The New HR Charter: Part 13 – What real HR strategy looks like
Following on from Part 12 perhaps it would be a good idea to start identifying the elements of a real HR strategy. Top of the list is that HR strategy has to be owned by the Chief Executive. In GE, Jack Welch came up with their performance management strategy based on his concept of the […]
Single body to represent equality and human rights
Announced yesterday during the Queen’s speech was the news that a single equalities commission will be created replacing the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Disability Rights Commission and the Commission for Racial Equality.The organisation will promote equality and human rights as well as tackle discrimination on grounds of age, religion and sexual orientation and will also […]
Corporate killing bill ‘does not go far enough’
The draft corporate manslaughter bill introduced in the Queen’s Speech has been cautiously welcomed by employers’ associations – but does not go far enough, according to a major union. The bill introduces a new offence for when death occurs as a result of management failure and will make it easier to prosecute a company, or […]
Unions secure redundancy avoidance deal with DWP
A joint agreement has been reached between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and its National Trade Unions which seeks to avoid compulsory redundancies.The agreement, ‘Seeking to Avoid Compulsory Redundancy’ was formed against the background of the 2004 Spending Review in which the Chancellor announced plans to axe over 100,000 civil service jobs.Alan Johnson, […]
Ethnic minority employment gap exposed
Just over half (59.4%) of all ethnic minorities are in employment a figure that compares to 74.9% of the overall population.Marking the first anniversary of the Government’s Ethnic Minority Employment Task Force, Minister for Work Jane Kennedy said a lot of work had to be done to realise the potential of this group of workers:“Ethnic […]
Feature: Work-life balance and the bottom line
By Margaret Adams, work-life balance consultant and writerWe hear a lot about work-life balance these days. Stories about flexible working, family friendly policies, people wanting to work fewer hours and the desire of workers to improve their work-life balance are regularly in the news. We hear less about how introducing the work-life balance agenda improves […]
Book review: Authentic – How to make a living by being yourself
Title: Authentic – How to make a living by being yourselfAuthor: Neil CroftsPublisher: CapstoneISBN: 1-84112-519-9Price: £12.99Reviewer: Dr Jeff Wooller Neil Crofts is the former head of strategy of internet consultancy, Razorfish. After years of feeling the tension between what he did and what he wanted to do, he saw the light and took control of […]
Public sector hiring buoyant
Hiring looks to be up in the public sector with the balance of employers looking to take on more staff at +17% compared to a UK average of +18%; according to latest figures from the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.This represents a quarter-on-quarter increase of four percentage points and a year-on-year increase of three percentage points.Emma […]
British businesses warned ‘innovate or fail’
Two thirds of UK Plc is failing to generate new products and services, causing a productivity lag that is leaving British businesses exposed to global competition.Only a third have succeeded in launching a new invention in the past three years; according to the latest annual survey Design in Britain 2004-2005.Of those businesses who say design […]
Free Graduate Recruitment for Selected Companies & Agencies.
Search4Grads is a new and innovative online graduate recruitment resource which aims to cater for the demands and requirements of university graduates and their prospective employers. It is our mission to meet the respective recruitment requirements and aspirations of all parties concerned in a mutually beneficial manner.As a start-up company we are currently promoting our […]
WOLCE Keynote: Dawn of new world of learning
A new world of learning is dawning and the role of training professionals is set to change dramatically, Dr Dean Spitzer told visitors to the World of Learning Conference and Exhibition.In the opening key note address Dr Spritzer, managing consultant of learning and performance for IBM, said that training professionals need to become “training and […]
Payroll tip: Rolled-up holiday pay
These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications. Q: We employ a lot of casuals and pay them holiday pay as part of their weekly wage. Is this legal? We are getting conflicting advice. A: Certainly this is the most convenient […]
Homeworking blighted by ‘sweatshop’ conditions
Cosy images of convenience, efficiency and relaxed environments are far from the homeworking reality according to latest research.Infact the majority of homeworkers put up with cramped and uncomfortable conditions more similar to a 19th century sweatshop; according to Lexmark.It is not surprising that only 44% are satisfied with their home office space with the news […]
Royal Household faces sexual harassment claim
Elaine Day, a 45 year old former Clarence House secretary has taken a claim of sexual harassment and unfair dismissal to an Employment Tribunal.Day has accused Paul Kefford her former boss who is gay of harassment including inappropriate and frequent approaches including back rubbing and shoulder touching. The defence claim that Day was well aware […]
Work afflicts the vocal chords
Bugs, germs, central-heating and jobs that rely on communication are all placing a strain on workers’ vocal chords; claim the Trades Union Congress (TUC).Workers who rely on their voices to do their jobs are most at risk particularly teachers and call centre workers say the union body.Voice-related ailments account for one in five teachers who […]
HR Directors back vocational education
Ninety-six per cent of HR Directors see a clear link between vocational training and increased profitability.The poll conducted on behalf of Foundation Degrees shows that this view is shared by company directors who see the value of skills-based training.Failure to take sufficient action, however, is hampering progress.Only a quarter of business leaders say their company […]
Engaging staff tops business agenda
Bosses are committed to engaging with their staff and having successful relationships with employees; according to latest research.The findings by IRS Employment Review show that more than eight in ten employers or 88% of respondents said they were dedicated to forming good relations with their staff.Most employers (63%) recognize that an effective manager-staff relationship is […]
Editor’s Comment: Fashion bites – the rise of dress ‘down’ Friday
By Annie Hayes, HRZone EditorThe death of dress ‘down’ Friday is a well-spun rumour if latest findings which suggest that 63% of employers permit a relaxed dress code at least once a month are anything to by; Editor’s Comment examines the trends and wonders how ‘dress’ impacts on productivity and innovation in the workplace. It […]
Employers ‘sleepwalk’ towards I&C legislation
Sixty-seven per cent of managers admit to ‘knowing little’ about the Information and Consultation (I&C) directive due to be introduced next year.The survey conducted by the European Study Group shows that only 37% of businesses have a dedicated budget in place for informing and consulting employees.The UK Government’s Information and Consultation of Employees (ICE) Regulations […]
Workers ‘cringe’ at motivational statements
Motivational statements are failing to entice workers into working better and harder according to latest research from recruitment consultancy, Office Angels.Almost three quarters (73%) of office workers said that the little note pinned to the wall actually had the opposite effect of stirring their enthusiasm.Two thirds (67%) found them clichéd and patronising despite nine out […]
