Ask the expert: Disciplinary hearing on return from maternity leave
Experts explain the correct procedures for handling a disciplinary hearing when an employee returns from maternity leave facing allegations of misconduct. Learn what protections apply and how to prepare an effective defense.
Benefits while training for young people
Under 25s can now claim unemployment benefits while participating in Get Into training courses run by the Prince’s Trust, the Work and Pensions secretary announced. These intensive programs help disadvantaged young people aged 16-25 develop skills across various sectors while maintaining financial support through Jobseekers Allowance.
Employers ‘positive’ about older workers
Most employers report positive attitudes toward older workers, yet they show reluctance to recruit those over 50 and provide less training to this age group, according to research by the Centre for Research into the Older Workforce.
Give us a break
One in four UK office workers never take breaks at work, with some skipping holidays due to high workloads. Research reveals this culture is damaging workers’ health and work-life balance, particularly among senior management.
Ageism still “endemic” in the workplace
Ageism remains widespread in UK workplaces despite new age discrimination laws, with 59% of workers witnessing ageist behavior in the past year. While legal awareness has increased significantly, employers continue falling short of required standards, particularly regarding mandatory retirement ages.
Leavers and litigators: How do you measure up?
Organizations that fail to analyze people data intelligently risk costly lawsuits, employee turnover, and legal compliance issues. By measuring key HR metrics like staff retention, absenteeism, and fair employment practices, HR professionals can identify problems early and develop strategic solutions that protect the organization while supporting workforce wellbeing.
HCM: A passing fad or a worthwhile concept?
Human Capital Management (HCM) applies capital management principles to talent acquisition, optimization, and retention, requiring HR to measure and demonstrate the business value of HR activities through quantifiable metrics and analysis.
Commission for Racial Equality breaches race equality employment laws
A report found serious race equality employment problems within the Commission for Racial Equality, revealing it completed only five race equality impact assessments over six years and showed zero compliance with required employment policy assessments.
Switched on to e-recruiting. By Rob Lewis
As online recruiting matures, companies are increasingly bringing e-recruitment in-house but must navigate rising costs and choose the right job boards carefully. Employers should measure sites against their own metrics, such as cost-per-hire, to ensure they’re getting value and avoiding brand damage from poor placement decisions.
HR technology: Don’t fear the report writer. By John Stokdyk
HR departments struggle to act as strategic partners because they underutilize HR reporting capabilities, relying on basic headcount and payroll data instead of leveraging analytical tools for workforce planning, succession management, and ROI measurement. Adopting advanced reporting could help HR managers make data-driven business cases and speak the language of executives.
HR tip: Notifying the JobCentre of redundancies
While notifying the JobCentre of redundancies isn’t legally required, doing so helps them support your redundant employees with vacancies and training opportunities. Contact the JobCentre manager promptly and share employee details with local employers and agencies, with proper consent and privacy safeguards.
Dipping your toe in the global talent pool
As UK talent shortages persist, companies increasingly recruit overseas staff through social networks and targeted recruitment efforts. While this expands the talent pool and brings fresh perspectives, employers must navigate visa restrictions and eligibility requirements to avoid significant legal penalties.
The human face of mobile working
Mobile working has blurred the line between professional and personal time, leaving managers constantly on call. Professor Graham Jones explores how leaders can maintain work-life balance while fostering teamwork and motivation in increasingly virtual workforces.
Job weighing heavily for UK workers
A new study reveals that half of UK workers have gained weight in their current job, with women at 53% slightly more affected than men at 47%. The research points to frequent eating out, office vending machine visits, and increased unhealthy snacking as key contributing factors.
Paid holiday extension fails to grip workers
The minimum paid holiday allowance increased to 24 days from October 2007, yet over half of workers believe this extension will not boost productivity. A TNS survey found that most employees prioritize flexibility and salary over additional leave, with 86 percent unaware of their legal holiday entitlement.
Bosses tighten dress codes with mini-skirts and flip-flop ban
Most UK businesses ban flip-flops, mini-skirts, and shorts from the workplace, with 83% deeming flip-flops unsuitable work attire. Larger companies enforce stricter formal dress codes, while smaller firms tend to be more relaxed about clothing requirements.
Midwife demand soars as birthrate rises
The NHS faces growing midwife shortages as birthrates rise, with the Royal College of Midwives calling for 5,000 additional staff over five years. The health secretary announced plans to recruit at least 1,000 more midwives by 2009, with further recruitment possible if birthrates continue increasing.
Rise in violence against shop staff
Physical violence against shop workers has risen 50 percent over the past year, with threats more than doubling, according to new figures. The British Retail Consortium and union leaders are urging the government to prioritize retail crime and ensure shop workers receive the same protection as people in their homes.
E-lag loses UK Plc £31.6 billion a year
Slow email responses cost UK businesses £31.6 billion annually, with one in three customers switching suppliers if they don’t hear back within two hours. A Vodafone UK survey reveals 85% of businesses experience unanswered inquiries, while Manchester shows the poorest response rates.
MoD arm service personnel with ‘portable’ qualifications
The Ministry of Defence is backing service personnel to gain nationally-recognised management qualifications through a new programme with the Chartered Management Institute. The portable credentials aim to equip military staff with transferable skills for career progression, whether within the armed forces or in civilian employment.
