Car commuters ‘less productive’
A study by Napier University’s Transport Research Institute finds that British employees who commute by car on business trips are less productive than those traveling by train, as workers can accomplish tasks during train journeys but lose this time when driving.
Government to restrict Romanian and Bulgarian migrants
The UK government announced work restrictions on Romanian and Bulgarian migrants ahead of their EU accession in January 2007, requiring work authorisation documents for employment. The policy drew support from business groups but criticism from unions over enforceability concerns and worker exploitation risks.
Off the record: Poor performance, slashed bonus?
An employer can reduce bonus payments for underperformance, but must exercise discretion rationally and show clear justification. Regular performance appraisals and transparent communication about performance expectations help employers avoid legal claims while making bonus reductions defensible in court.
Graduate management development programmes: You’ve recruited them – now what?
Graduate recruitment is expensive, and poor retention makes it worse. Management development programmes help retain graduates by setting clear expectations and providing visible training through courses, coaching, mentoring, and placements—starting with effective induction.
Is the CIPD annual conference and exhibition worth the effort? By Annie Hayes
The CIPD annual conference offers over 50 sessions with high-profile speakers on leadership and management, plus extensive networking opportunities. However, attendees debate whether the premium price justifies the value, with some finding many sessions average and questioning whether the cost outweighs the benefits.
Define talent management to be taken seriously
HR must clearly define talent management aligned with business needs to be taken seriously. CIPD research shows 94% believe well-designed talent management positively impacts organisational performance, yet 60% of organisations lack a formal strategy.
Support for employees with cancer
Over 40% of employers provide no support or information for employees with cancer, despite the disease affecting most workplaces. Research from the CIPD and cancer advocacy groups reveals significant gaps in manager training and formal policies, with many employers unaware of disability discrimination obligations.
Bullying at work hits a fifth of the workforce
One-fifth of UK workers have experienced workplace bullying, with ethnic minorities, women, and disabled employees facing the highest risk. A new CIPD survey highlights the need for employers to strengthen anti-bullying policies and provide better support for victims and managers.
HR Tip: Probation periods and continuous service
Probation periods count toward an employee’s continuous service under employment law. Trial periods don’t create a separate status—employees remain employees throughout, so the full period contributes to their continuous service calculations for benefits and entitlements.
Any Answers: Race discrimination
Learn how to handle racist comments in the workplace by taking formal action through HR departments and conducting impartial investigations. Following proper procedures protects your organization from employment tribunal claims while ensuring accountability.
Police officers win equal pay battle
Two female police officers have won a three-year equal pay case against West Midlands Police over special allowances tied to 24/7 shift availability. The tribunal ruled that denying payments based on childcare-related shift restrictions discriminates against women, with potential implications for thousands of officers across England and Wales.
Employers don’t understand age regulations, report reveals
A survey of 812 employers finds that 71% find new age discrimination regulations difficult to interpret, with 83% believing the government should have provided more guidance to help businesses prepare for compliance.
Retailers keep benefits costs low
Retailers are leading efforts to control employee benefits costs as health insurance and pension expenses rise faster than prices. Many firms are shifting to defined contribution pension plans and implementing cost-management strategies like limiting healthcare payouts to keep premiums affordable.
Ask the expert: Recording disciplinaries
Learn whether employers can refuse an employee’s request to tape record a disciplinary interview. Legal experts explain your rights and alternatives, including bringing an accompanying witness to take notes.
Age discrimination could be costly for pension funds
New age discrimination regulations could force pension funds to reduce member benefits or establish costly new trusts if implemented unchanged. Mercer warns that restricting multiple scheme sections may prevent employers from offering different benefit levels to new and existing employees, potentially compelling them to consolidate all staff into less generous defined contribution schemes.
Lifting the veil on religious discrimination
A West Yorkshire teaching assistant has lost her religious discrimination claim after a tribunal ruled that her employer’s ban on wearing a veil while teaching was justified to protect children’s education. Aishah Azmi was awarded £1,100 for victimization but denied her other three claims, though she plans to appeal the decision.
Safety: employers ‘prejudiced’ against younger workers
Research shows that most employers hold negative stereotypes about younger workers’ safety, with 60% believing they take more risks and 54% claiming they cause more accidents. However, experts warn that using age-based assumptions to make workplace decisions violates age discrimination laws and that safety assessments should focus on individual capability, not age stereotypes.
Incidental private use of computers, equipment and services. By Nichola Ross Martin
When an employer provides computer equipment primarily for business use, any insignificant private use by employees doesn’t trigger a taxable benefit, according to HMRC guidance. The test is met when the employer has a clear written policy on permitted private use and any decision not to recover costs is based on practical considerations rather than rewarding the employee.
The benefits of apprenticeships
A new Learning and Skills Network study shows apprenticeships combining theoretical and practical training significantly boost career prospects. The research found hands-on experience alongside experienced colleagues develops crucial workplace skills, particularly communication, and many former apprentices advance to senior roles within their sponsoring organizations.
‘Sickie’ throwing colleagues unpopular
Two-thirds of employees disapprove of colleagues taking fake sick days, according to survey research by Ceridian. Men and senior staff showed the strongest disapproval, while fake absences cost British businesses an estimated £13 billion annually.
