Does your company have ‘ghost workers’?
Ghost workers—employees who have left your company but continue receiving benefits and system access—can create significant financial and security risks. Companies often forget to cancel health insurance, credit cards, and system logins, leaving former staff with active perks long after departure.
HR Zone Any Answers Digest issue 4
HR Zone’s Any Answers Digest Issue 4 covers key HR topics including redundancy criteria, therapeutic earnings rules, and flexible working practices. Members ask questions about selection matrices, permitted work arrangements, and managing employee time off requests.
International business and HR after September 11
Following September 11th, international business confidence is slowly recovering despite economic setbacks. HR managers expect to continue staffing abroad while multinational companies shift focus toward ethical practices and stronger ties with developing nations, with greater emphasis on workplace safety and cultural awareness.
UK has less stress at work than comparable countries
Britain experiences relatively low work-related stress levels compared to other OECD countries, yet highly stressed British employees have high rates of absenteeism and job-leaving intentions. Research shows long working hours are the primary cause of workplace stress, while good colleague relations and meaningful work reduce it significantly.
European Commission adopts new strategy for health and safety at work
The European Commission adopted a new health and safety strategy for 2002-2006 to modernize workplace risk prevention and address emerging psycho-social hazards including bullying, violence, and stress-related conditions. The strategy aims to consolidate a culture of risk prevention across EU workplaces.
Industry asks Chancellor for help on training and employment rights
The British Chambers of Commerce urge the Chancellor to support small businesses through reduced regulations, improved skills training, and financial incentives. Their proposals include subsidized temp services, enhanced training funds, and tax breaks for employee qualifications to address Britain’s skills gap.
Global forces – review
This review examines Bruce Nixon’s “Global Forces,” a guide for leaders seeking to build sustainable, equitable workplaces amid major economic and social changes. The book analyzes global trends—from capitalism and technology to ecological crisis and shifting workforce expectations—offering both opportunities and challenges for British organizations.
Can mothers afford to work?
Mothers face significant barriers to paid employment, with childcare availability and affordability remaining major obstacles. Research shows that formal childcare places fall far short of demand, while many mothers who want to work are constrained by inadequate care options.
Employment law update
Recent developments in employment law include the adoption of the EC Temporary Workers Directive, which aims to provide temporary workers with equal pay and conditions as permanent employees. The Employment Practices Data Protection Code and significant rulings on career breaks and continuity of service are also covered in this update.
‘A good hard kick in the ass: the new rules for business’ – review
Rob Adams’ “A Good Hard Kick in the Ass” challenges conventional startup wisdom and explores fundamental business principles essential for entrepreneurs and sales professionals alike. The book’s practical insights on customer validation and capital raising offer valuable lessons for understanding customer needs and qualifying prospects effectively.
Are career choices influenced by careers of fathers?
Research on UK graduates shows that about 10% work in the same occupation as their fathers, with stronger links in farming (35%) and health professions (20%). Graduates whose fathers were professionals or entrepreneurs are 20-30% more likely to follow the same career path.
The company of the future – review
Frances Cairncross examines how corporate structures and management must evolve in the digital economy. The book explores ten key attributes for success in the new economy, emphasizing knowledge management, decision-making, talent development, and communication while highlighting training’s critical yet undervalued role in organizational success.
Employers fail to recognise and harness talent
UK workers feel their talents are underutilized, with nearly a third believing their bosses underestimate their abilities. A new report reveals that over one in five crave more challenging work, while many cite lack of coaching and career discussions as barriers to fulfilling their potential.
European commission calls for protection for temporary workers
The European Commission has adopted a draft EU law to establish minimum protections for temporary agency workers, including a non-discrimination principle for pay and working conditions after six weeks with the same employer, while allowing exceptions through collective agreements or permanent agency contracts.
Department of work and pensions to be reorganised
The Department of Work and Pensions is undergoing major reorganisation, replacing the Benefits Agency and Employment Service with two new services: Jobcentre Plus, which will provide integrated employment and benefit support, and The Pension Service, offering dedicated support for pensioners.
Inland Revenue launches internet service for PAYE end of year returns
The Inland Revenue launched an internet service enabling employers and payroll bureaux to submit PAYE end-of-year returns and related forms online through the Government Gateway. The service eliminates manual software downloads, offers automatic validation, and uses advanced security protocols. Registration was required for the May 19, 2002 deadline.
Data protection code on recruitment and selection now available
The first part of the Data Protection Code for Employers has been published, covering recruitment and selection practices. The code provides guidance on complying with the Data Protection Act, with three additional parts addressing employment records, workplace monitoring, and medical information to follow.
The reflecting glass: professional coaching for leadership development – review
This book review examines “The Reflecting Glass,” which explores professional coaching for leadership development. It identifies dynamic learning as a key leadership quality and outlines “Development Coaching” as a structured approach where coaches provide authentic reflection to help leaders integrate thinking, strategy, intuition, and feeling in their roles.
Rise in unpaid overtime
Over 5.5 million British workers do unpaid overtime averaging 7+ hours weekly, worth £28 billion annually to employers. This represents a significant increase since 2000, with professional workers most affected at nearly 9.5 hours per week.
HR Zone Any Answers Digest # 3 – Competition v cooperation, Relocation expenses, Management
Explore HR best practices including relocation expenses, management appraisals, induction procedures, and learning entitlements. This HR Zone digest features community discussions on workplace planning roadshows, work-from-home arrangements, and balancing competition with cooperation in business environments.
