Pensions – what needs to be done?
The Work Foundation urges a major overhaul of UK pension policy, recommending higher state basic pensions linked to earnings, ending the contracting-out system, and reforming tax relief to better support lower earners’ retirement savings.
Rise in second jobs
Second jobs have increased 68% over the past 18 years, significantly outpacing overall employment growth of 18%, according to the Office of National Statistics. The trend varies by gender and income level, with high-earning men and low-earning women most likely to hold multiple jobs.
World Cup needs HR policy
A Deloitte survey reveals HR directors expect widespread absenteeism during the World Cup but lack formal policies to manage it. With nearly one in ten employees planning to call in sick to watch matches, experts warn businesses need clear communication strategies to prevent disruption.
Payroll tips: new starters
When processing new starters on payroll, verify work eligibility, obtain a P45 and National Insurance number, and ensure tax codes are correctly entered into your system. Common errors occur during this initial setup, making careful documentation and compliance checks essential to avoid problems with tax authorities.
Asthma at work
About 7,000 people develop work-related asthma annually in the UK, with common workplace triggers including latex, flour dust, and chemical fumes. New health and safety regulations aim to require employers to better control asthma-causing substances and improve identification of occupational cases.
Call for more bank holidays
The TUC is calling for at least three additional bank holidays annually, arguing that UK workers have the lowest number of public holidays and statutory leave in Europe. Britain currently has only eight bank holidays compared to 12-14 in other EU countries, with workers lacking legal protections for holiday compensation.
Should employees be allowed to decide on their retirement age?
A report examining UK graduate views shows 54% believe mandatory retirement ages should be abolished, allowing employees to choose when they retire. However, graduates hold conflicting views on age-based recruitment, revealing confusion about when age discrimination in employment is justified.
Inland Revenue updates
The Inland Revenue has updated its online PAYE service and issued guidance on upcoming National Insurance Contribution increases and their anticipated impact on taxpayers and employers.
The next big idea – review
Carol Kennedy traces the evolution of management theory from Taylor to the internet age, exploring emerging ideas about organizational biology, emotional intelligence, and digital-era leadership. This guide examines how management concepts have shaped business practice and what innovations may define the next generation of organizational thinking.
Cost of employment regulations – out of control?
The Institute of Directors estimates that employment regulations introduced over the past five years cost businesses £6 billion annually, with costs expected to rise further. Critics argue these regulatory burdens discourage business expansion and job creation.
No more job stability? and other myths about work debunked
Permanent jobs remain the norm in the UK, with 92 percent of workers holding permanent contracts in 2000, according to new research. Despite myths about job instability and portfolio working, employment tenure has actually increased over the past decade, though workers report growing dissatisfaction with long hours and workload pressures.
HR Zone Any Answers Digest #6 – Interview skills, competencies, dyslexia
HR Zone’s Any Answers Digest #6 covers recruitment strategies, succession planning, workplace diversity, interview skills, competencies, and support for dyslexia in the workplace. This community digest features expert Q&A discussions on internal versus external recruitment policies and best practices.
Moves to cut down work-related deaths
The TUC reports that someone in the UK dies every hour from a work-related disease, with asbestos-related illnesses and occupational cancers being the leading causes. Marking International Workers’ Memorial Day, the union is calling for improved access to occupational health services and stronger workplace safety measures to prevent deaths and injuries.
London workers have Europe’s worst commute, but are still envied
London office workers endure Europe’s longest commute at 51 minutes on the worst-rated public transport, yet remain among the happiest workers in Europe due to career opportunities, vibrant social life, and strong sense of safety.
Absence down, but costs still rising
Workplace absence in the UK fell to a 14-year low, with days lost dropping by 16 million in 2001. However, the annual cost to employers surged by over £1 billion to £11.8 billion, as companies spent more on overtime and temporary staff to cover absences.
Work and life: why aren’t we improving the balance?
UK employees aren’t taking up available work-life balance options despite employer support, due to organizational culture, management practices, and communication gaps. An Institute for Employment Studies report reveals that successful work-life balance requires cultural change, manager support, and clear communication rather than policies alone.
Staff absence during the world cup – a charitable solution
Cancer Research UK and former England football managers have launched the ‘World Cup Party’ campaign, encouraging employers to allow staff to watch England’s lunchtime match against Argentina on June 7 while donating to cancer research. The initiative aims to prevent mass workplace absences while raising funds for men’s cancer treatments and cures.
Gender policies in place, but aren’t monitored
Most employers have gender and diversity policies in place, with strong top-level commitment and fair recruitment procedures. However, fewer than one in five monitor whether these policies actually improve organizational results or conduct equal pay audits.
Work out the cost of sickness and accidents at work
The Health and Safety Commission’s ready reckoner tool helps businesses calculate the financial impact of workplace sickness and accidents. Interactive features show both the costs of poor health and safety management and the business benefits of prevention strategies.
New legislation on sexual harassment in the workplace
The European Parliament and Council have agreed on legislation establishing the first clear definition of sexual harassment in the workplace and requiring preventive measures. The directive mandates joint action plans for equality, uncapped compensation for discrimination victims, and designated support organizations for those affected.
