NHS recruits to undergo criminal checks
The NHS will introduce Criminal Records Bureau checks for all new recruits with patient contact by 2005, including cleaners and maintenance workers, to enhance patient safety. The move follows cases where undisclosed criminal records posed risks to vulnerable patients.
HR Zone Briefing #212 – £57 billion a year pension gap revealed
A new Pensions Commission report reveals Britain faces a £57 billion annual pension gap, requiring difficult choices: increased savings, higher taxes, or working longer. The findings prompt debate on whether compulsory pension contributions and extended working ages are necessary solutions.
High-demand for leaders that ‘inspire’
Workers report a significant “inspiration gap” with employers, craving trust, conversation, and praise from leaders. Yet only 40% say they receive this, with less than one in four witnessing inspiring leadership behaviors in their workplace, according to research from the Chartered Management Institute.
Half of workers say ‘no’ to working into old age
A survey of 1,500 office workers reveals that 52% prefer not to work beyond State Pension age, despite policy recommendations to extend working lives. The research highlights that older workers now comprise a significant portion of office workforces, with most prioritizing work-life balance and flexible benefits.
The New HR Charter: Part 11a – Auditing HR
Auditing HR practices often relies on flawed measures that don’t reflect true effectiveness, such as counting training days delivered annually. The HR Charter addresses this by emphasizing sound investment outcomes over input metrics and promoting learning systems rather than crude performance targets.
Joblessness on the cards says Bank chief
Bank of England Governor Mervyn King has warned that Britain faces rising unemployment and higher inflation risks ahead, despite current low inflation rates of 1.1%. King outlined three explanations for subdued inflation including labour market reforms, productivity improvements, and anchored inflation expectations, but cautioned this favorable period cannot continue indefinitely.
Unemployment falls but jobs market stagnates
Unemployment fell to 1.39 million between June and August, but the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development warns the jobs market has stalled, with negligible net job creation and record economic inactivity masking the official statistics.
CIPD say migrant labour is essential
The CIPD warns that restricting immigration could harm UK firms, as employers increasingly rely on migrant labour to fill professional and technical vacancies. Over half of surveyed employers plan to recruit overseas, with recruitment difficulties forcing nearly 28% to source workers internationally.
TUC calls for compulsory pension contributions
The TUC has called for compulsory employer and employee pension contributions to address a growing pension shortfall affecting the 2020-2030 retiree generation. The move, opposed by business groups who warn of significant costs, comes as policymakers debate whether voluntary pension systems combined with state pensions are sufficient for adequate retirement savings.
HR Tip: Frequent absence with plausible reasons
When an employee frequently calls in absent on Mondays and Fridays with self-certified reasons, address the pattern directly by discussing the business impact, encouraging medical evaluation, and warning that continued absenteeism will trigger disciplinary procedures.
£57 billion a year pension gap revealed
A major pensions report by Adair Turner reveals Britain needs to save £57 billion more annually for retirement to match European standards. The findings suggest raising taxes, increasing personal savings, or encouraging workers to extend their working lives beyond traditional retirement ages.
New NHS minimum wage tabled
Unison is putting NHS pay reform proposals to ballot among its 450,000 health members. The Agenda for Change package includes a new NHS minimum wage of £5.69 per hour, significantly higher than the government’s £4.85 minimum wage, representing the biggest shake-up of NHS pay and conditions since its creation.
Feature: Homeworking – benefit or burden?
UK employers remain skeptical about homeworking despite its potential benefits. While two-thirds of employers fear productivity losses, only 46% currently offer remote work arrangements, even though surveys show it improves work-life balance. Teleworking requires clear contractual agreements on work location, hours, equipment, and expense allowances.
HR Zone Member wire #69 – Can Royal Mail rise above the taunts?
Royal Mail’s performance has been subject to criticism, but closer examination of key statistics reveals surprising results that challenge negative perceptions. This week’s HR Zone newswire also covers the expanding HR outsourcing market and ongoing workplace challenges facing HR professionals.
Finance leader involves staff in a ‘taste-off’
The Funding Corporation is giving all 450 staff members a say in choosing their next canteen caterer through a ‘taste-off’ competition. The finance firm’s leadership believes involving employees in decisions that affect their workplace experience is key to maintaining company culture and staff satisfaction.
Office politics is not a game of chance
Office politics can deliver positive organizational benefits when used constructively, according to a new report that challenges the traditional view of workplace politics as purely damaging. The study reveals that political skills—including self-awareness, integrity, and relationship-building—can unblock barriers to change, accelerate decision-making, and foster greater organizational cohesion when deployed with the right intentions.
Incapacity Benefit claimants falling
Incapacity Benefit claimant numbers fell by nearly 400,000 between 1995 and May 2004, with 2.7 million claiming the benefit. Government pilot programs combining work interviews with financial incentives showed promise in helping sick and disabled people return to work, potentially reducing claims by 110,000 annually.
Insurance giant to axe 1,200 jobs
Royal & Sun Alliance is transferring 1,200 UK jobs to India over two years to save £10 million annually, though the company plans to manage reductions through natural turnover and redeployment. Despite union concerns about offshoring, recent data shows UK call centre employment continues to rise overall.
Fitness First shapes up to meet targets
Fitness First has appointed Peter Boddy as Managing Director to lead a management restructure aimed at improving operational efficiency. The gym chain, Europe’s largest with over 160 UK clubs, plans to cut around 20 support center roles as part of the reorganization.
Smoking ban backed by EU Commissioner
EU Commissioner Designate Markos Kyprianou pledged to protect European youth from tobacco by pushing for a comprehensive smoking ban across the bloc. His proposal, which includes prohibiting smoking in all workplaces and public places, has generated concern among some businesses worried about potential revenue loss.
