Pregnancy discrimination is rife
Nearly 30,000 working women in the UK lose their jobs annually due to pregnancy discrimination, according to the Equal Opportunities Commission. Almost half of pregnant workers report experiencing discrimination, including denial of promotion, bonuses, and training opportunities, despite laws prohibiting such practices.
‘Massive increase in Court Fees to prevent access to justice?’
Court fees in England have increased dramatically, with some fees more than doubling since 1998, raising concerns that higher costs may deter people from accessing the civil justice system. Legal experts warn that while means-tested exemptions exist, the substantial fee increases could particularly harm small businesses and those seeking to enforce their rights.
HRZone members shake off ‘outsourcing’ threat
Most HR professionals view outsourcing as an opportunity rather than a threat, with 57% of HRZone members believing it allows the function to focus on strategic work. The global HR outsourcing market is projected to reach $7 billion in four years, offering cost reductions of 20-40%.
Feature: Getting the most out of appraisals
Annual appraisals are often dreaded by employees and managers alike, but they don’t have to be. Graham Yemm offers practical tips for both appraisers and appraisees to transform performance reviews into productive, rewarding conversations that benefit everyone involved.
HR Tip: Re-employment of dismissed workers
When an Employment Tribunal finds unfair dismissal, they can order reinstatement to the original role or re-engagement in another position. Refusing to rehire the employee is possible but results in increased compensation payments.
Skills shortages yet to put pressure on pay
Despite widespread skills shortages, most British workers have not received pay rises, with 74% reporting no salary increase in the past year. However, experts predict employers will soon face pressure to raise wages as competition for talent intensifies.
The Church of England gets ‘calling’ for HR
The Church of England is establishing its first HR department in 475 years to provide employment rights and protections to 11,500 clergy members. The proposal, debated at General Synod in February, introduces new common tenure arrangements including access to employment tribunals and capability procedures, with 18 HR positions costing £800,000 annually.
Boosting the bottom line with childcare policies
Childcare vouchers and policies can benefit both employers and employees by reducing costs, improving productivity, and boosting employee retention. Learn how companies can leverage existing childcare benefits to enhance their bottom line while supporting working parents.
Legal focus: Case law round-up
This quarterly employment law case summary covers key rulings in sex discrimination, disability discrimination, and collective agreements, including landmark decisions on workplace harassment, reasonable adjustments for disabled employees, and contractual protections.
Proctor & Gamble axe 6,000 jobs in Gillette merger
Proctor & Gamble is cutting 6,000 jobs, or about 4% of its combined workforce, following its merger with razor maker Gillette. The consolidation aims to boost sales in developing markets while streamlining operations between the two consumer products giants.
Unions face extinction
UK trade union membership has plummeted from 13 million in 1979 to 5.5 million today, with experts warning unions face extinction without significant structural and strategic reforms. The Work Foundation report identifies outdated union practices, employer resistance, and changing labor market conditions as key factors in their decline.
Fashion quandary hits UK plc as ‘suit’ bows out
UK employers are increasingly formalizing dress codes as business suits decline, with two-thirds now incorporating dress standards into employment contracts. Research reveals bosses focus on company image and culture, though fewer than one-third grant religious dispensations despite potential discrimination risks.
How Aesop’s fable can help explain the UK savings gap
Aesop’s fable of the ant and the grasshopper illustrates why many UK residents fail to save adequately for retirement, according to behavioural economics research. The nation has too few “ants” (disciplined savers) and too many “grasshoppers” (those prioritizing immediate gratification over future security), with implications for pension policy.
Editor’s Comment: ‘Fat’ attacks UK plc
Obesity is reducing UK workplace productivity as workers face weight-related illnesses, with the Department of Work and Pensions calling the situation a “time bomb” for employers. Rising obesity rates mirror trends seen in the US, where nearly 30% of workers are obese, prompting experts to recommend preventative health measures over costly treatment approaches.
Softworld HR & Payroll – Exhibitor list
The Softworld HR and Payroll show takes place March 2-3, 2005 at London’s Grand Hall, Olympia. This two-day event features over 30 HR and payroll providers exhibiting their solutions, with many showcasing new products and special promotions.
Softworld HR & Payroll preview – Educational programme
Softworld HR & Payroll takes place 2-3 March 2005 at Olympia’s Grand Hall, featuring free breakfast briefings and masterclasses on HR transformation, payroll updates, e-HR implementation, ROI measurement, and business system selection with industry experts.
Pay deals break 3% barrier
UK pay deals have broken through the 3% barrier for the first time in 22 months, with the median settlement reaching 3.4% according to pay analysts IRS. The shift reflects upward wage pressure, with fewer deals stuck at exactly 3% and settlements now ranging from 2.25% to 5%.
Diversity training a ‘must’ say CIPD
Line managers need training on diversity’s business benefits, according to a new CIPD report. Organizations failing to prioritize diversity risk losing top talent, struggling to fill vacancies, and missing their business objectives.
The Couch?! gets even more grumpy
The Couch?! celebrates grumpy heroines, exploring what makes women irritable—from men and uncomfortable shoes to housework and menopause. The article features a top 10 list of famous grumpy female characters and personalities from television and entertainment, inviting readers to share their own grumpy heroines.
Feature: Wouldn’t it be Nice – the art of buying property in France
Buying property in France involves navigating two main transaction types: purchasing existing properties through a binding promesse de vente, or buying off-plan in three stages. Costs are higher than in the UK, with stamp duty ranging from 1.2% to 5%, plus additional fees, and careful consideration of French inheritance and tax laws is essential.
