Offshoring a ‘survival issue’ says Digby Jones
Digby Jones, CBI Director-General, calls offshoring a “survival issue” for businesses competing in the global economy. A CBI survey reveals 51% of companies face increased offshoring pressure, with China, India, and Eastern Europe as top destinations chosen for lower costs and skilled workers.
Bosses play scrooge this Christmas
Eight in ten UK employers won’t be hosting Christmas parties this year, citing alcohol-fueled misconduct as the primary concern. A Peninsula survey found 73% worry about fights, arguments, and inappropriate behavior, while most employees believe festive celebrations boost morale and motivation.
Government funds equality message
The Department of Trade and Industry has allocated £1.4 million to 43 voluntary and community organisations to promote awareness of new workplace equality laws protecting workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation, religion, or belief.
Editor’s Comment: Stress in the 21st century
Stress affects workers across all levels in the 21st century, from excessive workload and pressure to inactivity and boredom. National Stress Awareness Day highlights growing workplace stress, with conflicting data on its prevalence and impact across UK organizations. Managing stress effectively requires recognizing early symptoms before the problem escalates.
‘Embarrassed’ employers fall foul of DDA
UK employers risk costly legal claims by failing to investigate employees’ health issues due to embarrassment, according to employment law firm Withers LLP. Since October 2004, all businesses must make reasonable adjustments for disabled workers under the Disability Discrimination Act, with uncapped compensation for discrimination violations.
Civil service strike starts
Hundreds of thousands of UK civil servants are striking today to protest government plans to cut 100,000 public sector jobs. The one-day strike, described as the largest in over a decade, will disrupt services including driving licences, benefits offices, tax collection, courts, and museums across the country.
FSB calls for a ‘regional minimum wage’
The Federation of Small Businesses is calling for a regional minimum wage, arguing that current rates disproportionately affect businesses in Scotland, Wales, and northern England compared to the south east. Service sector businesses like hairdressers and hotels are particularly impacted by wage increases.
Fireworks safety could put firms in the dock
The Fireworks Act 2003 and Regulations 2004 require firms to comply with legal safety guidelines when organizing firework displays. Businesses face potential imprisonment of up to two years if incidents occur. Employers must conduct risk assessments, hire professionals, and implement comprehensive safety measures including stewards, first aid, and boundary controls.
E-HR manager at Coventry City Council scoops HRZone prize
Chris Burrows, an E-HR manager at Coventry City Council, won a prize at the HRZone stand during the Softworld conference in Birmingham. The event showcased around 40 leading HR and payroll solutions suppliers alongside educational seminars and masterclasses for organizations considering new HR technology implementations.
24/7 working means kids miss out
A study reveals that 2.5 million UK families are affected by regular weekend working, with disadvantaged households facing the greatest impact. The research shows that weekend and evening work significantly reduces family time and parents’ ability to participate in children’s activities.
Feature: Top 10 tips on motivation
Discover ten practical strategies for boosting workplace motivation, from targeted rewards and frequent recognition to personalized incentives. Expert tips help companies improve employee loyalty, productivity, and morale while staying within budget.
Member wire #72 – Reflections on the CIPD annual conference
The CIPD annual conference emphasized innovation and change as key themes for HR professionals to drive business success. The editor invites readers to share their perspectives on whether these concepts represent genuine strategic direction or merely management rhetoric.
Civil service strike confirmed for Friday
The Public and Commercial Services Union has confirmed a one-day national civil service strike for Friday in protest of government plans to cut over 100,000 jobs. High Court attempts to block the action were dismissed. The strike, described as the largest in a generation, will disrupt services including driving licenses, benefits offices, and tax collection.
Mixed reports blight Stress Awareness Day
Stress Awareness Day sees conflicting data on workplace stress, with the Institute of Directors reporting 58% of members have no staff stress issues, while the TUC finds three in five workers experience workplace stress. Both organizations highlight the need for employers to implement support measures and address root causes.
Strike action on the cards for ferry giant
P&O plans to cut 1,200 jobs and eight ships amid declining ferry passenger numbers, prompting the RMT union to warn of potential strike action if talks fail to protect workers’ employment and conditions.
New qualified teacher status for Learning and Skills Sector
A new ‘Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills’ qualification is being introduced for post-16 education sector teachers, with full implementation planned for September 2007. The reform aims to enhance professional status and includes establishment of teacher training centres of excellence and updated quality assurance standards.
Business optimism crushed as UK economy slows
UK business optimism has dropped sharply to 31% from 40% as the economy reaches a turning point, signaling a slowdown ahead. Investment intentions have also declined significantly, though company performance remains relatively strong and unemployment is expected to stay low.
Minister ‘admits pension credit may be failing’
The UK government’s pension credit scheme faces a significant take-up problem, with 1.7 million eligible people failing to claim by late September. Work and Pensions Secretary Alan Johnson acknowledged the scheme may discourage saving and acts as a disincentive for some pensioners.
Well strike a light – BAT staff to down tools
Over 400 British American Tobacco workers at the Southampton factory will strike this week after rejecting a 2.6% pay offer and demanding 3%. The union Amicus plans rolling strikes every Wednesday until demands are met, citing BAT’s reported massive profits and refusal to pay fairly.
HR face NHS staffing crisis
The NHS faces a critical nursing shortage despite a 16% workforce growth, with heavy reliance on temporary overseas staff who risk leaving at short notice. Rising recruitment costs and competition from international recruitment drives threaten to worsen staffing shortages unless NHS employers prioritize competitive pay, flexible working, and career development.
