Pay settlements stall at 3%
Pay analysts, IRS report that average settlements continue to stand at 3%; a figure that has remained unchanged for the last 18 months since April 2003.This period of stability is unprecedented since April 1996 when pay settlements also hovered around the 3% mark until movement came about in September 1997.Half of all pay awards in […]
Poor paternity pay levels is a turn-off for dads
Fathers are unwilling to take their entitlement to two weeks paid paternity leave because the rate of statutory paternity pay is too low; reveals latest research.The research conducted by professional body the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and law firm Hammonds shows that despite British workers adopting more flexible working practices rates of […]
‘Investors in health’ award tabled
An ‘Investors in health’ award is being considered by ministers looking to encourage employers to promote healthy lifestyles.The award will be along the lines of the Investors in People Programme, which recognises best-practice in people-management.The Financial Times reports that the option is under consideration for the government’s public health white paper, which will highlight the […]
Weekend strike at Gatwick looms
A further two-day strike is set to cause havoc once again at Gatwick airport this Saturday and Sunday.The ongoing dispute concerns the failure to resolve concerns over changed working practices and the suspension of a senior shop steward.Ian McCoulough, T&G regional industrial organiser commented: “The longer this dispute has gone on the stronger the support […]
HR staff targeted in impending BBC job cuts
A shake-up of the BBC orchestrated by new Director-General, Mark Thompson looks set to axe a quarter of its 28,000 workforce in attempts to make the corporation leaner as it faces the renewal of its ten-year Royal Charter.BBC People, the human resources department is said to be in the spotlight for cost savings. The Times […]
Review: Information Strategy in Practice
Title: Information Strategy in PracticeAuthor: Elizabeth OrnaPublisher: Gower PublishingISBN: 0 566 085798Price £35.00 Reviewer: Stephen Joneswww.softbrands.comInformation Strategy in Practice by Elizabeth Orna is unsurprisingly a handbook on how to create an “information strategy.” There is also a subtext on changing information roles and responsibilities in organisations and that information management is everyone’s responsibility. An “information […]
Feature: Getting online with the Home Computing Initiative
By Sue Harley, director of learning at FuturemediaIn 1999, the government launched new guidelines to improve levels of computer literacy in the UK in a drive to get the whole nation online through the Home Computing Initiative (HCI); Sue Harley argues that every organisation in the UK regardless of size should consider implementing an HCI […]
Retailers warn of jobs slash if NMW goes up
Further National Minimum Wage (NMW) raises could hit retailers so severely that they would be forced to axe as many as 20,000 jobs.The warning comes amidst fears that further rate increases are on the cards. As of 1 October the adult rate rose to £4.85 while the youth rate hit £4.10 and a new rate […]
UK financial services ‘battered’ by redtape
The CBI called this morning for a moratorium on new regulation and warned that complacency in Brussels: “Could endanger the global status of UK financial services.”The business group claims that between 2004 and 2006, companies face the imposition of over 20 EU measures, resulting in regulation and consultation overload.CBI Deputy Director-General, John Cridland, said: “The […]
Civil servants vote to strike on Guy Fawkes night
Remember, remember, the 5th of November but not perhaps this time for the foiled plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament; members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have voted by two to one for a one-day national civil service strike over government plans to axe over 100,000 jobs.The one day stoppage […]
TUC makes fresh call for an autumn bank holiday
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is urging the government to make this Monday one of three new bank holidays. The TUC say the government should bring the number of bank holidays into line with the rest of Europe who have an average 11 compared to the UK’s eight. Slovakia tops the league with the most […]
Editor’s Comment: Campaigners fired up for UK smoking ban
By Annie Hayes, HRZone EditorAnti-smoking sentiment is growing in the UK as bans roll-out across the EU and cries to protect workers health gathers more support; Editor’s Comment looks at the arguments and assesses the potential impact for employers. Smokers this year might be forced to stick to their New Year’s resolutions for giving up […]
Increasing the retirement age raises concerns
Proposals to raise the retirement age have been met with concern; the recommendation has been put in place as a possible solution to plug the UK’s pension shortfall which Adair Turner has revealed to be £57 billion a year.According to Croner, employers could become embroiled in costly red tape when faced with hiring and firing […]
Workers go the extra mile in hope of promotion
Promotion prospects are the key reason why employees put in extra effort at work; reveals a new survey.Recruitment giant Manpower surveyed 1,113 people as part of their search for ‘Britain’s Most Valued Employee’.The majority of workers (90%) say they regularly put more effort into their job than is expected of them while two thirds admit […]
Money laundering scam hits small business
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants has warned that small businesses are being targeted using official looking letters intended at frightening businesses into handing over money for money laundering ‘compliance packs.’ACCA reminded businesses that there is no need to comply with money laundering regulations where handling cash payments of €15,000 or less. Head of Business […]
Merrill analysts suspended over Sainsbury’s report
Merrill Lynch has suspended two retail analysts over research into the retailer Sainsbury’s which triggered a Financial Services Authority (FSA) selective disclosure investigation. According to a statement issued by Merrill, analysts Andrew Fowler and John Kershaw were yesterday put on immediate administrative leave. The investment bank said that the suspension does not imply any wrongdoing […]
Training key to management motivation
Managers need greater learning and development opportunities to keep their motivation levels high, according to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).According to the CMI and Adecco Business Eneregy Survey of 1,500 managers, one third had received no training in the past 12 months, despite the fact that many knew a training budget existed.Respondents also wanted better […]
HR & Payroll free qualifications up for grabs!
HRZone together with HRD & Payroll solutions bring you the chance to win a 14 week HR or Payroll qualification. The entry forms are available today from the Softworld event being held at Birmingham’s NEC and also at next week’s CIPD conference in Harrogate.The role-play based e-learning solution is aimed at anyone embarking on a […]
Feature: Handling staff email and internet misuse
Guy Hollebon of solicitors Bevans takes a look at how the number of employment tribunal claims regarding the issue of email and internet misuse are increasing. Email and Internet misuse is becoming increasingly widespread and employment tribunal claims surrounding the issue are increasing. In this article we look at how employers can minimise the risk […]
Software buyers must consider e-filing requirements
Speaking to payroll staff at the Softworld event in Birmingham’s NEC, Inland Revenue business adviser Marie Gibbs warned off the looming online filing deadline and told employers to ensure software can deliver.Size matters she said, with deadlines being banded according to the numbers employed: Employers with 250 or more staff must file their 2004-2005 return […]
