Softworld Preview – seminars
Softworld features breakfast briefings and masterclasses on HR and payroll software selection, implementation, and best practices. Expert speakers from KPMG, PwC, and other firms cover topics including system negotiation, legislative changes, employee self-service, and real-world case studies across two days.
HR legislation and software – masterclass preview
Explore recent HR legislative changes affecting UK employers, including new company car taxation rules, holiday entitlements, parental leave extensions, and electronic tax filing requirements. Adrian Hobbs provides guidance on these implications in an upcoming masterclass seminar.
B2E: the next frontier for HR – Softworld feature
B2E (Business-to-Employee) represents the next evolution in HR technology beyond basic e-HR systems. While e-HR focuses on administrative transactions, B2E concentrates on performance by providing employees with integrated tools, information, and services to work more effectively through a single portal.
What’s wrong with the HR/Personnel profession? – Opinion
The HR profession faces deeper issues beyond perceived inefficiency, with critics arguing the field is too focused on its own status and agenda rather than supporting frontline management. HR specialists should prioritize serving their business colleagues’ actual needs instead of pursuing internal agendas and professional recognition.
Company car drivers are accident-prone and ignorant!
A RAC report reveals that company car drivers have the highest accident rates among driver groups, admit to frequent speeding, and accumulate more license points than other motorists, yet resist employer-provided driver training.
‘Employment by God’ limits clergy’s rights to appeal
Church of England clergy lack standard employment rights because they’re classified as “employed by God” rather than conventional employees. Ray Owen is appealing his rector dismissal to the European Parliament, arguing this unique status creates unlawful discrimination in access to employment tribunals.
Warning to companies to improve on workplace partnerships
The CIPD warns employers must stay current with union recognition and industrial relations legislation to avoid costly industrial action and reputational damage. New laws on statutory union recognition and European workplace consultation requirements make effective partnership with employees essential for business success.
HR seen as inefficient at managing information
A new survey reveals that 81% of UK businesses make critical decisions with inadequate data, with HR identified as the least effective department at managing information. Improving data-handling ranks as the top priority for most companies.
Feelings about workspaces affect productivity
How employees feel about their physical workspace significantly impacts productivity and job performance. A new report reveals that while offices have modernized in many ways, worker dissatisfaction often stems from lack of control over space, poor allocation of resources, and persistent corporate hierarchy reflected in building design.
Next funding round open for work/life balance measures
Employers in England and Scotland can now apply for the fourth round of Work/Life Balance Fund support, with £5 million available. Winners receive free specialist consultancy worth up to £55,000 to implement innovative working practices that improve business performance and employee satisfaction. The deadline for applications is Friday 8th March 2002.
Managers confident on economy, but reluctant to invest in training
UK managers’ confidence in the economy has surged to 41 percent net optimism, but they’re reluctant to invest in training, marketing, and R&D despite their positive outlook, creating potential long-term challenges.
Should public services disputes go to compulsory arbitration?
The Industrial Society is urging the government to review compulsory arbitration for public service disputes like rail strikes, which significantly disrupt commuters and cost the economy millions daily. Such arbitration could balance the interests of the public, management, and unions in resolving prolonged disputes affecting essential services.
Firms may be fined for failing to offer pension schemes
Companies with more than four employees must offer stakeholder pension schemes or face fines up to £50,000 from the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority. Four months after becoming mandatory, many organizations remain unaware of their responsibilities to provide pension access for staff ineligible for occupational or group personal schemes.
Employers wasting NHS resources by asking for sick notes too soon
Employers are requesting sick notes too early, wasting NHS resources and GP time, according to a new campaign. GPs aren’t legally required to provide sick certification for illnesses lasting seven days or less.
Jobseekers go online first
Skilled jobseekers increasingly start their job search online, with those in professional roles doubling their use of internet job sites from 18% to 37% in just one year, according to new recruitment research.
Stress a major drain on productivity
Stress significantly impacts workplace productivity, with over one in five employees citing it as their biggest challenge, yet many employers underestimate its effects. New research reveals stress affects nearly two-thirds of workers and now surpasses the common cold as the leading cause of staff absence.
Workplace stress – how do you measure it?
The Health & Safety Executive commissioned the first major review of workplace stress measurement tools, evaluating over 25 questionnaires used by UK organizations. The study found most stress measures lack adequate development evidence, show inconsistent results, and critically, provide no proof that measured stressors actually predict health problems.
Sex discrimination payment breaks records
A former Schroder Securities analyst has won a record £1.5 million sex discrimination settlement after the tribunal found she faced unfair treatment and dismissal. The award, which includes lost earnings and pension contributions, far exceeds typical compensation cases in the sector.
Option of unpaid parental leave now available
Unpaid parental leave is now available to more working parents following new regulations that expanded eligibility beyond the previous age cutoff. The change applies to approximately two million parents of younger children, while parents with disabled children can now take up to 18 weeks of leave in flexible blocks.
Job-seekers prepared to lie about interests, but more wary on work experience
Job candidates are twice as likely to lie about hobbies and interests than work experience, according to research by Office Angels. While 60% avoid false claims about employment history, 80% admit to embellishing personal interests, which 75% of employers say could influence hiring decisions.
