Payroll systems strive towards global breakthrough
Many multinational organizations struggle to implement global payroll systems despite clear practical advantages. While technology and outsourcing providers offer solutions, regulatory complexity across different jurisdictions and small employee counts in certain territories remain significant barriers to achieving truly integrated global payroll management.
Voice from the workplace: Self-directed teams
Self-directed teams require clear accountability structures and fair work distribution to function effectively. When a government team was reorganized without on-site management, unclear roles and unequal task allocation created conflict. HR intervention focusing on formal systems, transparent communication, and equal responsibility distribution can resolve these common self-directed team challenges.
Learning is key in fight against racism
The Trades Union Congress launches an anti-racism learning campaign featuring a new booklet for union reps and activists. The initiative aims to combat workplace racism and promote equality, while helping black and Asian workers develop skills and improve employment prospects.
Book review: The Answers by Lucy Kellaway
Financial Times columnist Lucy Kellaway’s “The Answers” offers practical workplace advice drawn from her popular agony aunt column, addressing common office dilemmas from employee relations to office etiquette with humor and multiple perspectives.
DWP appoints new HR chief as department faces strike action
Chris Last has been appointed director general of HR at the Department for Work and Pensions, replacing Kevin White. The appointment comes as PCS union members vote to strike over a disputed pay offer that would leave 40 percent of staff with zero pay increases.
Ask the expert: Information withheld on application
An employee who withheld previous employment information—including a resignation pending theft investigation—can likely be dismissed for dishonesty on their application, especially within the first year of service. Legal experts advise documenting the withholding of information and poor performance as dismissal grounds.
End of year party is a chore
Fewer companies are hosting Christmas parties, with 66 percent now planning events compared to 86 percent in 2002. Over half of employees say office parties have a false atmosphere, and one in five managers consider them a chore, suggesting waning enthusiasm for year-end celebrations.
Canny candidates tailor digital footprint
Job seekers can boost their career prospects by carefully managing their social media profiles, according to online recruiting firm ClickAJob. While some warn that employers reviewing social networks could harm candidacy, top companies and even government agencies now recruit through Facebook, LinkedIn, and similar platforms, making a polished online presence a strategic advantage.
Funding boost for Train to Gain
The government is doubling funding for Train to Gain to boost workplace skills, with increased support for level 2 and 3 qualifications and a major expansion of SME management training from £4m to £30m annually, aimed at developing 60,000 managers across 42,000 firms.
New Year salaries set to rocket by 6 per cent
Global salaries are projected to rise by 6 percent on average in 2008, with India leading at 14 percent growth, while North America and Western Europe see the smallest increases, according to Mercer’s Global Compensation Planning Report.
Business travellers struggle abroad
A new survey reveals that 88% of business executives are traveling abroad more than ever, yet many lack cultural awareness and language skills. While 96% acknowledge that cultural knowledge improves business success, 68% feel embarrassed by their ignorance and 23% have had negative etiquette experiences overseas.
Family firms urged to ‘manage change to survive’
A quarter of UK family businesses expect ownership changes within five years, yet only half have succession plans in place. PwC warns that many family firm leaders are unprepared for transitions, with 30 percent still lacking a designated successor.
TUC calls for £6 minimum wage
The Trades Union Congress is calling for the national minimum wage to be increased to more than £6 an hour, with the adult rate applying from age 18 rather than 22. The TUC also proposes stricter penalties for employers who underpay workers and increased enforcement measures.
Low staff morale at HMRC
HMRC staff morale has hit an all-time low since the 2005 merger, with 72% saying the department is changing for the worse and 60% dissatisfied with their workplace. The staff survey findings may explain recent data security failures and highlight concerns about service quality and leadership effectiveness.
New chief for nuclear skills
The National Skills Academy for Nuclear has appointed Jean Llewellyn as chief executive. With four years of nuclear skills experience and a track record leading the Nuclear Academy project in West Cumbria, Llewellyn will help ensure the UK nuclear sector has the skilled workforce it needs.
Bosses who employ illegal immigrants to face £10,000 fines
The UK government has announced £10,000 fines for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants, but critics argue a verification system is needed to help employers check workers’ status before employment.
Growing pains: The emergence of ‘e-learning’
E-learning has become an essential feature of training delivery, though it remains a complex and evolving concept that encompasses everything from web-based courses to collaborative online tools and social networking platforms. While organizations increasingly adopt e-learning for its flexibility and cost benefits, implementation challenges persist, including technology limitations, learner motivation, and the need for quality content.
Knowledge management: ‘Times are a-changing’
The UK is rapidly shifting toward a knowledge economy, requiring HR to secure board-level influence and adopt new people management strategies. Web 2.0 technologies and changing employee expectations demand that organizations move beyond traditional hierarchies, focusing on knowledge power, flexible working, and employee development to attract and retain talent.
Seven steps to better EAP management
Learn seven practical steps to improve your Employee Assistance Programme management, from strategic launch planning to ongoing communication and stakeholder engagement. These evidence-based approaches help organisations maximize EAP uptake, employee wellbeing outcomes, and overall business benefits.
A graceful exit scores points in the future
Nearly half of workers eventually collaborate with former colleagues in new roles, yet many damage professional relationships by leaving on poor terms. A survey reveals that one in three workers quit before completing notice periods, with younger employees most likely to slack off during their final weeks, while maintaining a graceful exit protects long-term career prospects.
