Businesses fear parental rights boost
Businesses express concern over government plans to extend paid maternity leave from six to 12 months, citing fears of reduced productivity and profit losses. A survey shows 61% of companies believe the proposals would negatively impact their bottom line, while worker advocacy groups welcome the changes for supporting families.
Commuters score higher stress levels than fighter pilots
Research shows daily commutes trigger higher stress levels than fighter pilots experience in combat, with commuters’ heart rates and blood pressure rising significantly. A study of 800 UK commuters found 60% view commuting as an ordeal, with two-thirds reporting stress impacts their work productivity.
HR Tip: Making rules work
Employees may disrespect company rules due to unclear communication or lack of understanding. Ensure rules are relevant, clearly written, and explained to all staff. Use personalized language when stating rules, consistently enforce them, and train managers to apply policies fairly.
Focus On: HR Specialists – Jon Young, Head of HR at Saffery Champness
Jon Young heads HR at accountancy firm Saffery Champness, where his engineering background and career spanning manufacturing, banking, and law shaped his approach to managing 370 staff and partners. Over ten years, he’s modernized HR systems, introduced e-recruitment that cut costs by 70%, and implemented flexible benefits programs.
Information & Consultation
The Information & Consultation Regulations 2005 require employers to inform and consult employees on key business matters through formal or informal mechanisms. Implementation is phased based on company size, with penalties up to £75,000 for non-compliance with employee requests to establish communication forums.
New qualifications framework promises to cut confusion
A new qualifications framework is being put to public consultation to simplify how learning and training are recognized across employers and awarding bodies. The framework would introduce standardized levels, credits, and definitions while allowing workers to accumulate smaller learning units toward qualifications at their own pace. Research shows 77% of people would value workplace training more if it were recognized outside their organization.
Outsourcing will kill IT departments
A new poll finds 72% of end users and 82% of suppliers believe outsourcing will eliminate traditional IT departments, as companies increasingly shift ICT functions to specialist providers. However, experts warn that losing internal knowledge poses risks and emphasize the CIO’s evolving strategic role in managing external partnerships.
Jaguar workers vote on strike
Jaguar workers are voting on strike action over Ford’s decision to end production at the Browns Lane plant, which threatens over 1,000 jobs. The ballot closes December 13 as unions demand alternatives to mass redundancies.
Member wire #76 – HRZone meets the new CIPD President
HRZone meets the new CIPD President, Lord Wilson of Dinton, who argues HR must shed its “woolly and cuddly” image and focus on strategic challenges ahead. The exclusive interview explores his vision for HR strategy and future priorities for the profession.
Feature: HR grows Chartered Surveying Practice
HR Director Alan Geaney transformed Donaldsons, a traditional Chartered Surveying Practice founded in 1869, by modernizing outdated personnel functions and implementing strategic talent development initiatives. The firm, now with over 1,500 staff managing UK shopping centres and European retail outlets, prioritizes recruiting and retaining skilled employees as central to business success.
Q&A: learndirect Chairman, John Weston talks to HRZone
John Weston, Chairman of learndirect, discusses the organization’s achievements in reaching over 1.3 million learners through flexible e-learning, while addressing ongoing challenges in engaging small businesses and learners with basic skills gaps. He emphasizes e-learning’s value as a cost-effective complement to traditional training methods.
Review: Most People Only Try I Make Sure
Karl George’s pocket-sized business guide outlines seven strategies to help entrepreneurs avoid the 90% failure rate of new businesses. Featuring practical exercises and 67 additional success tips, the book emphasizes implementing advice rather than just reading it, making it valuable for aspiring and existing business owners.
TUC urge employers to improve HIV and AIDS policies
The Trades Union Congress urges employers to adopt HIV and AIDS workplace policies, citing 53,000 people living with HIV in Britain, most of working age. Many sufferers fear discrimination and avoid disclosing their condition to employers.
A quarter of workers plan to quit in 2005
A quarter of British workers plan to quit their jobs in early 2005, with career progression, pay, and work-life balance cited as primary reasons. A YouGov survey reveals that 59% are already seeking new opportunities, and 83% of those leaving feel their employers haven’t addressed their concerns.
The Couch?! Gets dunking
The Couch?! reveals its definitive top ten list of the best biscuits for dunking in tea, based on extensive laboratory testing. From Chocolate Hobnobs to Ginger Nuts, discover which dunkers made the cut and share your own favorite tea and biscuit pairings.
Feature: HRZone meets the new CIPD President
Lord Wilson of Dinton, the new CIPD President, calls for HR to shed its “woolly and cuddly” image and become a strategic decision-maker at board level. In an exclusive interview, he discusses how HR must demonstrate business relevance and earn its place among top leadership.
UK employee engagement levels at rock bottom
UK employees show the lowest emotional attachment to their employers among nine countries surveyed, with only two-thirds engaged compared to three-quarters in the US. Career opportunities, company endorsement, and respectful treatment are the top engagement drivers for British workers.
‘Massive’ computer failure hits DWP
A major computer failure at the Department for Work and Pensions disrupted operations on Monday, affecting about 80% of the network used for benefits and pension payments. While existing benefit payments continued, staff struggled to process new and amended claims, resorting to faxes as the email system broke down.
Builders top pay charts
Construction companies offered the highest pay awards at 3.5%, topping the pay charts for five consecutive years, while publishing and broadcasting lagged behind at 2.5%, according to IRS Employment Review analysis of 1,000 pay settlements.
HR Zone Briefing #218 – Win champagne!
HR Zone Briefing #218 covers key HR topics including corporate manslaughter legislation, a new equalities commission, apprenticeship benefits, and public sector hiring trends. Complete the site survey for a chance to win champagne.
