Smoking ban boosts public health
Scotland’s smoking ban has led to a 17 percent drop in heart attack admissions and a 40 percent reduction in second-hand smoke exposure among adults and children, delivering major public health benefits especially for bar workers and workplace employees.
Lack of flexibility for working mothers
A survey of over 600 working mothers found that 90% struggle to find jobs offering the flexibility they need, with 83% reporting difficulty locating flexible roles that match their skills. Employers risk losing talented candidates by not prioritizing flexible work arrangements.
Employment legislation: Untangling the red tape. By Matt Henkes
Employment laws are complex and constantly changing, requiring HR professionals to stay vigilant to avoid costly mistakes and penalties. This article explores key legislative updates and practical strategies for keeping compliant with evolving regulations.
How to prevent leavers working for the opposition
Employers can use restrictive covenants to prevent departing employees from working for competitors, but these clauses must be reasonable and necessary to protect legitimate business interests such as confidential information. Courts will only enforce non-competition agreements if the employee had access to trade secrets or sensitive business data that could harm the company if shared with rivals.
Revisiting the interview
Learn how to refine your interview technique with structured, competency-based approaches. A chartered occupational psychologist shares best practices for preparation, bias awareness, and effective questioning to improve your recruitment outcomes.
Working towards a flexible future
Flexible working arrangements are essential for modern businesses seeking competitive advantage. Beyond outdated myths about remote workers, evidence shows home-based employees work longer hours and deliver greater productivity, while giving companies access to wider talent pools and improved staff retention.
Ask the expert: Obtaining medical information
Employers seeking to obtain medical information from an employee’s healthcare providers should get the employee’s consent first. Legal experts advise this is a sensible step for managing absences and determining reasonable adjustments, particularly for conditions like MS covered under disability discrimination law.
Happiness is elusive amongst HR
Only 31 percent of UK HR professionals report being happy in their current role, with 37 percent actively job hunting, according to the Badenoch & Clark Happiness at Work Index. The survey found HR workers feel significantly underpaid compared to their peers, and many lack performance feedback from management.
Lack of training means lack of talent
Many organizations fail to provide adequate training and career development, causing recruitment and retention problems. Research shows that while 74% of managers value professional qualifications, over half of employers offer minimal development opportunities, contributing to an 81% rise in recruitment difficulties.
Facebook misuse costing employers millions
UK employers lose £132 million daily to employee Facebook use, with research showing 233 million hours monthly wasted on social networking. Annual costs could reach £30.8 billion, prompting employment law experts to recommend clear internet policies and access restrictions.
Risky business: Facing adversity and riding the storm. By Annie Hayes
HR professionals play a critical role in business continuity planning, managing risks from terrorism and natural disasters to pandemics like avian flu. As threats evolve, organizations must balance investment in contingency plans with operational priorities, with many companies still lagging behind best practices.
The end to an HR career?
HR’s traditional career ladder is disappearing as organizations adopt the Ulrich Model, replacing entry-level generalist positions with service centers and administrative roles. Without lower-level strategy positions offering mentorship and skill development, the industry risks stagnation and struggles to cultivate the next generation of HR business partners.
Legislation update: ‘Service provision changes’ under TUPE
A recent tribunal decision clarifies that service provision changes under TUPE 2006 occur when a service contract is re-tendered to a new contractor, provided employees dedicating substantial time to that service are protected. The case establishes that employees whose principal purpose involves servicing a specific client contract can claim automatic unfair dismissal rights when the contract transfers.
HR tip: Restrictive covenants
Restrictive covenants are difficult to impose on unwilling employees. Offering incentives like pay raises or bonuses makes acceptance more likely than attempting forced implementation, which could require costly legal action.
Colborn’s Corner: Industrial inaction
Recent strikes at London transport, Heathrow, and Coca-Cola show industrial action remains a factor in modern employment relations. Rather than broad “blunderbuss” approaches of the past, strikes are increasingly tactical responses to specific issues like job security and pensions, shaped by changing workforce patterns and labor market dynamics.
Fat cats bow out to the tune of £3 million
Top UK company directors are retiring at 60 with average final salary pensions worth over £3 million, more than 25 times the average occupational pension. A TUC survey reveals director pension pots total nearly £1 billion, while many companies have cut schemes for their workforce.
Demand for IT training strong among silver surfers
Over half of all courses taken by people aged 65 and older focus on computer skills, according to research from the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education. The study reveals strong demand for IT training among older learners, who view digital literacy as essential for staying connected with family and remaining productive in the workplace.
Eating for two? The perils of the office diet
Office eating habits significantly influence colleague weight gain, with three-quarters of workers blaming neighboring desk mates for unhealthy food choices. Boredom, weak willpower, and peer pressure drive snacking and earlier lunch times, though co-dieting with colleagues shows promise for healthier habits.
Being ‘fired’ is secret of success
Nearly a fifth of British small business owners were fired from previous jobs before launching their own ventures, according to research by accounting software company KashFlow. The study found that 44 percent started their business due to frustration with their existing job, while 37 percent identified a market gap as their main motivation.
Six-figure pay out looms for bullied epileptic woman
A tribunal has found Estée Lauder’s Aramis and Designer Fragrances division guilty of disability discrimination and harassment against business analyst Susy White after she disclosed her epilepsy diagnosis. The company faces a six-figure payout after managers allegedly bullied her, leading to her departure from the company.
