Eurostar workers set to strike
Eurostar workers voted overwhelmingly to strike over pay and conditions, including staff travel benefits and family-friendly policies. The RMT union will set strike dates if the company makes no progress by Friday, potentially coordinating with sister unions in France and Belgium.
Employers in the dark on new dispute regulations
New employment dispute regulations taking effect October 1, 2004 require employers to follow a formal three-step procedure for dismissals and grievances, but awareness among UK businesses remains dangerously low, according to the Federation of Small Businesses.
Softworld feature: Employment law update
Stuart Chamberlain will host a free employment law update at the Softworld HR & Payroll event on October 21, covering recent legislation, case law developments, and forthcoming changes affecting the employment relationship.
Softworld feature: Payroll legislative changes
Adrian Hobbs discusses upcoming payroll legislative changes at the Softworld HR & Payroll seminar on October 20, covering mandatory electronic payments, e-filing requirements, National Insurance numbers, company cars, childcare provisions, and share scheme reporting.
Retailers launch Christmas recruitment campaigns
Retailers are stepping up Christmas recruitment earlier than ever, with 83% launching festive hiring campaigns. However, a new survey reveals concerning gaps in hiring practices, with most retailers failing to check temporary worker references or ensure HR compliance with employment law.
Blair pushes for historic third term
Prime Minister Tony Blair unveiled a ten-point plan at Labour’s annual conference aimed at supporting working families, covering pensions, education, healthcare, and employment. The proposal includes vocational training expansion, pension reform, increased minimum wage, and broadband rollout by 2008, though Conservative critics dismissed it as lacking substance.
Feature: Focus on ‘Identity theft’
Identity theft accounts for nearly 40% of UK white-collar crime. Learn what warning signs to watch for—from shoulder surfing to phishing scams—and discover practical steps to protect your business and employees from this costly threat.
Softworld HR & Payroll preview: New product launches
Softworld HR & Payroll will showcase new products and services from leading vendors on October 20-21, 2004 at the NEC in Birmingham. Highlights include new HR and payroll solutions, recruitment tools, occupational sick pay modules, and enterprise-level systems from companies like Sage, Intellect, and Select Software.
One in four jobs to go at P&O
P&O Ferries is cutting 1,200 jobs and closing four routes due to declining passenger numbers caused by budget airlines, the Eurotunnel, and changing travel habits. The shipping company plans to refocus on premium customers but faces strong union opposition to the redundancies.
HR Tip: Employing EU nationals
EU nationals from certain accession states like Poland must be verified as eligible to work in the UK, despite having the right to employment. Employers face £5,000 fines for failing to check documents or ensure workers register with the Home Office within 30 days of starting work.
Softworld speaker to denounce technology benefits
David Halliday, senior partner at The Quo Group, will argue at the Softworld HR & Payroll event that new technology and training often fail to improve staff behavior and performance. He’ll present a model helping HR professionals assess how systems are selected and implemented based on actual value delivery.
How Did I Get Here? Irene Burwin, HMG Paint
Irene Burwin, HR and Training Manager at HMG Paint, shares her career journey from Sales Administrator to HR leadership. She emphasizes the importance of professional qualifications and persistence, crediting her Sales Manager mentor and winning Investors in People status as key achievements in her rewarding HR career.
HR Zone Members Newswire #67 – ‘Big hat no cattle?’
HR Zone Members Newswire Issue 67 explores whether HR professionals can survive outsourcing pressures and embrace strategic HR business partner roles. The newsletter features commentary on the future of HR, practical employment tips including guidance on hiring EU nationals, and highlights from major HR organizations joining the community.
The New HR Charter: Part 10 – Where does HR go after outsourcing?
HR outsourcing reflects a profession struggling to prove strategic value beyond administrative functions. To thrive, HR professionals must develop expertise in strategy, organisation design, and business partnership rather than competing on cost. The HR Charter emphasizes building value-adding skills that deliver sustainable competitive advantage.
HR embraces e-recruitment
Nearly half of HR professionals now recruit at least 10% of their workforce online, though most view e-recruitment as a supplement to traditional methods rather than a complete replacement. A survey also found that staff absenteeism costs organizations significantly, with most concerned about work-life balance impacts from remote working technologies.
Be prepared for new dispute regulations, say Citizens Advice
New dispute resolution procedures for workplace grievances, dismissals, and disciplinary actions take effect on October 1st. Both employers and employees must follow a three-step process involving written explanations, face-to-face meetings, and appeals, or risk reduced compensation awards in Employment Tribunal claims.
Minimum wage increase triggers fierce debate
The UK’s National Minimum Wage is increasing to £4.85 from £4.50 on October 1st, sparking debate between unions and business groups. The TUC argues employment has grown with previous wage increases, while the CBI warns businesses cannot sustain further rapid hikes.
Editor’s Comment: HR – ‘Big hat no cattle’?
HR faces persistent criticism about its business value, with some arguing the function is purely administrative rather than strategic. As outsourcing and employee self-service grow, HR departments must evolve beyond administrative tasks to focus on strategic people development to remain relevant.
EU falls short of employment target
The EU’s employment rate stalled at 63% in 2003, falling short of its 70% target. With limited growth predicted ahead, the European Commission warned the bloc faces significant challenges in achieving its goal to become the world’s most competitive economy by 2010.
Ex-offenders offer vacancies solution
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) says hiring ex-offenders could help address critical skills shortages and unfilled vacancies. With over 85% of employers struggling to recruit suitable candidates and 20% of the working population having criminal convictions, ex-offenders represent an underutilized talent pool. The CIPD calls for tailored training programs and government support to help employers confidently integrate ex-offenders into the workforce.
