Jobless rate falls – along with the employment rate
The UK jobless rate has fallen according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures, though the employment rate declined simultaneously. While unemployment and benefit claimants decreased, the number of economically inactive people of working age rose, creating a mixed picture of the labor market.
EU pushes ahead on cutting red tape for business
The EU has unveiled its first proposals to reduce business red tape across 13 areas, targeting a 25% cut in administrative burden by 2012. Early measures focus on simplifying merger procedures, removing costly expert report requirements, and streamlining freight transport documentation to ease compliance for SMEs and larger enterprises.
Age discrimination bites again
The Employers Forum on Age is campaigning against the UK’s 18-21 minimum wage band, arguing it constitutes illegal age discrimination. The organization is lobbying the government to equalize minimum wage standards for all workers over 18, warning that lower youth rates reinforce discriminatory hiring practices.
Court orders government to review sex discrimination laws
A high court judge has ruled the government must explain how it will remedy breaches of EU sex discrimination law, after the Equal Opportunities Commission challenged regulations implementing the Equal Treatment Directive for failing to adequately protect women’s maternity rights and prevent harassment.
Employees key to customer satisfaction
Organizations seeking to boost customer satisfaction are prioritizing employee investment over technology, according to a new survey. Sixty-one percent cite staff training and development as the most important route to better customer service, with employee engagement proven critical to success.
Recruiters pour good money after bad
Organizations are increasing recruitment spending without properly measuring its return on investment, according to research from the Recruitment Confidence Index. While 84% plan to boost recruitment budgets, only 49% systematically evaluate individual recruitment processes, and just 25% measure success using cost-per-hire metrics.
International HR policy – Luxury or necessity?
International HR policies are essential for multinational companies managing complex global assignments. These policies help control costs—which can reach three to five times an employee’s base salary—while ensuring assignees and their families are properly supported, reducing business risks associated with failed international placements.
Talent Management – Making it work. By Phil Rice
Talent management is no longer optional but essential for competitive organizations facing significant labor market changes. Phil Rice explains why effective implementation matters more than program design, as aging workforces, skills scarcity, and changing employee expectations create urgent talent retention challenges.
BA not to appeal further in flexible working case
British Airways has decided not to appeal further in a flexible working case it lost at both the employment tribunal and appeal tribunal. Pilot Jessica Starmer successfully claimed sex discrimination after BA refused her request to reduce working hours to 50 percent, offering only 75 percent instead. The airline and Starmer have now agreed to her 50 percent hours reduction.
Pension incomes reduced by three quarters in 10 years
Pension incomes have dropped by 76-78% over the past decade due to lower investment returns and reduced annuity rates, Watson Wyatt research shows. A man contributing £200 monthly for 20 years would receive £20,513 annually at retirement in 1997, but only £4,613 in 2007.
Pay pressures rise as skills shortages bite
Permanent staff pay inflation hit an eight-month high in February as skills shortages persist, with candidate availability falling for the 40th consecutive month. Temporary and contract worker pay also rose at the sharpest rate in 27 months, reflecting tight labor market conditions across both sectors.
Shunned job seekers turn into brand bashers
Poor recruitment experiences damage brand loyalty, with 53% of rejected job seekers refusing to purchase from companies that treat them badly. Research shows 55% share negative experiences with at least three others, while common complaints include lack of communication, missing feedback, and unanswered applications.
Ask the expert: Training payback agreements
Training payback agreements can remain enforceable even after an employee receives a new contract, depending on the contract’s wording. Legal experts advise that unless the new contract explicitly supersedes all previous agreements, bonding clauses typically continue to apply, though specific contract language and probation status may affect enforceability.
Legislation update: Be prepared to be flexible
New flexible working laws effective April 6, 2007 expand eligibility to include adult carers alongside parents of young or disabled children. An estimated 1.4 million employees will gain the right to request flexible working arrangements, including part-time work, job sharing, and remote work options.
HR Tip: Employee resignation in a temper
When an employee resigns in anger, they can retract their resignation if done promptly, usually the next day. Unlike employer dismissals in temper, which are binding, angry resignations allow employees to rescind them. Address the underlying conflict with management rather than treat it as a final resignation.
Disability and recruitment: Are we discriminating? By Louise Druce
Recruiters may be unintentionally discriminating against disabled people under recent changes to the Disability Discrimination Act. Understanding “reasonable adjustments” and navigating complex legal requirements remains a challenge for employers seeking to create fair hiring practices.
Buyer beware: Choosing a training programme
When choosing a training programme, seek recommendations from colleagues, prioritize well-established companies with strong reputations, and select specialists with genuine expertise rather than generalists. Avoid relying solely on websites to evaluate providers, as anyone can claim expertise online.
Colborn’s corner: Age discrimination – has anything happened yet?
Age discrimination legislation has raised important questions about workplace fairness, but concerns remain about whether it’s truly changing recruitment practices. While some businesses have overinterpreted the law—banning birthday cards or rejecting job adverts with terms like “mature”—the real challenge lies in shifting recruiter mindsets toward fairly considering older job applicants.
Employers key to government welfare reforms
Government welfare reforms rely on private and voluntary sector employers to succeed, with the CBI calling for proper funding and rewards for organizations helping long-term unemployed workers find and sustain employment.
Helping support the modern family
Modern families face significant challenges balancing work and childcare, according to Equal Opportunities Commission research. The study reveals lower-income parents struggle most to afford formal childcare and paternity leave, while flexible working remains more accessible to higher earners. Both parents’ involvement in early childcare benefits child development.
