Unions benefit business says TUC
The TUC is launching a campaign targeting non-unionised UK companies to demonstrate that unions benefit businesses. Using government data, the TUC argues that unionised firms tend to be safer, better trained, and more productive than their non-union counterparts.
Culture the key to preventing company fraud
Strong company culture emphasizing ethics and integrity at management level is the most effective fraud prevention strategy, according to KPMG Forensic’s study of 360 actual cases. The typical fraudster is a trusted male executive in finance or senior management who commits multiple offenses over years, with weak internal controls enabling most fraud.
Get an edge through green benefits
Green benefits are becoming a key recruitment tool, with 69% of employees valuing employer environmental responsibility. Younger workers are particularly swayed—32% of those aged 16-24 would switch jobs for greener benefits, while sustainable energy incentives and public transport discounts rank as most popular offerings.
It’s good to be an HR director in the UK
UK HR directors earn competitive salaries, ranking second only to the US in base pay according to a Mercer survey. However, when bonuses and incentives are included, they fall to fourth place behind the US, Brazil, and Germany, earning less than finance and marketing directors.
Ask the expert: Can I be forced to change jobs?
When a job becomes redundant, employers must offer suitable alternative employment if available. An employee can refuse redeployment if the refusal is reasonable—such as genuine health concerns—and may qualify for redundancy pay. Document your health reasons and discuss them with your employer promptly.
Beat the system – Job hunting for professionals
Learn effective job-hunting strategies from consultant Mike Morrison, including CV optimization, networking techniques, and how to maintain confidence without appearing desperate. Discover why most job seekers fail and proven tactics to beat the competition.
Adjust or pay out in disability cases. By Charles Price
Employers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 or face unlimited compensation awards. Failing to consult occupational health experts and properly assess disabilities is the primary area where employers face tribunal claims.
Union membership falls
Union membership fell to 28.4 percent in 2006, marking the largest percentage drop since 1998 according to the Office for National Statistics. The decline reflects ongoing job losses in traditionally unionized sectors like manufacturing, though union leaders say the stabilization since 1997 represents relative success.
Employee blogs a potential legal minefield
Employers should update policies to cover employee blogging following a Paris tribunal ruling that awarded a secretary £30,000 for unfair dismissal after her blog led to her termination. Legal experts recommend clarifying acceptable use policies and “bringing disrepute” clauses to address the risks of employee blogs while respecting employees’ private lives.
Why qualifications don’t count
When recruiting HR business partners, values and beliefs matter more than qualifications. Research shows that candidates with exceptional credentials don’t always perform better than those with modest qualifications, making personal values the true differentiator in finding top talent.
HR Tip: Sex discrimination in warehouse
Employing only men in warehouse roles due to heavy lifting requirements is sex discrimination and exposes employers to legal liability. Instead, use mechanical aids to assist all workers and assess candidates based on individual capability through job-related tests rather than gender assumptions.
The first cut is the deepest: Managing redundancy. By Rob Lewis
Redundancy is often inevitable, but managing it poorly can damage your organization and harm HR’s reputation. Expert advice reveals that companies frequently overlook hidden costs like lost productivity, reduced morale, and departure of key talent that offset financial savings from layoffs.
People skills training: are you getting a return on your investment? By Dennis Coates Ph.D
People skills training events typically fail to deliver lasting results because changing ingrained interpersonal behaviors requires a long-term process, not one-time workshops. Dennis Coates Ph.D explains why permanent behavior change is necessary for ROI and how organizations can achieve it through sustained development approaches.
Colborn’s Corner: Attendance bonuses – a double whammy?
Attendance bonus schemes are increasingly used by employers to reduce sick days, with one-quarter of European employers now offering such incentives. However, experts question whether these rewards address root causes of absenteeism or merely treat symptoms of poor management practices.
Employers to sponsor immigrant workers
The UK is implementing an Australian-style points system for migration, requiring employers to sponsor immigrant workers. The new system, phased in from 2008, replaces over 80 existing entry routes with five tiers based on skill level, with employers and educational institutions responsible for vetting candidates.
Public sector employment levels due to fall
Public sector employment is expected to fall over the next six months, with 89% of public sector organizations predicting employment levels will drop or stay flat, compared to 55% of private sector firms. This marks the first predicted decline in public sector jobs since the 2004 Gershon Review.
Acas updates guidance
Acas has updated its official guidance covering smoking policies at work and redundancy payment calculations. The updates provide employers and employees with current best practices and legal requirements for both areas.
Spread a little happiness as the hours fly by
A new City & Guilds survey reveals that UK workers rate their job happiness higher than their bosses expect. Meaningful work, flexibility, and career development opportunities matter more than salary increases for employee satisfaction.
Sharp drop in UK strike rates
UK strike activity fell dramatically in 2005, with working days lost due to strikes plummeting from 34 per 1,000 employees in 2004 to just six. According to Office for National Statistics data, Britain ranked eighth among EU countries and 12th among OECD nations for strike rates that year.
Ask the expert: maternity leave
When an employee returns from maternity leave to find their job shared with a replacement worker, they retain legal rights to their position and flexible work arrangements. However, employers can retain the temporary cover worker, and any agreed arrangements can still be modified through proper consultation if business needs require it.
