Research shows poor response to graduate applications
Research reveals a significant gap between graduate expectations and employer delivery in job applications. While 58% of graduates expect responses within two weeks, only 18% of companies meet this timeline. The study also shows graduates prioritize training and development over salary, with ethics and work-life balance strongly influencing their career choices.
Financial services follows manufacturing sector in seeing confidence fall
Business confidence in financial services has fallen sharply to a three-year low, with a balance of minus 40 compared to plus three in June 2001, according to a CBI and PricewaterhouseCoopers survey. Business levels remain well below normal, employment has fallen for the first time in five years, and firms expect further job losses in coming months.
Employers rush to sign up for stakeholder schemes, but…
Stakeholder pensions have triggered a broader market shift, with individual pension sales rising 50% following their introduction and employers expanding eligibility for group schemes. However, many companies face an October deadline to designate a scheme, with estimates suggesting two-thirds may comply while others risk significant fines.
FirstPersonGlobal and the Employment Service both recognised at the Computing Awards
The Employment Service and EDS won two Computing Awards for Excellence, including recognition for Jobpoints kiosks and their job-search website. FirstPersonGlobal also won “Recruitment Service of the Year” at the prestigious awards ceremony held in London on October 3rd.
Ten stakeholder pension myths
Stakeholder pension myths often confuse employers about their obligations and implementation. The Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority debunks common misconceptions, including that employers must contribute, set up schemes themselves, or face major costs and fines for non-compliance.
FLASH – – – Bank rate cut by 0.25%
The Bank of England has cut its base interest rate by 0.25% to 4.5%, with business and union leaders welcoming the decision as support for economic stability during uncertain times.
PwC at centre of Independent redundancy storm
Over 150 former staff of Independent Insurance are launching unfair dismissal claims against PwC liquidators, alleging inadequate consultation during redundancies of 1,000 employees in June. A test case is expected next year.
Employers’ access to criminal records ‘will make it harder to prevent re-offending’
New legislation allowing employers to access criminal records of job applicants may increase discrimination against offenders, making it harder for them to find work and raising the risk of re-offending, according to a Joseph Rowntree Foundation study. Researchers found that seven out of ten employers would likely request disclosure certificates under the new system.
TUC economic report – recession or recovery?
The TUC calls for Bank of England interest rate cuts and urges employers to avoid redundancies to prevent recession following the US terrorist attacks. Its economic analysis warns that UK recovery depends on maintaining consumer confidence and labour market stability through corporate restraint.
EEF calls for Chancellor to ‘protect our manufacturing jobs’
The Engineering Employers’ Federation urges the Chancellor to introduce immediate measures to protect UK manufacturing, including cuts to employer national insurance contributions and interest rates. The sector faces its worst crisis since the 1990-92 recession, with 150,000 job losses expected this year.
Out of court settlement for bullied pregnant executive
A pregnant executive bullied at American Express has reached an out-of-court settlement after claiming she was told to hide her pregnancy by her manager. The Australian-born employee, who initially sought £1 million, resolved claims for lost earnings, stock options and injury to feelings through confidential agreement.
Government sets out voluntary code for pension fund investment
The Government has issued a voluntary code of investment principles for pension funds, based on recommendations from the Myners review. The principles encourage funds to set clear investment objectives, ensure decision-makers are properly skilled, and agree transparent mandates with fund managers. The Government will also legislate on trustee standards and shareholder engagement duties.
Manufacturing summit to tackle jobs and investment
The UK government is launching a Manufacturing Summit to address challenges facing manufacturing firms across the country. The summit will bring together regional development agencies, business leaders, and trade unions to coordinate support for long-term manufacturing growth and help workers affected by industry changes.
Sift Seminar – Employee Online Communities
Sift is hosting free seminars on employee online communities, exploring how companies can use intranet technology to improve internal communication, knowledge sharing, and company culture. Two 90-minute sessions at a London hotel on October 24th will feature expert briefings and hands-on demonstrations for HR, intranet, and knowledge management professionals.
Employment legislation
Employment legislation covers laws affecting recruitment, pay, working hours, health and safety, and employee rights. This page provides summaries of key legislation, specialist resources, legal guidance for employers, and access to employment law news and expert advice.
‘Get your jab in first!’ says Henry Cooper
Boxing legend Henry Cooper returns to lead the UK’s flu vaccination campaign, aiming to immunise 65% of over-65s this year. The campaign also targets high-risk groups including those with chronic diseases, respiratory conditions, and weakened immunity.
New minimum wage rates in force
UK minimum wage rates have increased, with adults aged 22 and over earning an extra £14 weekly on a 35-hour week. The adult rate rose from £3.70 to £4.10 per hour, while youth rates increased from £3.20 to £3.50, benefiting over one million low-paid workers.
Changes to the Working Time Regulations
Employment Relations Minister Alan Johnson announced changes to the Working Time Regulations that will eliminate the qualifying period for paid annual leave, allowing workers to receive paid leave entitlements from their first day of employment. The amendments also establish compensation rights for untaken leave and permit employers to implement an accrual system during the first year. The new regulations take effect October 25th.
The nine-point guide to ‘de-hiring’
Managing layoffs during economic downturns requires professionalism and sensitivity. Hugh Joslin, MD of Media Contacts recruitment consultancy, offers guidance to managers conducting redundancies with integrity, noting that many inexperienced managers are handling dismissals poorly, causing additional distress to departing employees.
Coaching versus training
One-on-one coaching shows significantly higher retention rates compared to standard training courses, with research suggesting 2.5 times greater benefit. UK companies increasingly use internal and external coaches for manager development as organizations recognize coaching’s effectiveness over traditional training methods.
