3m on staff and communication costs to simplify its business support system, which currently offers 3,000 confusing schemes. Ministers pledged to reduce this to 100 programs, though progress remains unclear and has drawn criticism from opposition parties.
Job seekers battle it out on 7 January
January 7 emerges as the busiest day for job hunting, with 42 percent of people planning to search for work this month. The surge follows the Christmas break when employees reflect on career satisfaction and seek new opportunities.
Benefits job spree – take what’s on offer, urges government
The UK government is urging job seekers to ensure they receive all entitled benefits, including the national minimum wage of £5.52 per hour for those 22 and over, 24 days paid holiday, and enhanced maternity and paternity pay. Recent changes also grant workers rights to flexible working arrangements and protections for agency workers.
TUC backs asylum seekers plea to work
The Trades Union Congress is calling on the UK government to allow asylum seekers to work, arguing that employment bans force families into poverty while awaiting claim decisions. The TUC says permitting work would reduce exploitation, restore dignity, and help asylum seekers maintain job market skills for integration.
LogicaCMG scoops €40 million HR outsourcing deal
LogicaCMG has secured a €40 million contract to manage KPN’s HR operations, including payroll administration and HR services for 17,000 employees in the Netherlands. The outsourcing deal transfers KPN’s centralized HR Shared Service Centre in The Hague to LogicaCMG, with 60 HR experts joining the company.
Manslaughter rules ‘to cost firms £21m’
The UK’s new corporate manslaughter law could cost businesses over £21m in legal fees, according to an insurer. Companies face criminal conviction and unlimited fines if senior management’s gross negligence causes workplace deaths. Businesses are urged to review health and safety policies and ensure adequate insurance coverage before the law takes effect.
