CBI warns school leavers fail to make business grade
A CBI survey reveals that one-in-three companies must provide remedial training in literacy and numeracy to school leavers, highlighting gaps in basic education that cost employers over £23bn annually to address.
Staff receive cost of living increase
Pay awards have returned to 3% for both public and private sector workers, matching headline inflation. However, exactly half of all pay deals are worth less than a year ago, with manufacturing settling at just 2.5%.
Workers give thumbs up to training
A new study shows employee satisfaction with training has risen to 62%, up from 53% in 1999. However, satisfaction varies significantly by sector, with retail workers at 70% compared to just 47% in the hi-tech industry, reflecting differing budget constraints and business challenges.
National slavery remembered
On this day in 1791, African slaves revolted in St Domingo, marking a pivotal moment in the abolition of slavery. The Trades Union Congress calls for government recognition of a National Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, with events planned across the UK to honor those affected by slavery’s legacy.
BA strike suspended
British Airways averted threatened strike action after agreeing to an 8.5% pay increase over three years for baggage handlers, check-in agents and ground staff. The deal, which includes £1000 lump sum payments and a new absence policy, would have caused disruptions at major UK airports including Heathrow and Gatwick.
Workers fear productivity hangover
Over half of UK workers surveyed fear that 24-hour pub licensing laws will reduce productivity, with alcohol abuse already costing businesses £2.8 billion annually in lost working days. Retail and distribution workers express the most concern, while younger employees—most likely to use extended hours—also worry about workplace impacts.
The numbers game
HR metrics are essential for measuring recruiting effectiveness and delivering business benefits. This guide outlines nine practical steps for implementing a metrics strategy, from aligning with business objectives to ensuring proper data analysis and integration with existing systems.
Employers shy away from pensions
A TUC survey found that fewer than one in ten job adverts mention pensions, raising questions about employer transparency. The union argues companies should be required to disclose pension schemes, though the British Chambers of Commerce says mandatory disclosure could burden smaller businesses.
Eurostar to strike over pay and grading
Eurostar staff at Waterloo and Ashford terminals will strike for 24 hours on 28 August over pay and grading disputes, following similar action by British Airways staff over the bank holiday weekend.
Editor’s Comment: Working the reward schemes
Royal Mail and British Airways have introduced attendance bonus schemes offering rewards like cars and cash to employees with minimal sick leave. These initiatives raise questions about whether financial incentives effectively motivate employee commitment or simply encourage staff to show up despite illness.
Citizens Advice Bureaux calls upon HR skills
Citizens Advice Bureaux is recruiting volunteers with HR skills to help address the 560,000+ employment problems it handles annually, including discrimination, dismissal, and redundancy cases. The charity seeks experienced professionals to support its volunteer-led service across local communities.
BBC paid criminal £40,000
The BBC and Channel 4 faced criticism for paying James Raven £40,000 annually for surveillance work, despite his conviction for involvement in a murder and a 14-month prison sentence. Police highlighted concerns about television companies employing convicted criminals as researchers.
Case Study: Employee development hits the right chord
The Scottish Executive successfully implemented a major change programme by partnering with a chartered occupational psychologist to take a psychological approach to employee development. By addressing employees’ emotions and concerns about restructuring while providing clear communication about expectations, the organisation achieved significant improvements in attitudes, behaviour, and morale across newly formed cross-functional teams.
UK parliament accused of being ‘asleep on the job’
The Confederation of British Industry accuses UK Parliament of neglecting scrutiny of European legislation, with the CBI calling for reforms to increase national influence over EU lawmaking. The employers’ organization warns that over half of UK business laws originate from the European Commission, yet MPs lack adequate oversight mechanisms.
The Way I See It… Companies Must Wise up to Business Benefits of Training
Strategic training and development are essential for business success, yet many UK organizations underinvest in staff learning. Leading companies recognize that employee development directly impacts productivity and competitive advantage, requiring top-down commitment from executives and long-term integration into business strategy.
Basic skills in decline
Despite near 100% A-Level pass rates, employers report declining verbal and numerical reasoning skills among graduate job seekers compared to 1996. Standardized assessment tests show candidates are struggling with basic reasoning abilities, raising concerns about the value of academic qualifications.
Finance sector fails to engage key players
Financial services firms struggle with talent development, with 61% of HR directors saying their organisations fail to develop key talent effectively. Despite most having talent management programmes, only 18% report success at retaining top recruits, indicating that salary alone cannot compete with competitors.
Employee or contractor? You decide
Treating contractors like employees through performance appraisals, training, and disciplinary procedures can expose companies to Employment Tribunal claims for employee status. HR managers must balance oversight needs with maintaining proper contractor boundaries to avoid costly legal risks.
E-blunders cause embarrassment
Nearly a quarter of employees have experienced email miscommunication with colleagues or clients, often due to misinterpreted humor, according to a Department of Trade and Industry survey. The findings highlight the importance of email etiquette and clear communication practices in the workplace.
Absence goes sky-high at BA
British Airways has offered a £1,000 bonus to workers with good attendance records as part of negotiations to avert planned bank holiday strikes. The incentive scheme rewards staff with fewer than 16 days sick leave over two years, alongside an 8.5% pay rise offer. However, unions have rejected the deal, citing concerns that pay should not be linked to absence rates.
