‘Cash bonus planning’: Draft regulations published
Draft regulations have been published to stop tax avoidance schemes involving employment-related securities, effective December 2, 2004. The Inland Revenue says these “cash bonus planning” schemes are increasingly complex and widespread, particularly in the financial sector. The new legislation extends definitions of securities and tightens related rules.
Review: Managing change across corporate cultures
Trompenaars and Prud’homme examine why corporate culture change initiatives often fail, proposing that success requires addressing both hard business issues and soft human elements simultaneously. Using case studies of major corporations, the authors outline four types of corporate cultures and their strengths and weaknesses across international business environments.
Feature: HRZone talks ‘pensions’ with Legal and General
Legal and General’s Pensions Strategy Director Adrian Boulding discusses the UK’s £57 billion annual pensions shortfall, caused by increased life expectancy and stock market decline. He explains how HR professionals can help educate workers about saving adequately for retirement using strategies like his rule of thumb for contribution rates.
Cupid’s arrow hits UK plc
Workplace romance is increasingly common in UK offices, with nearly eight in ten employees admitting to having had a workplace relationship and 65% meeting their partner at work, according to an employment law firm survey. However, experts warn that such relationships require careful handling to avoid workplace disruption and potential legal complications.
IT demand leaves public sector short
The UK’s financial sector has overtaken the public sector as the largest employer of IT contractors, potentially leaving public services facing greater skills shortages. Research shows financial services now employ 21.2% of IT contractors compared to 20.5% in the public sector, driven by investment banking growth and legacy system upgrades in the City.
‘Null’ points for Switzerland in Euro managers pay chart
Swiss managers face the lowest salary increases at 2% this year, while Greek managers benefit from 5% raises, according to Watson Wyatt’s global pay research. The variance reflects differing economic conditions and inflation rates across countries.
CBI slams government ‘pension for all’
The CBI has rejected the government’s proposed citizens’ pension scheme, arguing the UK cannot afford a universal flat-rate pension for all. Instead, the employers’ organisation recommends gradually increasing the basic state pension only to the level where pension credits apply, while encouraging employers to contribute to occupational pension schemes for those who can afford them.
Editor’s Comment: The Darwinism of Trade Unions
Trade unions are experiencing a resurgence after decades of decline following Thatcher-era restrictions that crippled their power. This article examines why unions have survived near-extinction and are now rebuilding influence in modern workplaces.
The Couch?! searches for Britain’s worst ‘boss’ idol
The Couch?! examines Britain’s worst fictional boss idols, from Mr Burns to Basil Fawlty. The article explores what makes a cringe-worthy manager and includes a top ten list of the most notorious bad bosses in television and literature, complete with their signature catchphrases.
Unions announce mother of all unions
Three major UK trade unions—the TGWU, Amicus, and the GMB—have announced merger talks to create a new union with 2.5 million members, potentially becoming the largest private sector trade union in Britain.
Business applauds incapacity benefit shift
The Government’s plan to overhaul incapacity benefit has won backing from business groups including the Federation of Small Businesses and Institute of Directors. The reform aims to encourage claimants to re-engage with work through financial incentives and support, while maintaining security for those genuinely unable to work.
Gangmasters exposed as serial exploiters of migrant labour
A TUC report reveals that migrant workers in the UK, including those legally employed, face exploitation meeting the legal definition of forced labour. Despite government action following the Morecambe Bay tragedy, workers on permits remain vulnerable due to employer control over housing, passports, and employment status.
£7.5 million sex discrimination claimant goes back to court
Stephanie Villalba, a former Merrill Lynch banker, is appealing her £7.5 million sex discrimination claim after losing in court last December. She won an unfair dismissal case for £55,000 but failed to prove sexual discrimination despite allegations of bullying and humiliation.
Softworld preview: Selecting the best payroll software for your business
Discover how to select the right payroll software for your business. Learn about BASDA’s RFI procurement process, which simplifies system selection while ensuring compliance with government regulations including PAYE e-filing requirements.
Scrap compulsory retirement, says IoD
The Institute of Directors calls for scrapping compulsory retirement ages, arguing it would help address the UK’s looming pensions crisis. An NOP survey of IoD members shows employers expect retirement ages to rise over the next two decades and believe workers want flexibility to continue working longer.
Accenture scoop 10-year BT HR deal
Accenture has secured a 10-year, £306 million contract with BT to provide human resources administration and business process outsourcing services across 38 countries. The deal covers recruitment, payroll, pension administration, benefits, and HR advisory services for BT’s 100,000 employees.
Staff keep ‘quiet’
UK workers report improved awareness of company goals and information flow, but fewer than half feel empowered to speak up about organizational changes. A survey reveals the gap between downward communication and employee voice remains a significant challenge for businesses.
UK tops Euro entrepreneur table
The UK has become Europe’s most entrepreneurial major economy, with nearly 10% of its population planning to start a business within three years, according to new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor research. The UK ranks ahead of Germany, France, and Italy in entrepreneurial activity, while the gender gap between male and female entrepreneurs continues to narrow.
Case Study: Sara Lee – Developing e-performance management systems
Sara Lee replaced its paper-based performance management system with custom e-performance software to improve HR efficiency across 150,000 global employees. The new automated system standardized three key processes—performance management, personal development, and management review—reducing administrative burden while ensuring consistent, accurate employee evaluations worldwide.
Review: New Market Mavericks
Geoff Cutmore’s “New Market Mavericks” offers an entertaining look at the investment industry through interviews with eight professionals, emphasizing the importance of risk management and caution in today’s uncertain market rather than pursuing quick gains.
