Firms call for help on new age discrimination laws
UK managers lack awareness of incoming age discrimination laws, with only 9% fully informed about government plans for 2006 legislation. A survey found that while managers support age discrimination protections in principle, most need more information and practical support to implement workplace changes, particularly in recruitment practices.
EU regulations threaten overtime and pensions
UK business leaders warn that proposed EU regulations on temporary workers and working time could reduce job opportunities and overtime options for thousands, while rising pension costs force employers to close final salary schemes to new staff.
Firms risk breaching data protection for equal pay
Employers face a dilemma when responding to equal pay questionnaires: disclosing a colleague’s salary may breach data protection laws, while refusing to disclose could lead to tribunal claims and adverse inferences. Legal experts suggest employers can mitigate risk by obtaining written consent or providing anonymized pay information.
Feature: Work-life balance – equality for all?
Flexible working arrangements should be available to all employees, not just parents, to help them manage work and personal demands. Research shows most managers work unpaid overtime daily, yet many employers remain reluctant to offer remote work options despite proven benefits like increased productivity and lower costs.
Feature: workplace childcare
Workplace childcare remains uncommon in the UK despite employee demand and proven benefits. While employers often worry about costs and regulations, onsite nurseries can improve staff retention, productivity, and morale while offering financial advantages through reduced National Insurance contributions.
‘Resistance to change’ limits work-life balance measures
Managers’ resistance to change is the top barrier preventing UK organisations from implementing work-life balance measures, despite 68% of employers recognizing their business value, according to a Work Foundation survey of HR specialists.
How Did I Get Here? Craig Truter, The Body Shop UK
Craig Truter, HR Manager at The Body Shop UK, shares his journey from occupational psychology studies to retail HR leadership, including roles at Reed in Partnership and experience launching welfare-to-work projects that shaped his career perspective.
New telework guidance
New telework guidance from the DTI, agreed by the CBI, TUC and CEEP UK, outlines key issues employers should consider when implementing teleworking policies. The guidance recognizes teleworking as beneficial for both employers and employees, offering cost savings, wider recruitment pools, reduced commuting, and improved work-life balance.
Softworld HR & Payroll: Exhibitor list
Find the stand numbers for software and payroll providers exhibiting at HR & Payroll Softworld, including Sage, Microsoft Business Solutions, PeopleSoft, and more. Use the floor plan to locate your preferred exhibitors.
Consultation on reforms to employment of disabled people
The Disability Rights Commission is consulting on guidance for major reforms to the Disability Discrimination Act, which will extend employment protections to disabled workers in small businesses and public services from October 2004. The changes tighten definitions of discrimination and require reasonable adjustments from employers and qualification bodies.
Expectant mothers still experience pregnancy discrimination at work
Pregnant workers continue to face discrimination at work, including unwanted remarks, unsuitable assignments, and wrongful termination, according to a survey released during National Pregnancy Week. Despite legal protections, over a fifth of survey respondents knew expectant mothers who experienced workplace difficulties due to pregnancy.
Employers wrangle over dress code policies
Business suits now form the basis of fewer than half of UK office dress codes, with employers increasingly enforcing stricter guidelines. Research from an IRS survey of HR departments found that while over half of organizations adopted “smart casual” or “relaxed” policies, half still set formal dress guidelines, creating widespread confusion about acceptable workplace attire.
Work Life Balance Week – 1-5 September
Work Life Balance Week (1-5 September) highlights key issues affecting employees and managers. HR Zone provides expert guidance on effective work-life balance practices, explores implementation challenges, and shares real workplace experiences through features, news, and community discussions.
Seasonal worker posts in decline
Only 41% of organisations now use seasonal workers, according to new research, with agency workers becoming the preferred choice at 85%. The decline reflects a shift toward more flexible staffing arrangements, though temporary workers increasingly receive pay and benefits comparable to permanent employees.
Softworld interview: Outsourcing
Outsourcing isn’t suitable for all organizations and requires thorough analysis of benefits, risks, and return on investment. Strategic outsourcing can free companies to focus on core business while reducing costs, but dissatisfaction often stems from poor expectation management and inadequate planning.
Opinion: Age discrimination
Age discrimination legislation represents the biggest regulatory change for HR professionals in 20 years, affecting recruitment, training, promotion, and retirement decisions. With three million people over 45 facing unwanted unemployment due to employer prejudice and most companies severely underrepresenting older workers, organizations must act now to avoid costly discrimination lawsuits beginning in 2006.
Online consultation on statutory dispute resolution
The Government has launched an online consultation on statutory dispute resolution, available to complete in 30 minutes or less. Awareness briefings are also scheduled to explain how new regulations will affect employers and employees. Consultation closes October 29, 2003.
Call for employer action to boost pension take-up
Most employer-sponsored stakeholder pension schemes remain inactive with no members, according to new research. The Association of British Insurers calls for government action and a five-point employer plan to boost pension take-up and worker participation.
“Absence has grown from an HR issue to a business problem”
UK workplace absence has risen to 7 days per worker annually for the first time in six years, with long-term sick leave accounting for 56% of lost days and up to 70 of costs. Research warns employers must improve absence tracking and management practices to address what has become a significant business problem affecting productivity and finances.
Free seminar on implementing workplace childcare solutions
Learn practical strategies for implementing workplace childcare at a free breakfast seminar in Bristol on October 1st. Principio and partner organizations will help employers understand business benefits, flexible working options, and relevant legislation.
