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.
Case Study: E-recruitment gets Nike on track
Nike implemented an e-recruitment solution to manage 800+ monthly CVs across 100-120 open positions at its EMEA headquarters. The ActiveRecruiter platform standardized hiring processes, reduced administration, improved applicant tracking, and enabled faster response times while maintaining Nike’s commitment to individual candidate communication.
Tax credits change to help pay for nannies
Tax credits will provide up to £210 weekly toward nanny costs from April 2005 for families earning up to £59,000. Under the new Childcare Approval Scheme, nannies must pass background checks, obtain childcare qualifications, and hold valid first aid certificates to gain approval and enable families to claim working tax credit for home-based childcare.
Chippy chipper Powergen winner
Chip shop owner Ken MacKenzie from Poole, Dorset, has been named Britain’s most energetic boss by Powergen for his infectious enthusiasm and generous employee rewards, including surprise trips and days off.
HRZone competition: Christmas party clangers
Share your funniest or most embarrassing office Christmas party story for a chance to win champagne. Submit your tales of karaoke mishaps, workplace romances, or candid boss conversations before December 24th.
HR face soaring absence at DWP
The Department of Work and Pensions, employing over 25% of civil servants, has the worst public sector absence record with employees averaging 12.6 sick days annually. A National Audit Office report shows 5% of staff are absent on any given day, costing the department around £100 million yearly in salary payments.
More employers must train warns TUC
The TUC warns that 40% of employers offer no staff training and calls for government intervention to target these businesses. A new national training programme and paid time off for learning are needed to help three million workers gain skills equivalent to five good GCSEs, particularly in smaller companies currently excluded from training opportunities.
Language barriers trigger workplace deaths
Migrant workers with limited English language skills have died in workplace incidents due to safety training being delivered only in English. The HSE and TUC have now published health and safety guidance in 19 languages to help employers meet their legal obligations to protect all workers from injury and illness.
Feature: Party protocol for revellers
Employers planning Christmas parties must balance festive celebrations with health and safety responsibilities. Key considerations include employee rights, accessibility for disabled staff, duty of care regarding alcohol consumption, and potential harassment or discrimination issues.
DWP consults on whistleblower code
The Department of Work and Pensions has launched a consultation on a new whistleblower code of practice for The Pensions Regulator. The code sets guidance on legal requirements for pension scheme operators to report breaches of law and outlines expected standards of practice for statutory reporters.
UK Plc needs more women at the top
British FTSE 100 companies still lack gender diversity at board level, with most having all-male leadership despite modest growth in female director appointments. Research shows mixed-gender boards deliver better corporate governance and decision-making than male-dominated ones.
Office politics gets HR in a twist
A UK/Norway comparative study reveals British HR professionals prioritize political skills and legal compliance, while Scandinavian counterparts emphasize empathy and communication. The research highlights cultural differences in how HR views its role within organizations across regions.
Higgs fuels non-executive director pay rises
The 2003 Higgs Report’s increased responsibilities for non-executive directors have triggered a 38% rise in their fees among reviewed organizations. Over a quarter of surveyed companies raised NED compensation, citing growing workload, regulatory risk, and reputational concerns as key drivers.
Senior management trust eroded
Employee trust in senior management has dropped sharply, with only 25% willing to trust leaders in the private sector, according to a CIPD survey. The report also reveals declining line manager trust, low motivation levels, and widespread workplace stress that exceeds Health and Safety Executive acceptable standards.
Temps could put employers in the dock
Hiring temporary workers during peak seasons can create legal risks if employers fail to enforce IT policies. Nearly half of businesses face vulnerability to misuse by temps, including unauthorized downloads and inappropriate content, which could expose directors to criminal liability under vicarious liability principles.
CIPD call to make e-learning accessible to all
The CIPD warns employers must make e-learning accessible to people with disabilities to avoid legal issues, wasted investment, and missed business opportunities. The report calls on government to increase awareness, provide financial support, and set higher accessibility standards for e-learning content.
BBC plan to axe HR jobs
The BBC plans to cut 2,500 back office jobs as part of a £320m cost-saving strategy, with HR, finance, and management roles facing 47% reductions over three years. The strategic review also involves relocating London-based broadcasting units to Manchester.
