Pencils to company secrets – Dealing with the modern IP thief. By Dan Martin
Modern technology has made it easier for departing employees to steal valuable company secrets, from confidential files to trade information stored on small devices. HR departments can prevent intellectual property theft through preventative contracts and security measures, while organizations should follow proper procedures if theft is discovered.
About PA Consulting Group
PA Consulting Group is a leading global management, systems and technology consulting firm operating in over 35 countries with 3,000 employees. The firm delivers transformational solutions across strategy, innovation, and complex IT programs, focusing on creating measurable business value rather than theoretical recommendations.
How to get better results from clients
Learn how management consultant John Pope recommends improving consultancy project success rates through thorough preparation, confirming client briefs, and clarifying expectations from the outset. Consultants carry responsibility for navigating inevitable complications and misunderstandings that arise during client engagements.
Blackberries, mobile phones and broadband. By Nichola Ross Martin
HMRC updated guidance on taxing technology benefits for employees, including PDAs (now classified as computers rather than phones), mobile phone hands-free kits, and broadband subscriptions. Tax treatment depends on whether equipment is provided primarily for business purposes or involves significant private use.
HR tips 2005
A comprehensive collection of HR guidance from 2005 covering employment law topics including discipline procedures, maternity leave, redundancy, wage deductions, and workplace policies. Browse the complete list of tips organized by month to find relevant HR advice.
Minister brands employers ‘out of date’
A government minister has branded employers “decades out of date” for their negative attitudes toward mental health in the workplace. The minister for employment and welfare reform announced changes to the Personal Capability Assessment to give mental health conditions equal importance to physical disabilities in employment support.
Christmas bonus on the way out
Christmas bonuses are fading out, with only 14.7% of employers offering them, according to new research. Instead, companies are increasingly choosing gifts like chocolate and wine, while office parties have become the primary festive benefit, with three-quarters of employers planning celebrations.
HR shared services: £2k savings per employee
UK companies could save up to £2,000 annually per employee by centralizing HR administration through shared services, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. The report highlights significant cost variations, particularly in recruitment administration, where expenses range from £700 to over £2,000 per hire.
Zero tolerance best anti-bullying approach
Employers who adopt a zero-tolerance approach to workplace bullying achieve the most success, according to research from Portsmouth Business School. Effective strategies require employee involvement in policy creation, clear communication, manager training, and organizational commitment beyond written policies alone.
BT project for staff with mental health problems
BT launches the Work Fit – Positive Mentality campaign with mental health charities and unions to support its 104,000 employees in combating anxiety, depression, and stress. The initiative provides practical guidance on lifestyle changes and resilience techniques to improve mental health at work and home.
EU warned against legislating
The EU has been warned against introducing new legislation to protect independent workers and contractors. A business pressure group cautioned that further regulation would undermine the flexibility that self-employed professionals value, despite a leaked green paper exploring protections for this growing workforce.
Sexual harassment victim awarded £58,697
A former town clerk has won a sexual harassment case against the former mayor of Chard, Somerset, with an employment tribunal awarding her £58,697 in total damages. The award follows findings of inappropriate behavior including unwanted advances and victimization after she reported the harassment.
Any Answers: Dealing with moaning employees
Managing constantly negative employees requires understanding the root cause of their behavior. An initial compassionate conversation can reveal workplace or personal issues, while coaching or counseling may help shift their mindset toward positivity and improve workplace morale.
HR Tip: Appeal against Employment Tribunal decision
Appeals of Employment Tribunal decisions are severely limited—you can only appeal on points of law, not factual findings. Even if you believe the Tribunal missed important context, a successful appeal is unlikely unless the original decision was clearly perverse based on presented evidence.
Alcohol at work – Does it really matter? By Sarah Fletcher
Alcohol impairs workplace performance and contributes to millions of lost working days annually, yet only 21% of employers have strict policies addressing staff alcohol use. While occasional lunchtime drinks may seem harmless, experts recommend clear guidelines tailored to workplace culture and industry safety requirements.
Softworld News: Microsoft enters European HR arena
Microsoft is entering the European HR market with Dynamics AX 4.0, its first HR module offering in Europe, previewed at Softworld HR & Payroll in Birmingham. The ERP suite includes financial management, CRM, supply chain, and project management modules with web-based portals and business intelligence tools.
Employers urged to ban smoking now
The TUC urges employers to implement smoking bans in the workplace immediately rather than wait for legislation set to take effect next summer. The union’s new guide recommends employers consult with employees now to develop fair policies that protect smokers from persecution while offering cessation support.
More lies than ever on CVs
A study of 3,000 CVs from financial sector job applicants found that 25% contained false statements, with each misleading CV averaging three lies. The deceptions often involve omissions about credit history, fraud, previous addresses, and employment gaps, revealing a troubling increase in candidate dishonesty.
Internet training case study: Institute of Motor Industry
The Institute of Motor Industry increased training-based revenues by 70% after implementing an internet-enabled talent management system for online assessments. The solution replaced expensive paper-based testing for 15,000 annual candidates, reducing costs while enabling candidates to test online at approved centres or workplaces with immediate results.
What’s the answer? Discipline and alcohol/drug abuse
Employers can discipline employees for refusing treatment referrals for drug and alcohol addiction, but must carefully consider disability discrimination laws and explore reasons for refusal before taking action. A capability procedure may be more appropriate than discipline if performance is affected.
