Women are more prepared to resign over job dissatisfaction
Female managers in the UK are closing the pay gap but are significantly more likely to resign than their male counterparts, with 6.4% of women versus 3.3% of men leaving management roles voluntarily due to job dissatisfaction, according to research by the Chartered Management Institute.
New revised Code of Practice on equal pay
The Equal Opportunities Commission’s revised Code of Practice on Equal Pay came into force on 1 December 2003 after Parliamentary approval. The Code provides practical guidance for employers on ensuring pay is determined without sex discrimination and complies with equal pay legislation, including new provisions on maternity leave and equal pay reviews.
HR Tip – Custom and practice for leaving early
Custom and practice is an informal workplace arrangement that becomes legally binding after a reasonable period if management knew about it. Employees leaving at 4:30pm on Fridays instead of the contracted 5:00pm finish could establish custom and practice, making it difficult to enforce the original contract terms without risking breach of contract claims.
Increase in the number of women directors
Female directorships in Britain’s FTSE 100 companies have surpassed 100 for the first time, with the number of female directors rising 20% year-on-year. However, women still represent only one in twelve FTSE 100 directors, with 32 top companies having no female board representation at all.
How Did I Get Here? Madeleine Tate, Independent consultant
Madeleine Tate is an independent consultant working at senior management and board level with companies ranging from SMEs to FTSE 100s. She shares her unconventional path into HR, beginning in IT management before transitioning through roles as Head of Business Analysis and Head of Learning and Development to eventually become Human Capital Director.
Firms are putting job-seekers through extra tests
Job-seekers now face significantly more assessment tests than three years ago, with three-quarters reporting increased testing during their job search. Employers are using more formal assessments including competency interviews, personality questionnaires, and psychometric tests, though some candidates find certain evaluation methods irrelevant or unfair.
Firms urged to update policies in advance of new mobile phone legislation
From December 1, 2003, businesses must establish mobile phone policies for employees driving company vehicles or on company business, or face potential prosecution under new Road Traffic Act legislation. Employees caught using hand-held phones while driving face fines up to £1,000 and penalty points, while employers could incur vicarious liability and compensation claims if accidents occur.
Employers discipline staff over e-mail and Internet misuse
UK employers are increasingly disciplining staff for email and Internet misuse, with nearly a third handling multiple disciplinary cases in the past year, according to IRS research. While most organizations have formal policies on acceptable use, enforcement of training and reporting procedures remains inconsistent across businesses.
Tackling stress-related absence
Stress-related absence affects over 500,000 UK workers annually, costing 13.4 million working days. Early contact, flexible return-to-work plans, and occupational health support help employees recover and resume work effectively.
HR Tip – Bank Holiday working
Employers can require bank holiday work for new employees if included in the contract, provided they receive at least four weeks’ annual holiday. Existing employees cannot be forced to work bank holidays unless their contract already specifies this requirement.
ACAS publishes sexual orientation and religion guides
ACAS has published guides to help employers comply with new employment equality regulations banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and religion or belief. The guides include summaries of the law, case examples, employer best practices, and frequently asked questions.
Stress audit
Discover the major causes of workplace stress and how HR practices like performance management, change communication, and counseling services can effectively resolve them. A comprehensive guide to identifying and addressing stress across organizational and HR issues.
10 top tips to combat stress
Discover 10 essential strategies to reduce workplace stress, including establishing clear stress policies, providing adequate training and resources, recognizing staff contributions, and fostering open communication between managers and employees.
Employers back Pay Commission report
Employers have endorsed the independent Local Government Pay Commission Report, which recommends national pay negotiations over regional settlements and emphasizes equal pay and flexible working arrangements in the public sector.
“We can all do something about stress”
National Stress Awareness Day promotes active stress management strategies, as 70% of UK adults report experiencing stress. The campaign emphasizes that stress won’t resolve itself and recommends practical measures like talking to friends, taking breaks, exercising, and improving sleep habits.
Stress in the workplace
Workplace stress remains a significant challenge for organizations, with recent research showing that prolonged exposure increases health risks and causes the highest rates of long-term sickness absence. Management strategies including peer support networks, employee assistance programs, and comprehensive stress policies can help employers reduce stress levels and improve employee wellbeing.
Government publishes Task Force report on human capital
The Accounting for People Task Force has published recommendations on how organizations should report human capital metrics including training, recruitment, staff turnover, and diversity. The CIPD advocates for flexible general principles rather than prescriptive measurement standards, arguing that human capital reporting should reflect each organization’s unique context and be included in operating reviews rather than financial statements.
Effective employee communication linked to greater shareholder returns
Companies with effective employee communication programs deliver 26% higher shareholder returns than those with poor communication, according to a Watson Wyatt study of 267 US firms. The research shows that improving communication effectiveness is linked to nearly 30% increased market value and significantly lower employee turnover rates.
Which careers are set to significantly change?
Technology and changing lifestyles will transform the UK job market over the next decade, with emerging careers like longevity consultants and nano-technologists replacing traditional roles such as postal workers. Rising affluence and longer lifespans will boost demand for personal dieticians, psychologists, and other wellness professionals, while internet disruption threatens insurance brokers and estate agents.
Employers support voluntary human capital management reporting
Most UK managing directors and HR directors support voluntary human capital management reporting, with 87% agreeing companies should report externally on HCM. However, 71% oppose government legislation mandating such reporting, according to new research from The Penna Board Partnership.
