Teleworking claims overhyped
Research from the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development finds teleworking claims have been exaggerated, with only 4% of staff working full-time remotely. Most flexible working improvements will likely come through reduced hours and flexible scheduling instead.
Investors in People CEO quits
Ruth Spellman has resigned as Chief Executive of Investors in People after eight years, joining the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in the same role. Under her leadership, the people standard was established as a framework for improving business performance through effective people development across 60,000 organisations globally.
Don’t up tax on temps, group demands
Recruitment experts urge HMRC to abandon proposed tax increases on temporary worker provisions in healthcare, social work, and education, warning that added taxation would harm both employers and employees while limiting workforce flexibility.
Colborn’s Corner: Looking back
Quentin Colborn reflects on memorable HR experiences from early in his career, including managing an employee’s finances, handling unexpected crises, and learning crucial lessons about workplace procedures and employee relations that shaped his professional approach.
Two thirds get flexible benefits
Nearly two-thirds of UK organisations now offer flexible benefits to employees, according to a new Hewitt Associates report. The rise reflects growing interest in salary sacrifice schemes as a way to attract talent and reduce costs for both employers and workers.
Women get bigger pay rises than men for tenth year running
Women received larger pay rises than men for the tenth consecutive year, with female salaries increasing 6.7% versus 5.6% for men. However, despite higher pay awards and bonuses, women managers remain significantly more likely to resign than their male counterparts.
Interims Vs consultants: are the rumours true? By Sarah Fletcher
Interim managers and consultants serve different business needs: interims provide hands-on solutions and implementation, while consultants offer analysis and recommendations for change. Understanding which service suits your situation helps avoid costly mistakes and the risk of unscrupulous overselling.
HR contract wins: June to August
Major HR contracts were awarded between June and August 2006, including deals with McDonald’s Deutschland, HBOS, and Coventry City Council for recruitment, pensions administration, and HR management solutions from vendors like StepStone, Profund, and Northgate HR.
Opinion: Dealing with ‘dead wood’
A survey found 75% of bosses and 80% of staff believe they work with “dead wood” colleagues, often attributed to laziness. While underperformance can severely impact team morale and retention, employers must address poor performance through proper capability procedures and support before considering dismissal.
The human capital edge: developing a scorecard
Discover how to develop a human capital scorecard to measure and demonstrate the strategic value of HR investments. Learn why evaluating intangible assets like people and talent is increasingly critical for organizations seeking to prove HR’s return on investment and strengthen its role in business strategy.
Standard Life says keep on working
Standard Life is removing its mandatory retirement age for 8,000 employees ahead of new age discrimination regulations taking effect in October. Staff will now be able to choose when to retire rather than being forced out at a set age.
Be a green growther, says TUC
The TUC has launched a ten-step plan to help UK workplaces cut energy use and reduce their environmental impact. With workplaces and work transport producing two-thirds of the UK’s carbon emissions, a 20 percent energy reduction could be easily achievable for many organisations.
Flying high with talent management?
Organizations struggle to identify and retain top talent effectively. While some companies focus exclusively on high-performing executives, others cast a wider net across all levels. Discover how leading employers balance talent development with competitive compensation and career growth opportunities.
Any Answers: Internal Communications – a function in its own right?
Internal communications should function as a standalone role separate from HR to effectively coordinate organizational strategy, messaging, and employee communications across all departments. A dedicated function prevents message conflicts, ensures brand consistency, and aligns internal and external communications strategically.
HR Tip: Foster parents and flexible working
Foster parents have the same flexible working rights as biological parents if they have six months of service and exercise parental responsibility. This includes natural parents, guardians, and adopters seeking to balance work with childcare duties.
£50,000 or failure – what women want
Research reveals that 45% of women prioritize a partner’s income, viewing men earning less than £50,000 annually as unsuccessful. Men are less focused on earnings, with only 22% prioritizing a partner’s salary, while over 60% of respondents overall consider financial stability crucial to relationship success.
Government HR failures reinstate fired staff
Government HR departments are failing to follow proper dismissal procedures, leading to unfair terminations and staff reinstatements. Over one fifth of civil service disciplinary appeals in 2005-06 were ruled unfair, a 15 percent increase from the previous year, according to the Civil Service Appeal Board.
Worker injuries twice as likely in large companies
Workers in large companies are twice as likely to suffer workplace injuries compared to those in smaller businesses, according to new research. The study found 47 percent of employees at larger organizations experienced injuries versus 17 percent at companies with fewer than 250 employees, with slips, trips, and machinery use causing most incidents.
Flexible work: The ‘how’ not the ‘why’
Flexible work arrangements should focus on employee output and results rather than the reason for flexibility. Research shows flexible work improves retention and productivity, yet misconceptions about part-time work persist among employers and peers. Shifting attitudes requires visible senior-level role models who demonstrate that flexible arrangements can deliver exceptional business outcomes.
Pregnancy: ‘More rights than a protected panda’? By Sarah Fletcher
UK statutory maternity pay increased to £108.85 per week in April, but HR professionals debate whether this amount adequately supports new parents. Experts argue that minimal maternity packages may harm companies’ ability to recruit and retain employees, particularly high earners.
