Deliver the perfect presentation
Learn how to overcome presentation anxiety and deliver more effective talks. Public speaking experts share practical strategies for managing nervousness, engaging audiences, and improving your delivery skills through mindset adjustments and proven techniques.
Ask the expert: Leaving before notice period expires
An employee who leaves before completing his notice period faces potential breach of contract claims from his employer. Employment law experts explain the legal implications of early departure, including damages liability and defense strategies.
Can an employer force an employee to retire at 65?
Employers can enforce retirement at age 65 if proper procedures are followed, including six months’ written notice and consideration of employee requests to continue working. However, enforced retirement below 65 is generally considered unfair dismissal under UK employment law.
Combating the stress of employee relocations
Relocating employees creates significant stress beyond just physical moving logistics. Managers who understand both practical and emotional needs—like maintaining social connections and family stability—can help reduce anxiety and maintain productivity, while poorly managed relocations risk staff turnover and decreased performance.
Sacked park worker awarded record £550,000 damages
A London park worker with learning difficulties has won a record £550,000 in disability discrimination damages after an employment tribunal found he was unfairly dismissed. The payout is the largest award in a disability discrimination case, with 24 dismissed gardeners collectively receiving over £1.3m in compensation.
Travel giant signs US$400 million outsourcing deal with Accenture
Thomas Cook Group signed a $400 million outsourcing deal with Accenture covering HR administration, payroll, application management, and finance and accounting services. The agreement replaces a 2002 contract and integrates functions from MyTravel following the companies’ merger, supporting the combined entity’s 33,000-employee operation.
Search for Britain’s best boss is on
Working Families and American Express are seeking nominations for Britain’s best boss in their 2007 competition. Ideal candidates celebrate team successes, inspire achievement, promote work-life balance, and empower their staff through trust and delegation. The winner receives a House of Lords lunch and £1,000 prize.
UK Plc leads the world in battle against the bullies
UK businesses have nearly doubled their anti-bullying workplace policies and procedures, saving £3.42 billion in the past year according to the Andrea Adams Trust. British companies are leading globally in combating workplace bullying through specialist training and formal policies.
MPs battle to secure huge pay rise
MPs are pushing for above-inflation pay increases, with some seeking salaries around £100,000, as a senior review body recommends raising the basic salary from £60,277. The proposal has split opinion, with Gordon Brown advocating for inflation-matching increases aligned with public sector workers.
Female-run start-ups on the rise
More women are starting their own businesses than ever before, with female entrepreneurs now representing 32.6% of new business owners compared to just 22.2% in 1990. The shift reflects women’s distinct motivations, including social and environmental considerations, with many launching ventures after careers in education, healthcare, and community sectors.
Take a break every three hours and beat stress
Taking short breaks every three hours can significantly reduce workplace stress and improve work-life balance. Research shows nearly a quarter of full-time workers experience regular stress at work, while many skip breaks and holidays entirely.
Recruitment industry hits the jackpot as turnover spirals
UK recruitment industry turnover surged to £26 billion in 2006-07, a 7.4 percent increase driven by economic growth and major projects like CrossRail and the 2012 Olympics. The sector placed 1.377 million temporary workers weekly while permanent placements hit record levels, growing 11.5 percent.
Two-thirds of staff don’t trust managers
A UK study reveals that only one-third of employees completely trust their managers, with 78 percent reporting past disappointment. Key issues include lack of support, failure to address concerns, and information withholding, leading to reduced morale and increased staff turnover.
HR fails to deliver key functions
A CIPD survey reveals HR directors are struggling to meet adequate standards in core functions like diversity compliance and recruitment, with only half achieving high standards and 45% unable to provide accurate diversity data if audited. Despite these challenges, most HR leaders resist outsourcing, fearing it increases organizational risk.
2.5 million employees covered by Skills Pledge
Over 2.5 million employees across 400 employers are now covered by the Skills Pledge, a voluntary scheme requiring workers to achieve at least Level 2 qualifications. The initiative has gained momentum since its June launch, with support from Skills Brokers to help companies develop training plans and access free courses.
Employers at legal risk under DDA
One in three UK employers faces legal risk under disability discrimination laws, with only 8 percent having effective reasonable adjustment policies. A survey of 116 organizations found widespread gaps in disability compliance, including poor tracking of adjustments and inadequate HR planning, despite most adjustments costing little to implement.
Shaken not stirred: Should HR battle for ‘diversity’ rights?
Trevor Phillips, chair of the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights, sparked debate by suggesting diversity should be removed from HR’s remit. HR professionals and the CIPD argue that diversity requires strategic HR involvement, while some contend it needs organization-wide ownership beyond the function.
E-recruitment: Are we missing a trick?
E-recruitment automation can improve hiring efficiency, but removing human judgment from screening risks overlooking qualified candidates who don’t fit rigid criteria. HR should use e-recruitment to handle administrative tasks while preserving human decision-making for candidate evaluation and selection.
Use of text messaging at work in question
Employers need clearer workplace policies on text messaging as the communication method becomes increasingly common for serious decisions, including job dismissals. Most employment contracts lack text messaging guidelines despite its growing use for workplace communication.
HR tip: Phoning in sick
When an employee needs to call in sick, directing them to a central contact like a personnel officer ensures consistent handling and availability, rather than relying on busy managers who may not give full attention to the call.
