Employers unaware cancer classed as disability
Many employers are unaware that cancer is now classified as a disability under law, leaving workers vulnerable to unfair treatment. Since December 2005, the Disability Rights Commission has received hundreds of complaints from cancer patients facing dismissal, denied reasonable adjustments, and workplace discrimination.
Managers plagued by a sense of regret
UK managers report widespread regret about unfulfilled potential, citing obstacles like bureaucracy, inadequate resources, and insufficient support. Career development is most aided by internal experience, professional qualifications, and mentoring networks.
Redundancy provisions in staff handbook contractually binding
Staff handbook redundancy provisions can be legally binding contractual terms. In Keeley v Fosroc International Ltd, courts ruled that enhanced redundancy entitlements stated in handbooks are enforceable, allowing employees to claim breach of contract if employers fail to provide promised payments.
Losing my future leader
British businesses risk losing future leaders due to poor management practices, according to new research by the Institute of Leadership and Management. The survey found that 27 percent of young workers would leave their organization if badly managed, while twice as many with negative management experiences avoid pursuing management roles altogether.
One wage fits all at ASDA
ASDA has scrapped its under-18 pay rate and will now pay all employees the same wage for the same job regardless of age. The supermarket is investing over £1.7 million to bring more than 5,000 young workers’ pay in line with older colleagues, giving them an average increase of £300 annually.
Human capital management – A profit driver for business? By Bettina Pickering and Phil Rice
Human Capital Management can drive business profit when HR establishes clear links between interventions and financial outcomes. Success requires coordinated, company-wide HC strategies aligned with business goals—not isolated point solutions—with business ownership of human capital outcomes.
How to get better results from consultants
Get better results from consultants by choosing the right role for the engagement, building a collaborative relationship, providing thorough briefing about your organization, and agreeing on project issues upfront. Success depends on client-consultant partnership, as roughly half of consultancy projects fail to meet their objectives.
Colborn’s Corner: How do we choose our leaders?
Quentin examines how we select political leaders and questions whether our methods are objective and rational. He compares leadership recruitment in politics to HR best practices in business, arguing that while vision and charisma matter, they must be backed by sound knowledge and competence to deliver results.
Employees fear admitting mental health problems will damage careers
A new study reveals that 77 percent of employees fear admitting mental health problems to their employers will damage their careers. The research shows older workers and those in the north-west region have the highest concerns about career repercussions, highlighting the persistent stigma surrounding workplace mental health disclosure.
Age discrimination law – minister calls for support
A government minister calls for support of new age discrimination regulations aimed at protecting older workers from employment barriers. The legislation introduces a default retirement age that is already facing legal challenges, though officials pledge to review and eventually remove it.
Equal pay case – not a straightforward verdict
The European Court of Justice ruled that employers can base pay on length of service without automatic justification, but employees can still challenge discrimination by proving experience doesn’t improve job performance. The decision complicates equal pay cases for women who took maternity leave.
HR Tip: Refusal to accept written particulars
When an employee refuses to accept a written statement of particulars, employers should first determine if it’s suspicion or a genuine content disagreement. If suspicious, document the refusal in the employee’s file; if disputed, either amend the statement, require acceptance, or follow dismissal procedures depending on service length.
Minimum wage, maximum impact? By Dan Martin
The UK’s national minimum wage has risen again, prompting debate over its impact on businesses. While employers claim wage increases force them to cut staff or raise prices, the Low Pay Commission maintains the policy benefits low-paid workers without harming employment, raising questions about whether the system needs reform.
Executive directors are slashed
The number of executive directors at FTSE companies has fallen by 20 percent since 2002 following the Higgs report recommendations, with boards becoming smaller and more balanced. While executive pay has risen 6.8 percent and bonuses have increased, fewer companies are granting share options to executives, shifting instead to performance-based compensation.
What’s walking from your office?
A new survey reveals that 60% of UK workers have removed company items from their offices, with many believing confidential data like sales leads and customer contacts are rightfully theirs. The findings highlight significant gaps in employee security awareness and the need for stronger company safeguards.
Interviewees fail to prepare, poll reveals
A new survey reveals that over half of job candidates admit inadequate preparation for interviews, with 7% confessing they know nothing about their prospective employer before applying.
£37 billion cost of employment laws
UK firms have spent £37 billion complying with new employment laws since 1998, with only 2% of employers confident the government will simplify regulations. Three-quarters of businesses report that administering these laws damages their operations, prompting calls for employment law reform.
Age discrimination – 8,000 claims expected in 2006/7
The UK’s new age discrimination laws came into effect with the Department of Trade and Industry expecting around 8,000 tribunal cases in the first year. A survey revealed widespread confusion among employers, with many continuing risky recruitment practices like requesting minimum experience periods and dates of birth that could invite legal challenges.
Any Answers: Allocating holidays fairly
Allocating staff holidays fairly doesn’t require expensive agency temps. Consider hiring university students directly during summer months at lower rates, or build a temp register through free recruitment platforms to provide cost-effective cover for holidays and absences.
Date given for legal challenge to age laws
The High Court has set December 6 for a judicial review hearing into mandatory retirement ages, brought by Heyday, an organization representing older workers. The case challenges whether forced retirement at 65 breaches European Equal Treatment Directive protections against age discrimination.
