Employers of the Year 2003
The 2003 Employer of the Year Awards recognized organizations excelling in work-life balance and flexible working practices. Winners included Telford and Wrekin Borough Council, Birmingham and Solihull Jobcentre Plus, Central Scotland Forest Trust, Happy Computers, Citigroup, and Farrelly Engineering.
Employee computer schemes
The Government’s Home Computing Initiative allows employers to offer tax-advantaged computer schemes through salary sacrifice, enabling employees to acquire home computers tax-free while reducing employer National Insurance costs and boosting workforce IT skills.
European anti-discrimination law
EU member states are harmonizing anti-discrimination laws to ensure employees enjoy equal rights across borders. Employers face compliance challenges, and a multi-country task force is developing implementation guidance and training resources for HR professionals and legal experts.
How Did I Get Here? Jean-Bertrand de Lartigue , HR2all Ltd
Jean-Bertrand de Lartigue, Chairman of HR2all Ltd, transitioned from a 22-year career at Motorola in general management and finance to founding an HR technology company. After struggling to find HR support for organizational transformations, he identified that HR professionals spend 65-70% of their time on administration, limiting their strategic impact. His company aims to automate HR administration so professionals can focus on business partnership roles.
Dealing with the religious discrimination regulations
The Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 make discrimination and harassment based on religion or philosophical belief unlawful in the workplace. Unlike previous laws that only protected certain faiths linked to ethnic origin, these regulations extend protection broadly, creating challenges for employers in determining which beliefs qualify and managing religious issues throughout employment.
Practical tips on the new discrimination regulations
Two new UK employment regulations take effect in December 2003 to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and religious belief. The laws cover all stages of employment, including recruitment and dismissal, and employers must ensure policies comply with protections against direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimization.
Firms urged to review diversity policies
New regulations prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and religion or belief take effect in December. The CIPD urges employers to immediately review and update their equality and diversity policies to comply with the new laws and avoid legal vulnerability.
HR calls for mandatory board level assessment
HR professionals increasingly advocate for mandatory psychological assessments in board-level recruitment, with 68% supporting compulsory personality evaluations for CEO selection. The assessments help identify leadership ability, risk attitudes, and potential for power abuse, addressing growing concerns about corporate accountability.
Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003
The UK’s Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, effective December 11, 2003, require businesses to obtain prior consent before sending commercial emails to new prospects. Existing customers can still receive marketing emails but must have the option to opt out, while phone marketing remains under opt-out rules.
Mobile phone law: minimising the risks
With most employers lacking effective communication on mobile phone driving laws, companies face significant legal and financial risks. This guide outlines essential steps for employers: implement clear policies, conduct risk assessments, establish disciplinary procedures, and review working schedules to prevent accidents and liability claims.
HR Tip – selection for redundancy
Redundancy applies to the person dismissed, not the job itself. Employers can select from a broader group of employees based on objective business needs, such as length of service, even if another employee’s position is eliminated—a practice known as “bumping.”
The new mobile phone law
New mobile phone driving laws taking effect December 1, 2003 will prohibit hand-held device use while driving, with penalties including £30 fines and three penalty points. Employers must establish clear policies on employee mobile phone use while driving to ensure compliance and avoid liability.
Training trends for blended learning
Over half of organisations now use blended learning—combining e-learning and face-to-face training—as part of their training strategy, according to a recent study. More than half of respondents reported time savings compared to traditional classroom training, with nearly a quarter delivering over half their training through blended approaches.
Community feature: Introducing…
Karen Caddick, Head of HR at Channel 5, discusses her career journey in human resources, including her transition from business process re-engineering, key experiences during organizational mergers, and how HR has evolved to become a critical business partner over the past decade.
Firms opt for short-term international assignments
Nearly 4 in 10 multinational companies are increasing short-term international assignments over long-term placements due to lower costs and greater flexibility. A Mercer survey of 35,000 employees found that short-term assignments reduce family disruption and offer more project-oriented benefits, though companies continue providing housing allowances, mobility premiums, and family support services.
How to conduct a stress audit
A stress audit helps organisations identify pressure points and areas where employees may be experiencing stress, enabling improvements to workforce wellbeing and performance. Key steps include defining clear ownership, specifying objectives, communicating transparently with employees, and selecting appropriate methodology for data collection.
Employers risk discriminating through aptitude tests
Employers using aptitude tests in recruitment risk discrimination claims if they fail to accommodate candidates’ individual needs, such as disabilities or language barriers. Without proper adjustments, test results may unfairly disadvantage qualified applicants, potentially costing companies compensation for lost wages and injury to feelings.
Increase in management training spend
Organizations are increasing spending on management training, with awareness of its importance doubling according to a 2003 survey. Training buyers now prioritize individual performance improvements and use management appraisals to measure effectiveness, though course drop-outs remain a significant challenge in the public sector.
One in three firms plan to restructure
One in three UK employers plan to restructure their businesses over the next 12 months, with many expecting workforce reductions and slower recruitment. Companies planning restructuring are twice as likely to reduce headcount and face significantly higher recruitment difficulties than those with no restructuring plans.
The vision for e-HR
The ASP model for e-HR software offers more than IT cost savings—it enables manager and employee self-service through secure, internet-based access to HR systems. This approach eliminates expensive software upgrades and IT involvement while providing rapid implementation, continuous data backup, and flexible, pay-per-use pricing.
