Recruitment difficulties set to fuel wage inflation
Recruitment difficulties are emerging as a new driver of wage inflation, according to the CIPD/KPMG Labour Market Outlook survey. Despite modest average pay increases expected to remain at three percent, rising employer recruitment activity and labor shortages—particularly for skilled positions—could prompt the Bank of England to consider further interest rate rises.
Employers willing to take on ex-offenders
Three-quarters of UK employers would consider hiring ex-offenders, according to CIPD research, but say the government should provide better support and awareness. Employers prioritize soft skills like honesty and reliability over technical qualifications, and report four times more positive than negative experiences with ex-offender employees.
Quality mark for working flexibly
Work Wise UK has launched a quality mark to recognize organizations implementing flexible and smarter working practices. The assessment, developed with input from major employers like the NHS and BT, evaluates strategic planning, employee involvement, and workplace benefits across operational, client, and employee dimensions.
Benefits in motion
Electrical retailer Comet has launched Comet Extras, a new employee benefits package offering over 10,000 staff exclusive discounts on holidays, insurance, gym memberships, entertainment and mobile contracts. The program includes a dedicated website for redeeming offers and aims to boost employee loyalty and morale.
Colborn’s corner: Bye bye, baby – car park redundancies
A department store closure in Hexham highlights challenges in announcing redundancies. This article examines best practices for handling group dismissals, emphasizing that employees deserve to hear news directly from management with dignity, rather than through impersonal or disruptive methods.
Protecting yourself from email evil
Learn how to protect yourself from email and internet risks in the workplace. This policy outlines legal guidelines for email use, internet access, and organizational monitoring to prevent disciplinary action and ensure compliance with employment standards.
Claimants down but unemployment rises
Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants fell by 15,700 in April, but unemployment rose 13,000 in the quarter according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures. The number claiming incapacity benefits hit its lowest level in over seven years.
Handling the hired guns: Top tips for managing temps. By Rob Lewis
Learn how to effectively manage temporary workers in your organization. With over a million agency temps in the UK workforce, HR professionals must understand employment law, staffing needs, and best practices for integrating temporary staff while maintaining organizational knowledge and capability.
Government launches paternity leave consultation
The UK government is consulting on how to administer new paternity leave rules allowing fathers to take up to 26 weeks of leave if the mother returns to work. The proposals aim to give working parents greater flexibility in sharing childcare responsibilities while keeping the process straightforward for employers and employees.
From here to maternity – and back
Mothers returning to work after maternity leave have the legal right to return to the same job, but an Employment Appeal Tribunal ruling clarifies what this means in practice. Employers must consider the nature, capacity, and place of work—going beyond contractual terms to ensure minimal disruption and avoid pregnancy-related discrimination during this vulnerable transition period.
Tough recruitment times for top NHS jobs
NHS recruitment for senior management positions has become increasingly difficult as candidates avoid high-profile roles due to criticism from politicians and media. A new NHS Confederation report shows the number of NHS managers has dropped 6.5 percent since 2005, raising concerns about attracting top talent to the health service.
Men opting to spend less time at work
Men in the workforce are increasingly choosing shorter working hours, with those working over 45 hours per week in the private sector declining from 41 percent to 31 percent over a decade, according to 2006 Office for National Statistics data.
Pension funding under the microscope
A Mercer survey of 230 UK pension schemes finds that 30 percent are willing to set funding targets below Pensions Regulator trigger levels, while most schemes are shortening their deficit recovery plans to 10 years or less and increasing funding targets due to longevity concerns.
HR – Too many policies and processes; not enough practicality
Excessive HR policies and procedures can create organizational dysfunction rather than prevent it. When managers focus on compliance and paperwork instead of addressing real workplace problems like staff shortages and employee stress, policies become counterproductive and harm the people they’re meant to protect.
Ask the expert: Can you discipline an ex-employee?
Employers can continue disciplinary proceedings against ex-employees, though no sanctions can be imposed. However, in regulated industries or cases involving serious misconduct, completing the process may be worthwhile to document findings and inform future references.
Smoking 9 to 5: What a way to make a living. By Sarah Fletcher
The NHS watchdog NICE recommends paid time off work for smokers trying to quit, but HR professionals argue this could spark workplace resentment, create unfair treatment of other employees, and may actually hinder quitting efforts.
EU to review information and consultation laws
The European Parliament has voted to review and modernize EU workplace information and consultation laws, including regulations on employee consultation and TUPE requirements. The European Commission will conduct the review to address inconsistencies and contradictions between existing directives that critics say leave room for abuse.
Sage buys Snowdrop for £17 million
Sage has acquired HR software developer Snowdrop Systems for £17 million, expanding its human resources offerings beyond payroll services. The move strengthens Sage’s position in the competitive mid-market HR software space and complements its existing accounting software portfolio.
Best practice on age laws rewarded
The Co-operative Group has earned Age Positive employer champion status for removing its contractual retirement age and implementing age-blind recruitment practices. The organization employs nearly 800 workers over 65 and has redesigned hiring processes to prevent age discrimination based on ability alone.
Off the record: Bullying and harassment
Workplace bullying and harassment—ranging from constant criticism to undermining behavior—can result in constructive dismissal claims, discrimination lawsuits, and significant compensation. Employers must promptly investigate and address such conduct to avoid legal liability and protect employee wellbeing.
