DTI Minister reserves seat for personnel managers in boardroom
The DTI Employment Relations Minister calls for people management to be elevated to boardroom level, emphasizing that strong HR practices drive productivity and business performance. He suggests the upcoming Company Law review may help ensure organizations better reflect their reliance on workforce skills and knowledge.
Low Earners to be taxed as ‘Higher Paid’
Low-wage workers earning the newly increased National Minimum Wage face an unexpected tax trap: company vehicle benefits could push them over the £8,500 threshold, classifying them as “higher paid” earners and subjecting them to higher tax rates despite minimal earnings.
Opra’s 5th Annual Report
Opra’s fifth Annual Report shows the regulatory authority handled over 43,000 enquiries and concluded more than 12,000 cases in 2000/2001. The agency recovered over £30 million in pension scheme assets and significantly increased enforcement actions following new civil offense provisions.
Morris announces over £1 million for new Union Learning Fund projects
Education and Skills Secretary Estelle Morris has approved 26 new Union Learning Fund projects worth £1.2 million to boost workplace training. The initiatives will support lorry drivers, bakers, and other workers through flexible learning programs tailored to their needs. The Fund has trained over 3,000 learning representatives and engaged nearly 14,000 participants since its 1998 launch.
Limit unapproved share option NIC liabilities warn accountants
Employers who issued Unapproved Share Options between April 1999 and May 2000 face unpredictable National Insurance Contribution liabilities on option value increases. New legislation allows these companies to limit their NIC liability, but they must apply by August 10, 2001 to secure this protection.
DfWP Statistical Summary June 2001
In June 2001, Great Britain’s social welfare system supported millions across key benefit programs. Data shows 2.7 million children (20%) lived in benefit-claiming families, while 5 million working-age adults and 10.3 million pensioners claimed key benefits. Income Support remained the largest program with 3.9 million claimants.
ACAS takes on Race Relations and Equality
Acas has integrated the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service (RREAS) and Equality Direct into its operations, strengthening expertise in workplace equality and employment relations. The move aims to provide organizations with comprehensive practical support for developing inclusive workplaces built on mutual trust.
Review of Payroll Services
Patrick Carter was commissioned to review payroll services for UK small businesses to identify ways of reducing compliance costs. The review examined service availability, technology use, and potential barriers to efficiency, with interested parties invited to submit feedback by July 23rd.
Well, that’s cleared that up Mr Prescott!
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott clarified government roles and responsibilities, addressing confusion about oversight of equality, disability, and women’s issues. Prescott outlined his office’s structure and his Cabinet responsibilities, including chairing committees on domestic affairs and social exclusion.
Hewitt announces plans for regional targets for new businesses, job opportunities and skills
England’s Regional Development Agencies will now operate under specific outcome targets covering business creation, job opportunities, skills development, and brownfield land remediation. Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced the regional milestones to help tackle economic inequalities across England’s regions.
Industrial Society: Cut absenteeism by being more flexible
Flexible work arrangements including remote work options and flexible hours can significantly reduce employee absenteeism, according to Industrial Society research showing absence dropped from 8 to 6.5 days annually when these policies were implemented.
Matching refugee skills to shortages
Glasgow and other UK cities are conducting skills audits on refugees and asylum seekers to match their qualifications with employment shortages in teaching, medicine, and construction. Studies show many refugees hold significant qualifications, with organizations like the BMA working to connect skilled professionals with job opportunities.
If you’ve gotta go, go now!
Political and business leaders often struggle to exit gracefully, clinging to power long after their peak usefulness. This article examines why strategic exit planning matters for politicians, athletes, and CEOs, using examples like Margaret Thatcher and Jack Welch to illustrate how poor timing can damage legacies.
SAS style attack was part of team-building exercise
Former SAS soldiers staged a fake kidnapping of a senior accountancy firm partner during a team-building exercise at a Welsh hotel, firing blank rounds and setting off flares as shocked dinner guests watched. The dramatic exercise, organized by Pilgrim Resources, included a mock rescue mission and bomb-defusal scenario.
AS Exams to be cut after ‘shambles’ earlier this year
The government will significantly reduce the number of AS exams sixth form students take in their first year, following complaints that excessive testing undermines extracurricular activities and student wellbeing.
Teacher Training hits a record high
Teacher training places hit a record high with over 1,100 graduates accepted onto the Graduate Teacher Programme in September. Secondary shortage subjects like maths and science saw the sharpest increases, with applications more than doubling compared to the previous year.
If learning is such a high priority for the government, then why….
The editor questions why the UK government’s Department for Education and Skills isn’t called the Department for Learning, arguing the name should reflect the government’s stated priority on learning. The post invites debate on whether the department’s name accurately reflects its actual purpose and responsibilities.
NVQ Level 5 Strategic Management
NVQ Level 5 Strategic Management student seeks advice on presenting knowledge management strategy and performance management discussion to examiners, university professors, assessors and executives. Tips on presentation format and common questions welcome.
Employer Branding: The latest fad?
Employer branding campaigns aim to build employee loyalty and retention by creating a strong corporate culture message. However, critics argue this marketing-focused approach may overemphasize branding efforts while overlooking fundamental business priorities like revenue generation and quality customer service.
Confidence really does work!
A groundbreaking study at the Institute of Psychiatry shows that building self-confidence significantly reduces depression and anxiety symptoms. Researchers found participants who increased their self-esteem also experienced notable decreases in both conditions, highlighting confidence as a key factor in psychological well-being.
