Big fine for a big burger outlet for making schoolchildren work big hours!
A McDonald’s franchise in Surrey has been fined £12,400 for illegally employing schoolchildren, including breaches such as 15-year-olds working 16-hour shifts and 16-year-olds working until 2 a.m. on school days. The prosecution, involving over 50 law violations, is among the biggest of its kind in child employment enforcement.
Museums and galleries to help adults into learning
Four museums and galleries will receive £150,000 in government funding to help adults return to learning through projects designed to make education accessible and engaging. These initiatives aim to reach adults who have had no educational experience since leaving school by leveraging museums’ community locations and resources.
Re-building the enterprise culture
The UK government has introduced competition and insolvency reforms to strengthen enterprise culture, including independent competition authorities, tougher anti-cartel enforcement, easier consumer claims against anti-competitive behavior, and a “fresh start” bankruptcy system for responsible entrepreneurs.
‘Statutory learning reps go against better regulation’ says EEF
The EEF opposes statutory learning representatives in workplaces, arguing they breach “better regulation” principles and would burden businesses while undermining successful voluntary partnerships. The federation urges exemptions for Investors in People-accredited companies.
What value science and technology degrees?
Science and technology degrees vary significantly in labor market value. While computing and engineering graduates find good jobs in growing sectors, life sciences graduates often struggle with employment, despite rising enrollment numbers. Success requires technical skills combined with strong numeracy and interpersonal abilities.
Fatalities up, reported non-fatalities down in latest HSE accidents figures
Workplace fatalities in Britain rose 34 percent to 295 deaths in 2000/01, while reported non-fatal injuries declined. The construction and agriculture sectors accounted for the majority of deaths, with falls from heights being the leading cause.
£2 million towards developing reading skills
The UK government announced £2 million in grants for 16 literacy projects across England, including initiatives to improve library services for visually impaired people and support adults with reading difficulties. The Reader Development Programme funding aims to boost reading skills and encourage engagement with libraries across all communities.
Training promises but doesn’t deliver!
Many training courses make outrageous promises about transforming communication and relationships but fail to deliver, often because they lack proper follow-up support when trainees return to work. This article examines why traditional training falls short and how the pre-course preparation, course itself, and post-course support determine real results.
FE student numbers decline
FE college enrollment fell to 3.7 million students in 1999/2000, down 100,000 from the previous year and 200,000 from 1997-98. However, enrollment at external institutions rose by 7,000, while achievement rates for full-time students improved.
Making England a nation of learners
The Learning and Skills Council launched an ambitious strategic plan to increase participation in post-16 education and training in England, aiming to raise skill levels globally competitive by 2010 and boost employment prospects across the country.
Merret -v- Babb: When is an employee liable?
The House of Lords has ruled that employees can be held personally liable for professional advice given on behalf of their employers, even after employment ends. This decision exposes professionals like surveyors, accountants, and architects to potentially devastating personal claims, particularly when their employers lack adequate insurance coverage or cease trading.
TUC: Between 100,000 and 150,000 jobs are at risk this year alone
The TUC warns that between 100,000 and 150,000 manufacturing jobs face loss this year unless the Bank of England cuts interest rates. The union argues manufacturing is in recession with low inflation, calling for rate cuts and increased industrial aid to prevent job losses.
HSE: Managers must manage Health and Safety risks
The Health and Safety Commission has published guidance requiring company directors and board members to actively manage health and safety risks. Boards must establish collective responsibility, nominate a health and safety champion, and regularly review performance to protect employees and the public from workplace hazards.
Pay is outstripping inflation, whilst interest rates are not expected to change
Recent wage settlements of 2.5-4% are outpacing inflation at 1.9%, while the Monetary Policy Committee is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at 5.25% this week due to concerns about stoking a two-speed economy amid weak economic growth.
Welcome to the house of fun?
Dennis Bakke, founder of AES Corporation, championed creating workplaces built on fairness, integrity, social responsibility, and fun. Management consultant Leslie Yerkes argues that integrating fun into work environments boosts productivity and employee satisfaction, challenging the outdated belief that work must be sterile and unenjoyable.
Hewitt: We’ll cut the red tape
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced plans for a major overhaul of UK company law to reduce costs and red tape for businesses. The proposals, based on a Company Law Review report, aim to modernize outdated regulations and simplify requirements for small companies.
First 16 special colleges announced by Estelle Morris
Education and Skills Secretary Estelle Morris announced the first 16 Centres of Vocational Excellence across UK colleges, focusing on high-demand skills in computing, construction, catering, and childcare. The government pledged £100 million over three years to transform colleges into centers of excellence, with plans to support half of all colleges by 2003-4.
Metaphors for new management
Metaphors like marathon running, mountain climbing, and train travel can transform how organizations approach management and career development. By comparing traditional hierarchical structures to alternative models, these metaphors reveal new possibilities for employee growth, engagement, and organizational success beyond the conventional ladder approach.
Hodge announces board members for Learning and Skills Development Agency
Minister Margaret Hodge has appointed eight new members and reappointed two existing members to the Learning and Skills Development Agency board. The expanded board reflects the agency’s broader remit to raise standards across post-16 learning and professional development of teachers and trainers.
Reform of public services: TUC make their position clear
The TUC General Council has issued a statement supporting the government’s commitment to improve public services, but warns that reform efforts risk derailment due to excessive private sector involvement. The TUC commits to constructive dialogue with the government on a department-by-department basis to ensure public sector ethos remains central to service improvements.
