Age Equality Contract launched
Age Concern launched the Age Equality Contract to tackle age discrimination across employment, healthcare, social care, learning, and consumer services. The charity challenged the government to address systemic barriers facing older people, citing concerns about workforce participation, pension funding, and the rising state retirement age.
Stress eats into time off
Nine out of ten UK workers experience work stress, with two-thirds working beyond standard hours and many skipping holidays entirely. Research shows that stress bleeds into personal time, with over half thinking about work on weekends despite psychological burnout by Friday afternoon.
New draft code on monitoring of employees available
The Office of the Information Commissioner has released a draft code on workplace monitoring, guiding employers on employee surveillance practices. The updated guidance addresses concerns from initial consultation and seeks further public input before the August 8, 2002 deadline.
Teleworking continues to rise across Europe
Europe’s teleworking population is projected to exceed 27 million by 2010, driven by multilocational eWorkers who alternate between home and office. The growth reflects employer and employee willingness to adopt flexible working arrangements supported by communication technologies.
Women still choosing between family and career
A quarter of senior women in UK business have had to choose between career and family, according to research by Ashridge Business School. The study reveals that while most organizations offer flexible working policies, significant workplace barriers prevent women from actually using them, potentially causing companies to lose valuable talent.
Employers protest against review of employment legislation
Employers’ groups are protesting against the government’s review of employment legislation, arguing that further regulatory changes are unnecessary when the labor market is functioning well with low unemployment and minimal industrial action.
Search for the elusive work-life balance
Work-life balance remains elusive for many workers, though achieving it offers significant benefits for both businesses and employees. An expert examines current thinking on this hot-button issue and explores deeper questions about how work and personal life intersect.
Pensions – new views
The Pickering report on pension reform prompts debate over declining retirement savings, with the government planning a Green Paper for autumn. The Work Foundation opposes proposals to allow employers to compel staff membership in pension schemes, citing risks like loss of savings if employers become insolvent.
DTI: Labour market to become more diverse
The UK Labour Department outlines a vision for a more diverse future workforce, emphasizing expanded employment opportunities for parents, older workers, and ethnic minorities. The strategy prioritizes full employment, workplace flexibility, and productivity gains as key to economic prosperity and social inclusion.
Government announces comprehensive review of employee relations
The government has launched a comprehensive review of the Employment Relations Act 1999, examining union recognition, employee disciplinary rights, strike protections, and collective agreements. A public consultation is expected later this year.
Mum’s the word for better benefits from tonight!
New government legislation taking effect tonight increases maternity pay and provides two weeks’ paid paternity leave for parents with babies born on or after April 6. Employers must also extend job protection for new mothers.
Long hours increase heart problems
Japanese research shows that men working over 60 hours weekly are twice as likely to suffer heart attacks compared to those working fewer than 40 hours, highlighting serious health risks from excessive work.
Employment law to counter discrimination against gays
The UK government committed to implementing the European Employment Directive by end of 2003 to outlaw workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, addressing widespread harassment affecting 44% of LGB employees. The legislation aims to tackle both direct and indirect discrimination through business engagement and monitoring.
Employment Bill passed, creating new flexible working conditions
The Employment Bill has received Royal Assent, introducing enhanced parental leave, increased statutory maternity pay, and new flexible working rights for parents of young and disabled children. The legislation also modernizes employment dispute resolution through updated disciplinary procedures and tribunal reforms.
HR Zone Any Answers Digest #11 – organising admin support, working on maternity leave, rewarding volunteers…
HR Zone Any Answers Digest #11 addresses key HR challenges including organising administrative support, managing work during maternity leave, rewarding volunteers, and distinguishing between casual and temporary workers. This weekly digest compiles expert answers to common HR questions from professionals across organizations.
Fewer employees take breaks
Only 52% of British employees take lunch breaks, with workers averaging just 36 minutes when they do. Research reveals that 39% of workers take fewer breaks than they did years ago, and a quarter of women never take a lunch break at all.
Guide to equal pay launched
The Equal Opportunities Commission has released a new Equal Pay Review Kit designed to help companies evaluate whether their pay practices are free from discrimination. The toolkit includes a five-step process and introductory guidance for conducting a thorough equal pay assessment.
European action on stress at work
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work launched a campaign addressing work-related stress, the second biggest occupational health problem in the EU affecting over 40 million employees. Studies show 28% of workers experience stress, causing significant health and economic costs, including €20 billion annually in absenteeism and lost productivity.
UK firms miss signs of corporate wrongdoing
Many UK companies lack adequate whistleblowing policies to help employees report corporate wrongdoing like fraud and financial malpractice, leaving them vulnerable to the kind of scandals that have hit American firms. A Work Foundation survey reveals that nearly half of UK organisations have no formal whistleblowing procedures, and those with policies often discourage reporting to external regulators despite legal protections.
Call for better hearing protection
The TUC, RNID, and EFHOH are urging European lawmakers to strengthen the Noise at Work Directive by extending mandatory hearing tests to all workers exposed to damaging noise levels. They’re also pushing back against proposed exemptions for the leisure industry, which could leave hundreds of thousands of workers vulnerable to hearing loss.
