Executive pay-offs still inflating
Executive pay-offs continue to rise despite criticism, with at least 14 executives receiving over £1 million in severance packages during the last accounting year, according to Labour Research data.
Employers encouraged to join consulation on age legislation
The Employers’ Forum on Age is urging companies to participate in government consultation on age discrimination legislation, with workshops and events planned to discuss proposals affecting retirement ages and redundancy.
Long hours take toll on personal and working relationships
A CIPD report reveals that working long hours significantly damages personal relationships, with nearly a quarter of workaholics taking no paid holidays and over half feeling they’ve sacrificed too much for work. Long hours strain partnerships and parent-child bonds, while also reducing job performance and increasing workplace mistakes.
Recent employment law cases
Recent employment law cases cover key developments in maternity benefits, disability discrimination, and discrimination inferences. These cases establish important precedents regarding employer obligations for reasonable adjustments, positive action in childcare provision, and tribunal requirements for examining discrimination allegations.
Data protection – interviewees to get right to see interview notes
The Information Commissioner has released a recruitment code requiring employers to provide job candidates with copies of interview notes upon request. The code, the first of four covering employer data protection duties, has drawn criticism from the Institute of Directors over this requirement, though the CBI supports it as aligned with data protection law.
Lack of respect for UK plc
UK companies lag behind international competitors in the latest FT/PwC World’s Most Respected Companies study, with only BP and Virgin ranking in the top 50. US, Japanese, and German firms dominate the rankings, while Royal Dutch/Shell has experienced a significant decline from 12th place in 1998 to 30th today.
Women failing to save for retirement
A survey by Alliance and Leicester reveals that only 34% of respondents have made retirement provision, with women significantly less prepared than men (29% vs. 40%). The findings highlight a gap in retirement planning despite government efforts to increase public awareness.
UK young people working longer than European counterparts
UK young people enter the workforce significantly earlier than their European peers, with half starting work by age 19 compared to age 24 in Spain and Italy. Young British men also work longer hours than counterparts elsewhere in Europe, though job security remains a concern for this age group.
Compromise on workplace consultation legislation
The EU parliament and member governments have agreed on new workplace consultation directives requiring companies to increase workforce consultation on significant business changes. Implementation begins in three years, with extended timelines for smaller companies in countries lacking statutory consultation traditions. The legislation includes worker information rights but lacks fixed penalties for non-compliance.
New moves against discrimination could end fixed retirement ages
The UK government has proposed implementing European anti-discrimination legislation that could eliminate fixed retirement ages for most workers and extend protections based on age, sexual orientation, religion, and race. The changes would also remove exemptions for small employers and establish a unified Equality Commission.
Immigration rules to be relaxed for skilled workers
The UK government has introduced the Highly Skilled Migration programme to streamline entry for talented workers in high-demand fields. Unlike traditional work permits, this points-based scheme doesn’t require employer sponsorship or investment guarantees, instead evaluating applicants on qualifications, experience, earnings, and achievements.
HR Briefing #67 – Influencing people, equal pay, uninspiring managers
HR Briefing #67 covers key workplace topics including techniques for influencing colleagues effectively, equal pay issues, and research showing many managers lack inspirational qualities. The issue also addresses coaching, e-learning, and practical HR solutions for common workplace challenges.
Access to criminal convictions records could cause excessive discrimination
A new report warns that the Police Act 1997 could enable excessive employment discrimination against people with criminal convictions, even for irrelevant offenses. The study suggests that increased access to criminal records through the Criminal Records Bureau may prevent ex-offenders from finding work, potentially increasing re-offending rates and hindering rehabilitation efforts.
Managing the office Christmas party – Feature
Employers should be aware of potential legal liabilities from office Christmas parties, as they’re now considered an extension of the workplace. Sexual harassment claims can result in significant employer liability, making it essential to have clear policies, take allegations seriously, and follow proper disciplinary procedures.
Stress management toolkit – Review
The Gower Stress Management Toolkit provides trainers and counsellors with essential stress theory and 34 practical interventions for groups and individuals. This comprehensive ring binder includes knowledge-base information, guidance notes, and ready-to-use worksheets covering relaxation techniques, assertiveness, coping strategies, and stress assessment.
Work/Life balance: awards for best employers, search begins for “Britain’s best boss”
Parents at Work and Lloyds TSB are searching for nominations for “Britain’s Best Boss,” an award recognizing individual managers who promote work-life balance through flexible working, understanding family needs, and reasonable hours. Winners receive £1,000 in travel vouchers and an invitation to a celebratory lunch at the House of Lords.
New proposals to reduce gender inequality in pay
The Kingsmill Review has published recommendations to address gender pay inequality, including requirements for companies to disclose training and recruitment details, measures to help employees identify pay disparities, and recognition of organizations with fair pay policies. Research shows women earn only 81% of men’s full-time wages on average.
`Dignity at work` bill could obstruct fair examination of grievances – expert view
An employment law expert warns that the proposed Dignity at Work Bill 2001 could obstruct fair examination of workplace grievances. The bill’s requirement for employers to repudiate alleged harassment within three days—before investigation is complete—creates a catch-22 that may compromise the defense and undermine due process.
Knowledge management, a state of the art guide – Review
This guide examines how leading organizations define and practice knowledge management across different cultures. Written for MBA students but relevant to education and training professionals, it explores how KM relates to globalization, IT, and career management, emphasizing that technology is only 15% of the equation—empowering people and rethinking learning are key.
HSE examines life in call centres
The HSE’s report on UK call centres identifies workplace health concerns including stress, repetitive strain, and poor ergonomics. Key recommendations include staff training for difficult calls, mandatory breaks between conversations, and improved working conditions to address low humidity and lack of movement.
