CBI: Don’t talk the UK into recession
CBI Director-General Digby Jones urged against talking the UK into recession following the 9/11 attacks, stating that business fundamentals remain strong despite market uncertainty. While specific sectors like airlines and tourism face direct impacts, he called for a “business as normal” approach to maintain economic resilience.
The worth of secretarial staff
Senior secretaries and PAs in London and the South-East earn an average of £24,500, according to a new survey, with significant regional variations across the UK. The survey also reveals that 77 percent of major employers offer flexible working arrangements beyond traditional 9am-5pm hours.
Management consultancies are ahead in e-business
Management consultancies lead the UK in e-commerce adoption, with 100% using external email, 84% operating websites, and over half maintaining intranets. The sector reports significant improvements in service provision and productivity, with e-commerce reshaping business operations and creating new strategic opportunities.
Labour market reforms top the agenda for Anglo-Spanish meeting
UK and Spanish governments discussed labour market reforms at a Majorca meeting, focusing on preparations for the Barcelona Summit and EU employment targets. Key priorities include skills development, removing barriers to employment, and promoting job quality across all demographics.
What do stressed out bosses cause?
Stressed-out bosses pass their anxiety onto employees, reducing overall performance, according to a new report. The study found that 76% of UK workers believe their managers’ stress directly causes them more stress, while employees also cite public criticism, unnecessary meetings, and feeling unheard as major workplace stressors.
Women still getting a raw pay deal
Government figures show significant gender pay gaps across all age groups and income levels, with women earning less than half the median weekly income of men in 1999/00. The disparity persists even among graduates, with male graduates twice as likely to earn above £25,000.
HSE: Nightworkers need help to change their way of life
HSE research shows that self-help booklets alone have minimal impact on changing night shift workers’ behavior and coping strategies. Organizations need more intensive, proactive programs including counselling to help workers manage the health risks associated with disrupted sleep, eating, and social routines.
Share options and redundancy
When Intel closed its Danish operations in June, 200 employees lost their jobs and forfeited unvested share options. A Danish trade union is now suing to challenge whether companies can legally cancel share options without compensation during redundancy.
Human aspects of Mergers and Acquisitions
Two-thirds of mergers and acquisitions fail to achieve their objectives, primarily due to cultural and behavioral issues rather than financial or legal problems. Success depends on managing both the pre-merger phase through cultural due diligence and the post-merger period with active change management, strong leadership alignment, and a shared vision that unites the organization.
Bank of England cuts rates
The Bank of England has cut interest rates from 5% to 4.75%, following similar moves by the US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank. This marks the first time the Bank of England has adjusted rates outside a scheduled policy meeting since gaining monetary policy control in 1997.
HSE ‘Workers web page’ gets the thumbs up from TUC
The TUC has welcomed the launch of a dedicated “workers web page” on the Health and Safety Executive website, the first government portal specifically designed for workers. The new resource allows workers to understand their rights, check employer compliance, and report safety concerns online.
Next stage of reform of the Minimum Funding Requirement
The Government has published plans for reforming the Minimum Funding Requirement (MFR) to strengthen pension scheme member protection. The proposals include a long-term funding standard tailored to each scheme, enhanced transparency requirements, and stricter conditions for scheme wind-ups. A Consultation Panel comprising industry, consumer, employer, and union representatives will help develop final reform details.
Jobseekers to pilot literacy and numeracy improvements
Pilots are launching to identify and improve literacy and numeracy skills among jobseekers on benefits. The programs will offer financial rewards for completing training and reduce allowances for those refusing to participate, with screening starting when people first claim Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Sexism begins at graduation
A Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development study reveals that the gender pay gap emerges immediately after graduation, with male graduates twice as likely to earn above £25,000. Female graduates report lower salary expectations and less optimism about career prospects than their male peers.
Building Brands with People
Employee interactions and customer-facing staff are critical to building brand loyalty and customer relationships. Research shows that workplace clothing and uniforms significantly impact employee confidence, behavior, and brand perception, making staff consultation essential in uniform design to ensure employees feel valued and represented.
Easing the strain in matching people to jobs
HR departments face mounting pressure balancing recruitment demands with shrinking resources. E-HR technology and candidate-sifting software now help streamline CV processing, freeing HR professionals to focus on strategic hiring and employee engagement rather than administrative tasks.
Ten steps to better expenses management
Discover ten practical steps to streamline expense management and reduce processing costs by up to 50%. Learn how automating travel and entertainment expense claims can increase financial control, minimize policy violations, and lower total company spending while improving efficiency across your organization.
Workplace stress goes global
A global study of over 1000 companies across 24 countries reveals widespread employee stress, with people-centered workplace cultures in the USA and Scandinavia reporting lower stress levels than power-oriented companies in southern Europe. The research shows the average global working week is 50 hours, with stress rising annually due to routine business pressures rather than exceptional circumstances.
How to: Protect Yourself From Redundancy
Learn six critical strategies to protect your job during economic downturns: understand your value, know your market worth, build professional networks, continuously develop skills, maintain visibility with key decision-makers, and create a career plan that gives you control over your future.
Healey: New research strategy for education will improve quality and access
The National Educational Research Forum has launched a new strategy to improve educational research quality and access. The framework includes initiatives such as a Funders’ Forum, research priority panels, and enhanced training opportunities for researchers and teachers. Adult Skills Minister John Healey welcomed the strategy, noting his department has doubled education research funding since 1997.
