The New HR Charter: Part 9 – Unions have no part to play
The author argues that unions have no place in organizations seeking to maximize value through effective workforce management. Union presence signals a lack of trust between management and employees, which undermines the engaged, motivated workplace necessary for organizational success.
Intellect to showcase products at Softworld
Intellect will showcase its complete HR and payroll product portfolio at Softworld on 20-21 October at the NEC Birmingham. The company offers three solution options including modular Workforce modules, the Indiga solution for larger organisations, and standalone Ochre Payroll, all featuring customisable softscreens for non-technical users.
Training Investment Rises by 50%
Business investment in employee training has risen sharply, with 51% of UK employers increasing spending according to the CBI’s Employment Trends 2004 survey. Most employers focus on job-specific training to ensure workforce competency, though over half have also expanded generic skills development. Despite high satisfaction with training providers, nearly a quarter of businesses report being seriously affected by skill shortages.
Employment law quiz
Test your knowledge of UK employment law with this expert-led quiz covering unfair dismissal compensation, discrimination, grievances, flexible working, and maternity rights. Employers and employees can assess their understanding of key workplace regulations and legal obligations.
Evaluation – Any Time, Any Place, Any Where
Online assessments help organizations measure training effectiveness and employee knowledge retention, enabling companies to prove the value of learning programs and secure continued funding for development initiatives.
Feature: Implementing an email policy
HR departments must balance employee monitoring with legal compliance when implementing email policies. Monitoring is governed by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, Data Protection Act, and Human Rights Act, requiring clear policies that define acceptable use while protecting privacy rights and business interests.
Management Training to Drive Improvement
Motor dealers are testing a new Certificate and Diploma in Automotive Retail Management, launched by Automotive Skills to improve standards and develop excellence in management and leadership across the automotive industry. The qualification, awarded jointly by the Chartered Management Institute and Institute of the Motor Industry, combines online assessments with workplace assignments and includes peer reviews.
HR Zone gets incentivised
HR Zone explores the strangest employee incentives offered by UK businesses, from hamster-shaped radios to inflatable sun loungers. The article reveals how companies use unconventional rewards alongside premium perks like Concorde flights and spa days to motivate staff.
The Way I See It… Management Development is a Business Priority
Effective manager development is critical for business success. Companies that invest in training managers’ people skills create motivated, productive teams, improve employee retention, and gain competitive advantage in today’s challenging global marketplace.
Case Study: Bayer Pharmaceuticals’ Development Centres
Bayer Pharmaceuticals redesigned its development centres for measuring employee capability and identifying future leaders by implementing manager training and technology-based feedback systems. The changes improved assessment quality, reduced administrative costs by 70%, and reinforced the company’s commitment to employee development in a high-attrition industry.
Feature: Flexible working in the caring industry
Flexible working arrangements help employees in the caring industry balance professional responsibilities with unpaid care duties. HSA, a health insurer, offers over 220 flexible working patterns, dependent leave, and support services to assist its 29 employees who are carers—reflecting the one-in-ten national statistic.
Topaz to unveil new products at Softworld
Topaz will launch its latest Financials package and EMS payroll solution at Softworld Accounting and Finance on October 20-21 in Birmingham. The update includes new data warehousing capabilities and web-based access via the Topaz web kiosk.
Feature: Changing attitudes towards work
Employers increasingly recognise flexible working as important for employee commitment, yet only half of British workers report having this opportunity despite 96% of organisations offering flexible policies. Societal changes—including more women in the workforce and extended working lives—are driving demand for work arrangements that accommodate diverse lifestyle needs beyond traditional family-friendly options.
Feature: When employee benefits affect your business
Employee benefits like duvet days and flexible working can boost morale, but poorly managed policies risk damaging business operations. Employers must implement careful scheduling and restrictions to ensure benefits increase productivity and satisfaction without compromising staffing levels or customer service.
Online Disability Act Guide
The British Retail Consortium and Disability Rights Commission have released a guide helping retailers comply with Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act, which requires reasonable adjustments to premises and services for disabled people. The guide explains legal duties, defines “reasonable” accommodations, and offers practical suggestions for improving disabled customer access.
HR Tip: Wage deductions for parking fines
Employers can only deduct parking fines from employee wages with written consent. It’s best practice to establish clear company rules stating that employees are responsible for their own parking fines, regardless of vehicle ownership.
Welcome to The Leadership Economy
David Taylor argues that the knowledge economy has failed to deliver sustainable value despite billions spent on training and change initiatives. He proposes moving beyond the Information Age toward a Leadership Economy that prioritizes purpose, clarity, and empowering people’s natural talents rather than implementing ineffective top-down change programs.
Meet the Revenue and learn about PAYE e-filing
The Inland Revenue is promoting online PAYE e-filing at Softworld’s HR & Payroll event on 20 October. Large employers must file online from next year, with financial incentives and penalties encouraging adoption. Small employers can earn £825 tax-free over five years by filing online voluntarily.
IT Recruitment Set to Double
IT recruitment is surging with 56% of managers planning to hire staff in 2004, double the previous year’s figure. London and the North East show the strongest demand, particularly in banking and finance sectors.
Case study: campaign for learning
Campaign for Learning, a UK charity founded in 1997, promotes lifelong learning to address poor literacy and numeracy skills affecting millions of adults. Through initiatives like “Learning at Work Day,” the organization helps employees develop essential skills while highlighting the importance of continuous learning in the workplace.
