TUC and CBI in dogfight over ‘absence’ claims
The TUC disputes claims that UK workers abuse sick leave, arguing that higher long-term absence is due to stressful public sector jobs. The CBI rejects this explanation, maintaining that absence problems stem from illness rather than stress and affect both sectors.
Feature: Employees’ ‘right to be consulted’ – bosses take note
New employment law introduced April 6, 2005 requires businesses with 150+ employees to consult staff on work-related decisions including restructuring, redundancy, and employment prospects. Employers can establish voluntary agreements with employees or face more complex default procedures.
Workers give bosses £4,650 for free
Workers in the UK perform an average of £4,650 worth of unpaid overtime annually, according to a Trades Union Congress study. London workers logged the longest unpaid hours at nearly 8 per week, equivalent to working for free until late February each year.
New Chief for UK Skills
Dr Graeme Hall has been promoted to chief executive of UK Skills, an independent organisation promoting skills and learning through competitions and events. He previously served as deputy chief executive since 2000.
‘Snake bites back at boss’ wins HRZone Competition
Jo Minns, HR Consultant at the Royal Bank of Scotland, won HRZone’s Christmas Party Clangers competition for her story about confronting her boss with a plastic snake accidentally tucked in her cleavage. The humorous tale beat out other outrageous office party mishaps submitted by members.
Bonus loophole puts Cantor Fitzgerald in the dock
A court ruling against Cantor Fitzgerald has exposed vulnerabilities in discretionary bonus schemes, requiring employers to exercise such clauses rationally and in good faith. The case involved a senior manager awarded £630,000 in unpaid bonuses after constructive dismissal, signaling that discretionary language no longer shields companies from bonus obligations.
Feature: Developing a value-adding HR function
HR functions must evolve from administrative roles to strategic business partners to effectively contribute to organizational success. This transformation requires developing a change strategy for the HR function itself, reorganizing around business deliverables, and building senior leaders with deep business knowledge and capabilities.
Oracle fires PeopleSoft executives
Oracle has secured control of PeopleSoft after acquiring 75% of its shares in a $10.3 billion takeover. The company has dismissed PeopleSoft’s founder and four executives, installing its own leadership team to oversee the integration.
Minimum wage outstrips cost of living
European minimum wage increases averaged 9.2% at the start of the year, significantly outpacing cost of living rises of around 1.7%. However, concerns remain about whether these generous hikes may be economically unsustainable, despite recent studies suggesting minimal job impact.
SME skill shortages bite
Nearly half of UK SMEs cite poor employee education and training as a major recruitment obstacle, according to a Tenon Forum survey. The skills gap is prompting businesses to invest more in in-house training and employee development programs.
Unions empowered to ban extremists
Starting January 2005, trade unions gained legal authority to exclude members for political extremism under the Employment Relations Act 2004. The change allows unions to ban individuals advocating violence or promoting racist views without facing large compensation payouts, reversing restrictions that previously required unions to pay extremists nearly £6,000 in damages.
Top health tips from the Chief Medical Officer
The Chief Medical Officer for England shares ten evidence-based health tips for the New Year, including not smoking, eating five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, exercising 30 minutes five days weekly, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, protecting skin from sun damage, practicing safer sex, attending cancer screenings, driving safely, and managing stress effectively.
How Did I Get Here? Susan Stevens, Toshiba Information Systems
Susan Stevens, Head of HR at Toshiba Information Systems, shares her career journey from a psychology degree through roles at British Gas to leading HR strategy, including implementing innovative flexible benefits programs and advancing through internal promotion opportunities.
Leaked report reveals plans to axe Fire Service jobs
A leaked government report proposes closing 46 fire service control centres in England and reducing staffing from 1,500 to 600 personnel. The Fire Brigades Union warns the £754.5 million scheme will fail, with potential losses of £107 million over a decade despite claimed savings.
Captains of Industry displayed school leadership
Research reveals that 70% of British business leaders were school prefects, with most displaying leadership qualities from an early age. The study shows top executives are charismatic individuals who balanced ambition with diverse interests including voluntary work and personal development.
Job hoppers plan New Year get away
A tight labour market is driving job changes among UK professionals, but employers can improve retention through flexible working arrangements rather than higher salaries alone. Research shows 84% of professionals would switch jobs for flexible hours, nearly matching the 88% who would move for better pay.
Tsunami disaster: Gift Aid reminder
UK taxpayers donating to tsunami relief can maximize their contributions through Gift Aid, which increases each pound donated to £1.28 for charities. Donors simply need to declare their intent when giving to eligible UK charities, allowing them to reclaim basic rate income tax at no extra cost.
Women struggle to make it to the top
Women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership positions across Britain despite making up over half the workforce. A 2005 Equal Opportunities Commission report reveals that inadequate family policies and workplace discrimination against mothers are major barriers, with the UK lagging behind Europe in female political representation.
IOD Chief calls for renewed pension effort
The Institute of Directors’ chief calls for urgent action on the UK’s pensions crisis, citing a £57 billion annual gap. Templeman emphasizes the need for system simplification and a “savings renaissance,” while urging government to make tough decisions on retirement age and state pension provision.
FPB call for Government to improve the climate for SMEs
The Forum of Private Business urges the Government to prioritize improving conditions for small businesses in 2005, citing urgent issues including National Insurance Contributions, VAT simplification, and business rates that disproportionately burden SMEs with limited resources.
