Court of Appeal considers ‘rolled-up’ holiday pay
The Court of Appeal has ruled that ‘rolled-up’ holiday pay, where holiday entitlement is paid as part of regular wages rather than during time off, complies with the EU Working Time Directive. The court determined that the Directive does not require payment to be received when holidays are taken, allowing employers to incorporate holiday pay into standard wages.
Revised draft code on racial equality in employment
The Commission for Racial Equality has released a revised statutory Code of Practice on Racial Equality in Employment for consultation. The updated code reflects amendments to the Race Relations Act and new EU legislation, including guidance on positive action, ethnic monitoring, and racial equality policies to help employers meet their legal obligations.
Employees search for more ‘meaning’ in their work
A new study finds that 70% of employees seek greater meaning in their work, with lack of purpose damaging morale and retention rates. Organizations that address workplace meaning through aligned values, clear goals, and supportive leadership can improve staff retention and manage change more effectively.
UK workers regain career confidence
UK workers are regaining career confidence, with only 21% now fearing layoffs compared to 29% six months ago, according to a global survey. The UK ranks among the most confident nations worldwide, with employees increasingly optimistic about finding similar jobs at comparable pay.
Pregnant nursery worker wins sex discrimination case
A trainee nursery nurse won her sex discrimination case after being fired for pregnancy, receiving £7,473 compensation. The Birmingham tribunal ruling highlights ongoing workplace discrimination despite clear legal protections for pregnant employees.
Planning to recruit accession country workers?
A survey of 101 HR professionals found that 39% plan to recruit from EU accession countries to address skills shortages, though most expect these workers to stay only 18-24 months. While 82% of employers see long-term solutions requiring investment in UK vocational training, recruitment from accession countries offers a temporary talent pool for specific skills gaps.
Could your organisation be Employer of the Year?
The Working Families Employer of the Year Awards 2004 recognize organizations with innovative work-life balance practices, including new flexible working policies for men and carers’ support initiatives. Companies of all sizes can apply across multiple award categories by July 16, 2004.
HR Tip – Extended holidays
Employers cannot automatically terminate employees for missing extended unpaid holiday return dates. Instead, you must investigate their absence and follow standard disciplinary procedures, as signed agreements alone don’t override employment law protections.
Reward managers have best paid HR jobs
Reward managers earn 12% more than the average HR professional salary, according to a survey of 7,825 HR jobs across public, private, and voluntary sectors. The research also reveals significant pay variations by sector and a 22% gender pay gap among personnel directors.
Review: On Staffing
On Staffing compiles insights from 50 HR leaders on recruiting, developing, and retaining talent in an aging workforce. This collection of case studies and perspectives addresses employer branding, generational shifts, and outsourced recruiting, though it raises questions rather than providing structured solutions for staffing challenges.
Employee benefits – free guide for HR Zone members
Access a free employee benefits guide from TaxZone offering practical advice on structuring remuneration packages and childcare benefits. HR Zone members can subscribe to all 10 guides for £69 + VAT, covering company vehicles, tax-saving strategies, and compensation payments.
Russell Martin, HR Director Prudential, on flexible benefits
Russell Martin, HR Director at Prudential, explains how the company implemented a flexible benefits scheme called ‘You Choose’ to harmonize employee terms across nine businesses and allow staff to tailor their benefits package to suit individual lifestyle needs and circumstances.
Total reward statements may improve retention
Online total reward statements that show employees their complete compensation package—including salary, pensions, healthcare, and other benefits—could significantly improve staff retention and recruitment, according to HR professionals surveyed by Mercer.
3 million workers would ask for bogus sick notes
Nearly three million UK workers would consider asking their GP for a bogus sick note, with men twice as likely as women to do so, according to new research. Doctors estimate almost a quarter of annual sick-note requests are questionable, while GPs suggest many patients could work part-time or in different roles if employers were more flexible.
HR Tip – Changed terms of employment
When employees agree to changes in hours or holiday arrangements, you don’t need to issue new contracts. Simply provide written confirmation of the changes within one month. Consider issuing new contracts only if existing ones are outdated or unclear.
Graduates seek public sector jobs for work-life balance
Recent graduate surveys reveal that public sector jobs are increasingly attractive due to superior work-life balance and job security compared to private sector roles. Over 55% of undergraduates cite job stability as a key motivator, though many express concerns about limited recruitment information and outdated perceptions of public service careers.
Implementing flexible benefits at Prudential
Prudential’s ‘You Choose’ flexible benefits scheme implemented an award-winning communications strategy combining traditional media, face-to-face meetings with benefits champions, roadshow events, and digital tools to engage employees and help them make informed choices about their benefits packages.
Review: Strategic Compensation
This third edition textbook by Joseph J Martocchio provides a comprehensive 505-page guide to strategic compensation management across 14 chapters. Written with a strong American focus and organized for 10-week or 15-week courses, it covers compensation strategy, pay structures, benefit design, and contemporary challenges with learning objectives, case studies, and an extensive glossary.
Age Positive launch national awards to find Britain’s age crusaders
Age Positive, a Department for Work and Pensions campaign against age discrimination, has launched national awards to recognize employers and individuals challenging ageism in employment across England, Scotland, and Wales. The 2004 Awards seek entries from organizations demonstrating age diversity in recruitment and individuals who overcame age discrimination in their careers.
Freedom of speech or harassment?
Workplace harassment is defined by the recipient’s perception, not the speaker’s intent. Employers face legal liability for discrimination claims and harassment—now covered under anti-discrimination legislation with unlimited compensation—if they ignore inappropriate comments, jokes, or unwelcome behavior from staff.
