Pay rises on the fall
UK wage growth slowed significantly in September, declining 0.5 percent according to VocaLink’s monthly index. The payment processor, which handles over 90 percent of UK salaries, warned that manufacturing saw the steepest drop and further decreases are likely as economic conditions deteriorate.
Age discrimination: One year older, but are we wiser?
Age discrimination legislation introduced in October 2006 has done little to change employer attitudes toward older workers, according to HR professionals. Despite new laws, tribunal cases reveal employers continue practices vulnerable to age discrimination claims, often lacking proper written justification for their policies.
Writing skills: Mind the gap
Many workers lack the writing skills needed to perform their jobs effectively, yet most employers don’t assess writing ability during recruitment. HR professionals can implement literacy tests and training to address declining workplace writing standards and reduce costly document revisions.
Entrepreneurs ‘born not made’
Two-thirds of small business owners believe entrepreneurship is an inborn trait that cannot be taught, according to new research. While business skills like sales and marketing can be learned, entrepreneurs argue that essential traits such as risk-taking and innovation are inherent qualities.
We have to stop meeting like this
UK workers attend an average of eight meetings monthly, but research shows 37% could be conducted without face-to-face interaction. Identifying which meetings truly require in-person contact can boost productivity, reduce stress, and save travel costs for employees and companies.
Colborn’s Corner: Online distractions at work
Online distractions at work, from eBay trading to social media use, require a balanced approach rather than blanket bans. Employers should trust employees to manage temptation while setting reasonable limits on personal internet activities during work hours.
Royal Mail faces further protracted industrial action
Royal Mail faces escalating industrial action as the Communication Workers Union launches a series of strikes over pay and planned workforce cuts. A 48-hour stoppage begins October 4, with further strikes scheduled weekly from mid-October, likely causing severe mail delivery disruption.
HR tip: Age discrimination
Learn how to assess job candidates without age discrimination. Focus on specific competencies and abilities rather than years of experience in job ads. Test candidates against required skills to find the right fit legally and fairly.
HR managers across Europe rate EAPs
Over half of European HR managers have established or are considering an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support staff wellbeing. The study across the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark found that 66% of HR managers rated EAPs as good value for money, with providers’ reputation and quality being key decision factors.
Northern Rock pension scheme under threat
Northern Rock staff face potential pension losses if the bank enters administration, with the scheme’s £21.7m deficit potentially costing £50-100m to close. Members would receive at most 90% of expected pensions through the Pension Protection Fund.
London’s professionals want coaching
Over three-quarters of London professionals believe executive coaching would boost their work performance, according to research by The School of Coaching. The study found 57% would feel jealous if a colleague received coaching, while West End firms are significantly more likely to offer it than other areas.
“Sloppy wording” in job ads breaches age discrimination laws
A survey of job advertisements found that 21% contained potentially ageist language and 27% had discriminatory content. Terms like “energetic” and “dynamic” and experience requirements can violate age discrimination laws, with retail and HR sectors showing the highest rates of offending ads.
Political skills key to management success
Political acumen is increasingly vital for management success, helping professionals advance by building partnerships, influencing decision-makers, and promoting organizational reputation. Despite its negative connotations, most managers develop these skills through experience rather than formal training.
Help available as holiday entitlement increases
Acas has launched a free online guide to help employers and employees understand the statutory holiday entitlement increase that took effect on 1 October, which raises annual leave to 4.8 weeks. The guide covers holiday rights, pay calculations, and required employer actions like updating employment contracts and notifying staff of changes.
Laying down the law. By Louise Druce
New employment legislation taking effect on October 1st, including increased holiday entitlements and minimum wage changes, requires HR professionals to carefully update policies and raise awareness across organizations to avoid costly legal disputes.
Diminishing strategic role boosts IT churn
Senior IT professionals are leaving roles in record numbers as their strategic influence declines and boards view technology increasingly as a support function rather than a key business driver. A Harvey Nash survey reveals that 60% of CIOs expect to move jobs within two years, with innovation failures cited as a primary cause.
Management and leadership skills: What’s the difference?
Management involves delivering products and services through people and resources, while leadership means engaging people around a vision or goal. While management skills can be trained, leadership capabilities are developed through personality and experience. Effective organizations blend both competencies for optimal results.
Web-based reporting takes drudgery out of 360-degree appraisals
Web-based tools are streamlining 360-degree appraisals by automating data collection and reporting, eliminating the paperwork burden that previously discouraged their adoption. These systems enable managers to generate comprehensive reports with minimal effort while integrating with broader HR and talent management platforms.
Bullying, behaviours and ethics: How can we improve the culture?
Organizations often cover up bullying and misconduct by rewarding bad behavior, sending damaging messages about company values to employees. Management consultant John Pope examines why unethical practices persist and outlines how organizations can establish consistent ethical standards and improve workplace culture through clear principles and honest leadership.
Strategic planning: Top 10 tips to create a winning strategy
Learn 10 essential strategic planning tips to develop and execute a winning strategy. Expert advice covers implementation challenges, stakeholder engagement, action planning, and creating strategies that are sustainable, flexible, and genuinely owned by your team.
