CIPD calls time on classroom training
The CIPD warns that traditional classroom training no longer meets modern business needs, calling for organisations to foster a learning culture instead. As rapid change makes classroom-based learning quickly obsolete, successful companies must encourage employees to actively pursue continuous skill development and knowledge sharing.
Employers vow to adopt holistic reward approach
Employers are adopting holistic reward strategies combining pay, career development, and workplace flexibility to improve retention. A Watson Wyatt survey found two in five employees plan to leave within a year, citing lack of advancement and poor management relationships rather than salary alone.
CBI calls on government to address pension crisis
The CBI calls on the government to address the UK’s pension crisis, releasing figures showing employer contributions rose by £19bn to £37bn between 1997 and 2003. The group opposes mandatory pension schemes and suggests raising the state pension by 32% while increasing the retirement age to 70.
Softworld feature: Selecting and implementing HR software
Learn how to select and implement HR software effectively, from planning and building a business case to navigating vendors and managing change. Expert guidance covers critical success factors, market trends, and ROI strategies.
Editor’s Comment: Can Royal Mail rise above the taunts?
Royal Mail faces intense media criticism over its attendance reward scheme and missed performance targets, but the organization may ultimately succeed with sweeping industrial reforms. The article examines whether public perception of poor service reflects reality or outdated assumptions about the postal institution.
Businesses unprepared for information and consultation regulations
Nearly 90% of organizations with over 150 employees remain unprepared for the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations, which take effect April 6, 2005. Despite HR professionals acknowledging the legislation’s significant impact, most companies have yet to establish required employee consultation processes, with implementation deadlines approaching.
Harsh new rules of procedure in Employment Tribunals
New Employment Tribunal procedural rules now enforce strict time limits and require detailed information, with less flexibility for non-compliance. Businesses and claimants must adapt to stricter requirements, including a 28-day response deadline and potential cost orders for vexatious or misconceived claims.
Review: Leadership the Sven-Goran Eriksson Way
Explore leadership lessons from Sven-Goran Eriksson’s management style in this business review. Authors Birkinshaw and Crainer examine how Eriksson’s calm approach and trust-based methods in football apply to modern organizational leadership across global cultures and industries.
Three-quarters of charities face skills shortfall
Three-quarters of charities identify staffing and skills shortages as a significant risk, yet only half invest in training to address the gaps. Senior management positions face the greatest shortage, according to a new Charity Finance Directors’ Group report.
Scottish website rolls-out service to blind jobseekers
ScottishJobs.com launches new accessibility features for blind and partially-sighted jobseekers, including Braille displays and audible on-screen information. The move addresses employment discrimination that prevents three-quarters of visually impaired people from gaining work.
HR outsourcing market set to expand
The global HR business process outsourcing market is projected to grow 21% annually and reach $7 billion within four years, driven by multi-process service offerings and cost reductions of 20-40% for businesses. Manufacturing and financial services lead adoption, with ADP commanding 17% market share.
Feature: Intelligent recruiting
Many companies use reactive, inefficient recruitment processes that waste time and money while damaging employer brand. Implementing structured, proactive resourcing strategies helps HR departments maximize their recruitment budget and attract quality candidates in a competitive market.
Marks & Spencer accused of bullying staff
Marks & Spencer is adjusting store staff working hours to improve customer service during peak periods, but the Transport & General Workers’ Union claims the retailer is using bullying tactics, with staff reporting they’re being pressured to work an extra one to two hours per shift.
HR Tip: Bad language in the workplace
Employers can address employee profanity in the workplace by treating it as unacceptable behavior rather than a personality trait. While not always harassment, offensive language that upsets coworkers warrants disciplinary action if the employee fails to improve after warnings.
No smiles for the camera as Kodak shut factory
Kodak announced plans to close its Nottinghamshire factory and cut 600 UK jobs, citing declining film sales as digital photography dominates. The restructuring reflects shifting consumer preferences, with digital camera sales significantly outpacing traditional film.
Workers in pensions gloom
Four in ten UK workers believe they won’t have enough income for retirement, with property investment seen as the main solution, according to Nationwide research. Women and those aged 30-44 express the highest pension concerns, while confidence in home values has significantly declined.
Softworld Feature: E-HR at Devon County Council
Devon County Council implemented specialized E-HR software to manage training and development for 12,000 employees, replacing time-consuming spreadsheet systems. John Thorndyke will share insights on streamlining learning and development, system implementation best practices, and measuring E-HR performance at the Softworld HR event.
UK job creation tops 20,000
Nearly 23,000 jobs were created across 21 UK industries in September, driven by strong growth in energy, hospitality, and property sectors, according to the Mandis/Adecco Job Creation Index.
CIPD unveils new reward qualification
The CIPD has launched a new advanced certificate in reward management to address the growing specialization of reward within human resources. The qualification covers base and variable pay, benefits, pensions, and reward strategy across all sectors, helping professionals develop customized compensation systems aligned with organizational goals.
Pay day hangovers trigger rising ‘sickies’
A new poll shows that eight out of ten workers admit to taking sick days after weekend drinking, with absences spiking around payday when employees tend to drink more heavily.
