Diversity counts: An answer to ‘the needy and the greedy’
Diversity initiatives are essential for modern organizations, not because of moral arguments alone, but because demographic shifts, labor shortages, and global competition make diverse workforces a business necessity. Organizations that fail to recruit and retain talented workers from all backgrounds risk losing competitive advantage.
Employers to drive skills development
The government launches a consultation proposing employers take a central role in skills development, including determining qualification content, choosing education providers, and offering learner accounts with career guidance services for adults and diploma programs for 16-19 year-olds.
Strikes: Best avoided. By Matt Henkes
Strikes have become increasingly rare in modern workplaces, with most industrial disputes now resolved through negotiation, work-to-rule actions, or overtime bans rather than stoppages. According to trade union leaders, the decline reflects changes in the economy, more professional management practices, and a greater willingness to talk through disagreements before resorting to strike action.
UK health and safety law passes first hurdle of EU court case
An EU court advisor has ruled that UK health and safety law complies with EU directives, rejecting the Commission’s claim that the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 doesn’t go far enough. The Advocate General found the UK’s “reasonably practicable” standard adequately implements the duty to protect workers.
Religious dress row set to resume?
Aishah Azmi, dismissed from her classroom assistant role for wearing the niqab, has filed an appeal after an employment tribunal rejected her religious discrimination claim but awarded her £1,000 for victimisation. The case previously sparked significant political debate and ministerial comment on an active legal matter.
Talent management: why rewards work
High-earning talent leaves companies despite generous salaries because money alone doesn’t motivate. Beyond pay, top performers seek job satisfaction, development opportunities, and tailored reward packages that recognize their contributions and support career growth.
Ask the expert: Repayment of course fees
When an employee leaves their job, they may be asked to repay training course fees. Legal experts explain that without a specified repayment deadline in the contract, fees are technically due immediately, though most employers will negotiate reasonable payment terms.
How bosses can be good for workers’ health
Research identifies 19 key stress management behaviours managers can adopt to improve employee wellbeing, including effective workload management, accessible communication, conflict resolution, and maintaining a friendly workplace style.
Over-50s ‘don’t give returns on training investment’
Research reveals HR managers allocate significantly less training budget to women over 50, viewing them as poor investments compared to younger male employees. A Surrey University study of 48 companies found experienced HR professionals consistently underfunded older female workers, despite legal protections against age discrimination.
Organisational politics chief cause of stress in the workplace
Organisational politics has become the leading cause of workplace stress, rising from a non-issue a decade ago to surpass workload and management style concerns. Research shows 60% of managers report increased political behaviour in their organisations, with the figure reaching 77% in the public sector.
Accountant wins £25,000 in equal pay case
Accountant Bridget Bodman won £25,000 in an equal pay case against API Group, using her male successor’s higher salary as evidence of discrimination. The tribunal found the company had no justification for paying her replacement £8,000 more plus additional benefits, highlighting the importance of transparent pay systems.
Colborn’s corner – Open justice?
The IPCC considered opening police disciplinary hearings to the public, raising questions about transparency versus fairness. An HR expert examines whether public hearings would encourage honest testimony and fair outcomes, or if confidentiality better protects witnesses and employees.
E-recruitment – sorting the wheat from the chaff. By Matt Henkes
E-recruitment can speed up hiring and reduce costs, but HR departments face challenges including a surge in low-quality applications. Proper job descriptions and screening mechanisms help filter unsuitable candidates while strengthening employer brand and candidate engagement.
HR Tip: Ending a fixed term contract
Fixed term contracts can only be ended early if the contract includes a termination clause allowing either party to do so with notice. Without such a clause, early termination constitutes breach of contract, exposing the employer to claims for the employee’s net pay and lost benefits for the unexpired period.
Employee satisfaction guaranteed
Employee satisfaction surveys are only valuable when businesses act on the findings. Research shows 95 percent of organizations collect employee feedback but only 5 percent act on it—creating skepticism among staff and damaging morale unless results lead to visible organizational change.
Recruitment: The benefits of assessment centres
Assessment centres improve recruitment by moving beyond unreliable references and unstructured interviews to use objective, multi-dimensional evaluation methods. These centres test candidates across numerous competencies using techniques like psychometrics, role-plays, and group exercises, with multiple assessors ensuring fairer hiring decisions.
Good grievance procedure wins tribunal case
A black chef’s racial discrimination claim against JD Wetherspoon was dismissed after the company followed proper grievance procedures to investigate his complaints. The tribunal found that the employer’s investigation process, which surfaced a counterclaim of sexual harassment, was procedurally sound and not victimization.
Jobless figures show fall in unemployment
The latest employment figures show a rise in job numbers and a fall in unemployment, with 14,000 more people employed over the quarter and jobless claims dropping by 5,500. However, the number of economically inactive people increased by 74,000, and overall joblessness remains higher than a year ago.
Stressed out? So what? By Dan Martin
Work-related stress remains a major problem in UK workplaces, though its causes often extend beyond the office. While employers aren’t responsible for employees’ personal issues, stress from home life significantly impacts workplace productivity and performance, making it difficult for HR to draw clear boundaries between professional and personal pressures.
Vox pop: Are we useless at sharing knowledge? By Sarah Fletcher
UK organisations struggle with knowledge sharing, hampered by information overload and workplace cultures that inadvertently discourage open communication. HR professionals say meaningful knowledge exchange requires intentional strategies, leadership support, and cultural change to overcome barriers like message fatigue and competitive hoarding.
