Case Study: NHS Lothian improving IT literacy
NHS Lothian partnered with Thomson NETg to deliver European computer driving licence training to over 11,000 staff, addressing a critical gap where roughly 50% lacked basic IT skills. The flexible program aimed to improve staff efficiency and patient care while accommodating busy healthcare workers with irregular schedules.
HR Tip – Sex discrimination
Employers must ensure recruitment practices don’t discriminate based on sex, either directly or indirectly. Hiring only male apprentices while rejecting equally qualified female candidates violates sex discrimination law. Recruiters should actively encourage applications from all genders and avoid selection criteria that disadvantage one sex.
Going back to work appeals to future retirees
Half of Britain’s adult population would consider returning to work after retirement, according to new research from Whitbread. Keeping minds active and escaping domestic routines ranked higher than financial reasons for working into old age, with 73% citing mental stimulation as a key motivation.
Skipping work is on the increase
A new UK survey reveals workplace absenteeism is surging, with 85% of employers reporting increased uncertified absences compared to 63% in 1998. Nearly all employees admitted to fabricating excuses to skip work, costing businesses millions annually.
Recruitment drive for women bus drivers
Metroline is recruiting women bus drivers through an open day on August 25, aiming to increase female representation from just 6% of London’s bus workforce. Modern vehicles with power-assisted steering have removed physical barriers to the role, making it accessible to all candidates.
Feature: HR’s role in outsourcing
HR plays a critical role in successful outsourcing initiatives. Early involvement of HR departments in strategic planning, coupled with transparent communication and change management, helps minimize staff resistance and ensures smoother transitions when organizations outsource functions like IT services.
Tribunals could spiral
A new survey reveals 97% of businesses are unaware of statutory dispute resolution rules taking effect in October, potentially exposing employers to costly Employment Tribunal claims if proper disciplinary and grievance procedures aren’t followed.
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.
