BCC ‘rubbish’ health proposals
The British Chambers of Commerce has criticized new health proposals allowing workers to recover hospital costs in personal injury cases, warning they could increase business liability insurance premiums by 8-10% and set a problematic precedent for government responsibility.
Editor’s Comment: Ditch the bah humbug!
The TUC and RoSPA issued strict office party guidelines this year, warning against mistletoe and ensuring furniture safety to prevent harassment and injury claims. But has workplace festivity become so heavily regulated that Christmas celebrations have lost all their joy and spontaneity?
Army gets fast-tracked CMI membership
The Chartered Management Institute has granted automatic membership to British Army personnel, both serving and retired, recognizing their training and experience as equivalent to CMI membership levels. This partnership supports the Army’s initiative to expand professional development opportunities for soldiers and officers in their military and future civilian careers.
CIPD predict a ‘difficult’ 2005 for employers
The CIPD warns that 2005 could be difficult for employers as UK jobless numbers fall and the labour market tightens. Rising employment and falling unemployment are creating pay pressure, particularly in the public sector, forcing employers to manage wage costs carefully to protect profits and investment.
Education gets the female touch
Ruth Kelly becomes the youngest female Cabinet member in history at age 36, appointed as Education Secretary following David Blunkett’s resignation. The former Guardian journalist and Bank of England deputy editor takes over ambitious education reforms focusing on vocational skills and private sector involvement.
Recruitment expected to rise in New Year
UK employers are planning significant workforce expansion in the New Year, with eight of nine industry sectors expecting to hire staff in the first quarter, according to Manpower’s latest recruitment survey. Finance, business services, and transport sectors are leading growth expectations.
Staff would swap jobs to secure training
Three-quarters of employees would consider changing jobs if they lack adequate training and development opportunities, according to a Media Logic survey. Despite most staff completing only one or two business courses annually, 50% view training as a crucial factor when evaluating job roles.
Relief as crime against business falls
Business crime frequency fell 15.8% in Q3 compared to Q2, according to the AXA Business Crime Index. However, average crime-related insurance claims increased by 10%, with arson proving the costliest crime despite accounting for only 3% of incidents.
Labour market tightens
Jobless numbers have fallen to 1.39 million as the labour market stabilizes, with the employment rate reaching 74.7% in the three months ending October 2004. Despite positive employment figures, economic inactivity remains a concern, with nearly one in five retailers warning of recruitment difficulties.
Search on for Britain’s meanest boss
The Trades Union Congress has launched a campaign to identify Britain’s meanest boss, highlighting employer practices like forcing staff to work Christmas bank holidays, counting holidays as annual leave, and maintaining freezing offices. The campaign outlines ten Scrooge-like traits that exploit legal loopholes while highlighting poor workplace practices.
Feature: Tax rewards at Christmas
Employers can reward staff this Christmas tax-efficiently through mobile phones, laptops, childcare vouchers, bikes, and staff parties—many costing businesses nothing while saving employees significant amounts through tax breaks and national insurance savings.
Review: Tolley’s National Insurance Contributions 2004-05
Tolley’s National Insurance Contributions 2004-05 is a comprehensive 800-page reference covering national insurance through 59 chapters, detailed analysis, legislative cross-references, and practical examples. While thorough and well-researched, the alphabetical arrangement requires significant navigation to locate answers to specific questions.
Feature: Reward – the holistic approach
Financial stress affects employee productivity and job satisfaction. Employers can adopt a holistic approach to benefits that includes personal finance education, addressing both workplace and home life challenges while demonstrating corporate social responsibility and supporting staff wellbeing.
Tube staff to get 52 days holiday
London Underground staff voted overwhelmingly to accept a new deal offering 52 days annual holiday and a 35-hour working week. The agreement, approved by 1,298 to 39, also saves approximately 800 jobs and follows months of negotiations after strike action in June.
Literacy and numeracy levels need lifting
The National Audit Office reports that 26 million working-age adults in England have literacy and numeracy skills below school-leaver standards. The government’s Skills for Life Strategy has made progress toward its targets, but reaching 1.5 million more learners by 2010 will require sustained effort and creative approaches.
Changes at the top for LSC
The Learning and Skills Council announces new leadership appointments for the New Year, including directors of resources, strategy, evaluation, and learner support, aimed at strengthening economic development and regional capacity.
‘Informing and consulting’ rated top HR issue for 2005
Nearly two-thirds of HR professionals ranked informing and consulting employees as their top priority for 2005, while new employment legislation like age discrimination laws were largely overlooked despite upcoming regulatory changes.
Member wire #78 – HRZone competition: Christmas party clangers
HRZone is running a Christmas party competition offering champagne for the most amusing office party story. Submit your workplace holiday tales—whether karaoke disasters, awkward romances, or candid boss conversations—with the option to remain anonymous.
HR Tip: Managing capability and incapability
When an employee struggles in a promoted role, address it as an incapability issue through discussion, support, and training before considering dismissal. Explore redeployment options and review your selection processes to prevent similar situations.
Work deadlines may kill
Research shows that long working hours and tight deadlines significantly increase heart attack risk, with studies revealing a six-fold increase the day after high-pressure work deadlines. Experts warn employers must prioritize worker health and move away from unsustainable work practices that endanger employee wellbeing.
