The UK has the longest work hours
The UK has the longest working hours in Europe, with around 896,000 men and 492,000 women regularly working more than 60 hours per week. A culture of “presenteeism”—where workers feel obligated to put in longer hours despite diminished productivity—is driving this trend across industries and job types.
Work worries ‘cloud’ holiday rest
A survey of nearly 2,900 UK workers reveals that 85% worry about work during holidays, while 69% fear losing their jobs upon return. Only half feel able to use their full annual leave entitlement, highlighting workplace stress and job insecurity issues.
Legal focus: Case law round-up
This quarterly employment law case round-up covers four key rulings: continuity of employment following reinstatement, employee objections to TUPE transfers, employer consultation requirements, and compromise agreements. Cases include a landmark constructive dismissal claim under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Act.
MG Rover hangs onto its ‘million to one’ chance
MG Rover faces million-to-one odds of survival as administrators pursue a rescue deal with Chinese manufacturer Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation. A government emergency loan of £6.5 million provides temporary breathing space, but prospects remain bleak despite interest from alternative buyers including Alchemy Partners.
Conservative manifesto omits details of tax cuts
The Conservative Party’s election manifesto promises £4bn in tax cuts but has not yet specified what those cuts will entail, beyond previously announced council tax rebates for pensioners. The party plans to provide further details within a week, stating it will fund the cuts through £12bn in annual savings by 2007-8 by eliminating wasteful spending and bureaucratic positions.
Member wire #94 – Win a luxury manicure!
HR Zone members can win a luxury manicure by sharing their funniest beauty DIY disaster story. The prize, offered by The Spa at Chancery Court London, is part of this week’s member newswire featuring HR news and employment updates.
CSR and beyond: Breaking down ‘woolly’ notions
Corporate social responsibility requires moving beyond vague notions of “goodness” to concrete business practices. Leo Martin outlines a practical framework: start with your company’s code of conduct, identify key stakeholders like employees and suppliers, and build measurable responsibility practices around real relationships.
HR Tip: Interview notes
Job candidates have the right to view their interview notes. Employers should document comments carefully and be prepared to justify all notes, while considering providing constructive feedback about performance and areas for improvement.
HR has split loyalties
HR professionals face a key challenge balancing global standardization with local loyalty and priorities. A new survey reveals that HR teams working at the local level must simultaneously deliver global projects, creating tension between unified policies and site-specific needs.
Understanding the NHS key skills framework
The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (NHS KSF) standardizes care, pay scales, and staff progression across the NHS. Senior managers conduct regular appraisals using tools like the PDR Toolkit to help staff meet required standards and achieve meaningful development objectives.
Opinion: Turning a vision into reality
Research shows a strong correlation between translating visionary goals and achieving better business results. However, many company vision statements fail to inspire employees because they lack clarity, emotional appeal, and alignment with day-to-day behavior. Effective vision statements must be compelling, values-laden, and resonate with the entire workforce.
Election Focus: What the main parties are saying
Election Focus presents news and comment from the main UK parties’ official websites, covering Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat campaign messages on taxation, spending, and public services ahead of the election.
UK employment costs rocket
UK employment costs are 40% higher than in the US, with total compensation averaging £31,700 annually including pay, social security, and benefits. Analysts warn these rising costs could deter American investors and push companies toward Eastern Europe.
Bosses’ group calls for ‘education and skills’ election focus
The CBI is urging political parties to prioritize education, skills, and transport in their election manifestos. Half of employers report dissatisfaction with young people’s literacy and numeracy levels, with a third forced to provide remedial training to school leavers.
The Couch!? team share their beauty DIY disasters
The Couch?! team shares their top ten beauty DIY disasters and offers a free manicure prize draw. Share your own beauty mishaps for a chance to win a luxury spa treatment at the award-winning Spa at Chancery Court in London.
Leaders in short supply
Two-thirds of UK organisations lack highly effective leaders, with 85% now investing in leadership development to address the shortage. Despite strong belief in its value, trainers face challenges including senior management skepticism and difficulty proving business impact.
DWP ‘bury’ bad pension news
Fewer retirees benefit from company pensions under Labour than the Conservatives, according to a Department of Work and Pensions report. The number of pension beneficiaries dropped from 66 percent in 1997 to 60 percent by 2003-04, prompting concerns about a growing pensions crisis.
Editor’s Comment: ‘Job-hopping’ – does HR care?
Job-hopping is becoming increasingly common as younger workers prioritize flexibility, autonomy, and personal development over long-term loyalty to a single employer. HR professionals must adapt workplace practices to attract and retain talent in an evolving marketplace where employees expect better work-life balance and ethical employers.
Revenue apologises for PAYE online maintenance
The Inland Revenue apologised for closing its PAYE Online secure mailbox service for software maintenance, temporarily denying employers access during peak filing season. The shutdown, which lasted until 9 April, was necessary to install new software for online tax return filing and manage system demand.
No more mileage for MG Rover workers
MG Rover halted production after a failed rescue deal with Chinese manufacturer SAIC collapsed, putting up to 20,000 jobs in the West Midlands at risk. Receivers were appointed as the company’s rescue attempt fell through, though the government offered over £100m in bridging finance that could not be issued without a viable deal.
