A-grades get mixed response
A-Level pass rates hit 96% this summer, prompting debate over academic standards. While schools minister Dave Miliband praised student achievement, the Institute of Directors called for grading system reforms, arguing high A-grade volumes make top candidates harder to identify.
Top marks pose recruitment challenge
Rising exam grades are creating recruitment challenges for employers who struggle to differentiate between top-achieving candidates. While universities and recruiters find selection increasingly difficult, the CIPD advises focusing on detailed job specifications and candidates’ application presentation rather than relying solely on exam results.
HR equals better pay
A new Hay Group survey found that HR professionals with “Human Resources” job titles earn approximately 10% more than those called “Personnel,” largely due to industry sector differences. The study of 10,000 HR professionals revealed that HR departments are concentrated in higher-paying private sectors like pharmaceuticals and oil, while Personnel roles are more common in lower-paying public and retail sectors.
Trouble hits HR in manufacturing
Manufacturing HR faces mounting pressures from reduced training budgets, high collective redundancies at 30%, and low voluntary staff turnover of 6.6%. Despite economic challenges, pay awards have increased to a median of 3%, while absence costs average £727 per employee.
CIPD Director General heads for Brazil
Geoff Armstrong, Director General of the CIPD, assumes the presidency of the World Federation of Personnel Management Association following his election. He spoke at the HR Management World Congress in Brazil about the link between people motivation, performance, and business outcomes.
Case Study: Developing Young Talent at Metro
Metro Cash and Carry launched its Young Internationals Programme to develop and retain junior talent under 30. The 12-month modular course combines internal and external training focused on transferable skills like leadership, facilitation, and intercultural business understanding.
Scots in hiring frenzy
Scottish recruitment has surged to its strongest level in a year, driven by economic optimism and rising business confidence. The hiring boom is creating skill shortages and pushing up starting salaries across permanent and temporary positions, with hotel and catering roles in highest demand.
Collective redundancies
Employers proposing to dismiss 20 or more employees within 90 days must consult affected workers’ representatives in good time about avoiding redundancies, reducing numbers, and mitigating consequences. Consultation must begin early with genuine consideration of alternatives, not with decisions already made.
Disgruntled professionals plan career swap
A new survey reveals that one in three office workers plan to change careers, seeking greater freedom and fulfillment. The research found that professionals are increasingly drawn to practical roles, with lawyers considering farms, architects eyeing art, and accountants exploring legal practice.
How Did I Get Here? Paul Kay, Moat House Hotels
Paul Kay, Customer Sales Training Manager at Moat House Hotels, shares his career journey from hotel reception manager to training specialist. He oversees training and development for customer sales teams across 33 hotels while supporting revenue maximization strategies in a competitive hospitality market.
Tips to Help Get the Best Out of Training
Learn how to maximize career development training with expert tips from motivator Pete Cohen. His pre, during, and post-training strategies—inspired by Olympic athletes and sports stars—help you identify weaknesses, stay committed, and apply what you learn to succeed.
E-Learning at PepsiCo
PepsiCo UK launched e-learning in desktop IT skills to increase computer literacy across the company. The courses, accessible through Thomson NETg’s hosted platform, offer a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional instructor-led training, allowing employees to learn at their own pace.
HR Zone Members Newswire #61 – Editor’s Comment: ‘Compensation culture’ – fact or fiction?
Employment tribunal claims rose 17 percent last year in Britain, sparking debate over whether a true “compensation culture” exists. HR Zone explores the growing trend of sex discrimination claims and examines the facts behind these rising numbers.
HR Tip – Disciplinary records notetaking
Effective disciplinary hearing note-taking requires balancing listening and writing. Use the courtroom approach: listen briefly, pause the speaker to write, then resume—this ensures accuracy and gives speakers time to reflect on their responses.
Bosses make basic employment law blunders
A survey by Croner Consulting reveals the top 10 employment law mistakes bosses commonly make, from misunderstanding notice periods to incorrectly dismissing workers. These misconceptions—including myths about verbal contracts, redundancy procedures, and casual worker status—leave employers vulnerable to unfair dismissal claims and legal disputes.
Retirement age debated
Most employers reject CBI recommendations to raise retirement age to 70 by 2030, with 85% disagreeing. New age discrimination laws will protect older workers and require employers to reconsider mandatory retirement practices.
Cowboys give coaching a bad name
A new CIPD survey reveals that inexperienced “cowboy” coaching operators lack proper training and qualifications, undermining the credibility of professional coaching services. The research highlights gaps in industry standards and ethics, with unqualified practitioners damaging the field’s reputation by delivering poor results.
BA strikes loom
British Airways staff are voting on strikes over pay disputes, with 3,000 GMB union members already backing industrial action. The strikes could cause summer travel chaos, as the airline rejected staff demands despite posting profits and awarding executives significant pay rises.
Ethical employment policies only scratch the surface
Many employers use ethical employment policies as public relations exercises rather than genuine organizational tools, with half unable to measure their impact on employee relations. Despite 70% of organizations implementing such policies, job applicants show little concern for corporate ethics when choosing employers.
Graduate workers are ‘bored’
A survey of over 1,000 graduates reveals widespread career dissatisfaction, with one-third bored and 60% unable to use their degree at work. Half of respondents fell into their careers without planning, with repetitive tasks and underutilization of skills driving 27% to consider switching careers.
