Retirement age fix gets mixed response
The government will set retirement age at 65 while allowing employees to request working beyond this age. The policy received mixed responses, with the CBI praising it as pragmatic while the Employers Forum on Age criticized it as indecisive.
Case Study: HMV’s hiring is top of the pops
HMV uses a specialized psychometric assessment to select graduates for its annual intake of 50 managers from 3,500 applicants. The retail-focused tool combines reasoning tests and personality evaluation to identify candidates with the right qualities for rapid career progression to store manager roles.
Poor communication escalates pensions’ problems
Employers are failing to communicate pension scheme value to workers, with CIPD research revealing that one in five over-50s and one in three under-25s lack understanding of how their pensions work. A new CIPD guide provides case studies on effective pension communication strategies.
Staff suggestions equal cash rewards
Staff suggestion schemes can generate hundreds of thousands of pounds in value for employers through improved efficiency, lower costs, and higher sales. Research shows 96% of organizations use these schemes to boost employee involvement, with most successful programs rewarding staff through cash, vouchers, or gifts.
Bosses show yuletide generosity
A survey by the Institute of Directors reveals that 89% of business leaders oppose Christmas Day trading, while 93% allow staff to leave early on Christmas Eve. Most directors also celebrate the season through staff parties, charitable donations, and client gifts.
Workplace porn not being stopped
A survey reveals that 70% of companies have disciplined employees for workplace pornography viewing, yet many lack updated policies and technology to prevent improper images from entering through portable devices. Senior managers often remain unaware of their legal liability for illegal content in the workplace.
Focus On: HR Specialists – Sandra Beale, HR & Training Consultant
Sandra Beale transitioned from seven years in the public sector to build a successful career as an HR and training consultant, taking on interim management roles and diverse consultancy projects. Her experience spans maternity cover positions, benefits package design, and HR support across not-for-profit, construction, and SME sectors.
Seasonal workers in high demand
Retailers face seasonal staff shortages this Christmas, with low unemployment and regional disparities making hiring difficult. Two-thirds expect customer service to decline, yet only one-fifth consider training to address the problem.
Review: The Performance Coach – Seeking coaching excellence
The Performance Coach is a comprehensive training package enabling organizations to develop accredited performance coaches through a three-day intensive workshop, monthly support groups, and coaching techniques including the GROW model and transactional analysis. Optional accreditation through Middlesex University is available for an additional fee.
Pensions report: last chance for voluntarism
The Employer Task Force on Pensions warns Britain faces a “last chance saloon” for voluntary pension contributions, finding that only half of small businesses with fewer than 100 employees offer pension schemes. The report calls for targeted financial incentives and awareness campaigns to boost employer participation and restore confidence in pensions.
Public sector reaps rewards of well-trained managers
A CIPD survey reveals public sector employees are 8% more motivated than private sector workers, crediting improved line management for the increase. Well-trained managers boost staff motivation, reduce absence, and improve retention and productivity in the sector.
Pilots threaten strike action
UK commercial pilots threaten strike action over new EU flying time rules they say increase fatigue risks and endanger passenger safety. The British Airline Pilots’ Association demands written government confirmation that British airlines won’t adopt the longer hours and shorter rest periods.
General Motors axes jobs
General Motors is cutting 12,000 jobs across its unprofitable European division, with 10,000 positions eliminated at German Opel plants and 2,000 more from facilities in Belgium, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. The job cuts aim to save 500 million euros annually by 2005.
Creative industries must up-skill to meet global challenge
The UK’s creative industries risk losing their competitive edge unless investment in skills and talent increases, according to a new report. As countries like India, Korea, and Taiwan heavily invest in creative sectors, Britain must strengthen its infrastructure for workforce development or risk repeating past mistakes in textiles and manufacturing.
The Couch?! gets stressed
Identify common workplace stress types—from chronic complainers to stress carriers—and learn how to handle them. The Couch?! explores workplace stress behaviors, while also examining the serious issue of office bullying and its impact on employee wellbeing.
Editor’s Comment: The folly of ‘presenteeism’
New government policies penalize public sector workers for absence without medical certificates, raising concerns about ‘presenteeism’—the pressure to work while genuinely ill. The practice undermines workplace health and productivity despite organizations’ attempts to combat absenteeism through penalties or attendance incentives.
Mistletoe could lead to sexual harassment claims
The Trades Union Congress and Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advise removing mistletoe from workplace Christmas parties, citing potential sexual harassment concerns. Their party safety checklist also recommends checking emergency exits, avoiding open flames, and keeping food properly refrigerated to protect employees.
Board X factor revealed
A study of 215 FTSE and major company board directors reveals that the quality of the Chair-CEO relationship is the decisive factor in great board leadership, followed by fostering open debate and improving succession processes.
CV liars catch bosses out
Over nine in ten people admit to lying on their CVs to secure better jobs, yet seven in ten employers still don’t check references. Despite widespread awareness of CV dishonesty, most candidates believe they’ve benefited from exaggerating their experience and qualifications.
Fat cats lose out in final salary slash
Civil service unions strongly oppose government proposals to replace final salary pension schemes with average salary calculations and raise the retirement age from 60 to 65, warning the changes will create uncertainty and potentially harm hundreds of thousands of workers.
