Case study: Starting from scratch at Panasonic
Panasonic UK overhauled its training and development process two years ago, implementing competence-based reviews and individual development plans. The changes resulted in a 40% cost reduction and a more motivated workforce by better matching training to employee needs.
February’s themes on HR Zone
HR Zone’s February coverage focuses on retention and reward, with additional emphasis on payroll and HRIS system selection and implementation. The site will feature news, case studies, and insights leading up to the Softworld HR & Payroll event.
‘Work rage’ – how can employers tackle it?
Work rage incidents in UK workplaces can expose employers to significant legal and financial risks, including constructive dismissal claims, health and safety violations, and discrimination lawsuits. Employers should implement zero-tolerance policies, clear disciplinary procedures treating violence as gross misconduct, and robust anti-harassment and whistleblowing mechanisms to protect employees and minimize liability.
New Bill to promote flexible employment for carers
New legislation aims to support working carers by requiring local authorities to inform carers about their rights and promote flexible employment opportunities. British Gas and Carers UK back the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Bill, which seeks to help the 2.3 million people who become carers annually balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
Testing staff for drug taking
Drug testing employees is only appropriate in safety-critical environments like machinery operations and must comply with human rights and data protection laws. Testing without clear workplace policies, voluntary consent, or legitimate health and safety reasons can result in unfair dismissal claims and tribunal action.
HR Tip – Behaviour outside work
Employers generally cannot dismiss employees for off-duty conduct unless it directly affects business relationships or involves representing the company. Disciplinary action is typically inappropriate for personal behavior outside work hours.
Pay gap widens
Pay growth in 2003 widened the gap between high and low earners across temporary and permanent roles. Lower-paid staff saw minimal increases of 1-2%, while top earners gained 6-8%, according to Kelly Services salary research.
Government proposes automatic entry to occupational pension schemes
The UK Government proposes automatic enrollment in occupational pension schemes, allowing employees to opt out rather than requiring active participation. The initiative aims to increase pension savings through improved employee education, online retirement planning tools, and clearer pension information from employers.
New report provides insights into employing disabled people
A Department for Work and Pensions report reveals uneven employer awareness of disability discrimination legislation, with larger organizations and public sector employers showing greater understanding. The study identifies low awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act and misconceptions about adjustment costs as key barriers to hiring disabled workers.
How Did I Get Here? Alison Lewis, Oxfam
Alison Lewis, Corporate Learning & Development Manager at Oxfam, shares her HR career journey from HM Customs & Excise through PricewaterhouseCoopers to her current role in the voluntary sector, where she balances part-time employment with freelance organizational development work.
What makes an employee stay with an organisation?
Employee retention depends on more than competitive salaries. Research shows workers prioritize self-fulfillment, accomplishment, and enjoyment over job security. Companies must strengthen the psychological contract by fostering personal development, positive culture, and meaningful work.
Toshiba demystifies pensions with online information service
Toshiba Information Systems has launched an online pension service that gives employees transparent access to their DC pension information and contribution details. The platform enables staff to view funds instantly, model future scenarios, and access all pension-related documents in one place, simplifying what previously took days to process.
Public sector most likely to use online recruitment
Almost nine in 10 public sector employers use online recruitment to find staff, compared with just over three in four manufacturing companies, according to new research. The IRS survey found that larger organizations and the public sector lead adoption of internet-based hiring methods.
Softworld feature article: Implementing an effective e-recruitment strategy
Learn how to implement an effective e-recruitment strategy across four key areas: candidate attraction, employer branding, process management, and talent pool engagement. Discover why the Internet is now essential for competitive recruitment and how organizations can achieve significant time and cost savings by managing hiring online.
Removal of retirement age will increase health costs
Over half of firms providing health insurance report that removing retirement age limits would increase their costs through higher premiums and claims, according to a Manpower survey. The research reveals 61% of employers were unprepared for age discrimination legislation set to take effect in 2006, despite 78% claiming they don’t discriminate based on age.
HR using job evaluation to deal with equal pay audits
Employers are increasingly using job evaluation to address equal pay audit requirements, with nearly half of surveyed organizations already implementing this technique. Analytical schemes are most popular as they enhance objectivity and help protect against equal pay claims.
Pay settlements remain stable
Pay settlements are holding steady at approximately 3% as the new year pay round begins, according to the latest IRS Pay Databank data showing consistent basic pay awards over the past two years.
Ensure staff are warm in ‘big freeze’, employers warned
During extreme cold weather, employers must maintain a “reasonable temperature” in the workplace, with guidance recommending a minimum of 16°C. UK law requires employers to provide thermometers and conduct risk assessments when heating cannot be maintained, while offering measures like relaxed dress codes and temporary heating systems.
Softworld HR & Payroll preview – Educational programme
Softworld HR & Payroll takes place October 20-21, 2004 at the NEC in Birmingham, featuring free breakfast briefings and masterclasses on HR software selection, payroll legislation, self-service implementation, and e-HR systems from industry experts.
HR Tip – Suspension from work
Learn when you can legally suspend employees from work. You may suspend staff for reasonable periods while continuing to pay normal wages to allow time for emotions to settle or to investigate disciplinary issues, provided suspension doesn’t extend beyond a few days.
