CIPD says Tomlinson could bridge skills gap
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development believes the Tomlinson report could address UK skills shortages by strengthening vocational qualifications and improving core workplace skills in literacy, maths, and ICT for 14-19 year-olds.
Colleague camaraderie keeps workers
Strong workplace relationships are key to employee retention, with 65% of workers citing colleague camaraderie as their main reason for staying. The survey reveals that pay matters less than expected, while benefits like health insurance, remote work options, and company devices rank higher in importance.
Government asks GPs to help end ‘sick-note’ culture
The government is urging GPs to encourage sick employees back to work, moving away from long-term sick notes. A successful “Pathways to Work” pilot combining personal advisers with financial incentives has doubled the return-to-work rate compared to national averages, potentially saving over £110 million annually if rolled out nationwide.
TUC calls for workplace smoking ban
The TUC calls for comprehensive workplace smoking bans to protect employees from passive smoking, which kills around 700 workers annually in the UK. EU Commissioner Designate Markos Kyprianou has pledged to implement smoking bans across all European workplaces and public spaces, citing tobacco’s responsibility for 660,000 deaths yearly in the EU.
Actuaries under attack for misleading pension schemes
Actuaries are criticized for routinely overestimating future investment growth when assessing pension scheme solvency, leading to misleading valuations and false security for savers. A new report recommends stricter funding calculations to ensure schemes can fully cover member pension entitlements.
Sainsbury’s pensions strategy risky, says analyst
Pensions consultant John Ralfe warns that Sainsbury’s new strategy of investing 60% of pension assets in shares rather than bonds could create a shortfall, despite saving the retailer £30m annually in contributions.
Poor inductions trigger resignations
Poor inductions cause significant employee turnover, with one in 25 workers resigning after starting new jobs due to inadequate orientation. Research shows 93% of employees believe poor inductions harm their productivity, while media and public sector employers face the highest resignation rates from this issue.
Focus On: HR Specialists – Chris Burrows, E-HR
Chris Burrows, E-HR Manager at Coventry City Council, discusses how electronic HR systems are transforming human resources management, from streamlining administrative processes to improving strategic decision-making. His role involves implementing new E-HR technology to replace outdated systems and meet government e-government requirements.
Business leaders express doubts over exam reform
Business leaders remain unconvinced that exam reform will improve literacy and numeracy standards, despite the Tomlinson report recommending replacing GCSEs and A-levels with a new diploma system. A CBI survey found 47% of firms dissatisfied with school leavers’ basic skills, with business leaders wanting concrete evidence that qualification changes will actually raise standards in maths and English.
Retail workers get Christmas holiday
Large retail stores in the UK are now legally required to close on Christmas Day following the passage of the Christmas Day (Trading) Bill. The legislation prevents shops exceeding 280 square meters from opening on December 25, guaranteeing retail workers time off to spend with family.
Workers are ‘faking it’
A survey by HR consultancy DDI reveals that 45% of workers hide their true personalities at work to meet corporate expectations. Employees who feel comfortable being themselves are four times more likely to be motivated, yet managers and workers alike report feeling pressure to conform and put on an “acceptable face.”
Rules baffle unemployment benefit claimants
Tens of thousands of unemployment benefit claimants are missing out on support because they don’t understand government sanction rules, according to the Trades Union Congress. Over 146,300 cases were denied in the past year for reasons including voluntary job departure, misconduct, or refusing job offers.
Editor’s Comment: Beating the pension time bomb
Britain faces a pension crisis as life expectancy rises and birth rates fall, creating an imbalance between workers and retirees. The Pensions Commission warns the UK should save £57 billion more annually, proposing three solutions: raise taxes, increase savings, or work longer.
Cantor Fitzgerald claimant award cut
Cantor Fitzgerald won a reduction to a £912,000 damages award given to a former senior manager who claimed he suffered bullying and harassment by company president Lee Amaitis. The appeal court cut the award by nearly £117,000, finding errors in the original damages calculation.
Life Coaching
Sandra Quiggin offers personalized life coaching through Summit Goals, helping clients identify their current situation, goals, and actionable steps for change. Drawing on experience with special needs populations, she takes a holistic approach recognizing each person’s unique requirements.
‘Blairite’ says tax rises should not be ruled out
Former pensions minister John Denham argues the government must not rule out tax rises to address the pension shortfall identified in the Turner report, warning that all political parties need to admit that increased taxes and national insurance are necessary solutions alongside longer working lives and increased savings.
FTSE 100 lead the way on DC pensions
Four out of five FTSE 100 companies offer defined contribution (DC) pension schemes, with average employer contributions of 8.5% topped up by employee contributions to reach 13% total. Most DC schemes were established within the past five years and are now managing significant assets alongside growing membership numbers.
Car parts makers to get their pensions
T&N car parts workers will receive their pensions under a new deal accepted by unions. The agreement, backed by Federal Mogul’s largest creditor Carl Icahn, includes annual payments of nearly £14m into the pension scheme for three years following the parent company’s emergence from bankruptcy.
One-man bands win insurance battle
Sole traders have won an exemption from mandatory employers’ liability insurance following an 80% stakeholder vote. The change, effective early 2005, will exempt unincorporated businesses from the requirement, potentially saving around 300,000 small companies approximately £250 annually.
Q&A Feature: Reg Ruffle on E-learning
Reg Ruffle explains how e-learning blends professional instruction with web-based technology to deliver cost-effective training accessible 24/7. He discusses key business benefits including improved accuracy, flexible learning schedules, and reduced training costs, while cautioning against poorly designed programs lacking interaction and support.
