EEF: Engineering pay settlements fall
Engineering pay settlements have fallen to their lowest level in nearly 12 months, averaging 2.6% in the three months to May 2001, according to the EEF. Manufacturing deterioration is driving the decline, with May settlements hitting just 2.0% and over a third becoming pay freezes.
As skills shortages worsen, job security increases
Job security increased for the first time in four years as the UK economy strengthened, but skill shortages worsened significantly and now affect 39% of firms’ competitiveness. In response, companies are investing more in employee training and offering flexible working arrangements to attract and retain talent.
Enterprise for all – the Chancellor’s speech
Chancellor Gordon Brown outlined measures to boost UK productivity and create an entrepreneurial culture for all, including competition regime reforms, favorable Capital Gains Tax treatment, modernized insolvency laws, and support for small business growth and venture capital investment.
Coping with disaster – Are you a master?
The University of Lincolnshire and Humberside launched the world’s first MSc in Trauma and Disaster Management Studies, designed to help professionals understand increasing disasters and develop better coping strategies. The program brings together academics and practitioners to advance research in traumatic stress, counseling, and psychotherapy.
New research tools access for the education (and training) community
CHEST and ISI ResearchSoft have announced site-wide licenses for EndNote, ProCite, and Reference Manager bibliographic software for UK higher education institutions, further education sites, and research councils. The three-year agreement allows institutions to install these research tools on owned computers and staff to purchase personal licenses for home use, with technical support provided by Adept Scientific.
New LSC website and Bitesize Learning
The LSC has redesigned its website and launched Bitesize Learning, a new initiative offering short courses for learners, employers, and providers. Information and application details are now available through dedicated web pages for each audience group.
Unhappy workers lead to high staff turnover – what a surprise!
A third of employees plan to resign within two years, primarily due to lacking skills development, poor career guidance from managers, and unclear direction—not low pay. Hays’ survey of 1 million workers across 50 countries reveals that high turnover costs companies up to 18 months’ salary per replacement.
Machines take control of Humans, say UNISON
UNISON reports that call monitoring systems in call centres increase worker stress and dehumanization, with technology controlling staff schedules and workflows rather than reducing monotony. The union calls for workplace improvements to create safer, more rewarding environments and reduce high staff turnover rates.
Nice recruitment site, shame about the CVs!
UK employers increasingly favor online recruitment sites, with 44% planning to boost spending and 46% considering future use. However, a third of employers report too many unsuitable CVs, with 78% avoiding candidate databases, highlighting the need for recruitment sites to improve quality control and specialization.
National Learning Disability Week
National Learning Disability Week 2001 (June 18-24) focuses on choice and independence for people with learning disabilities. Mencap highlights how lack of choice in decisions, living situations, and daily activities limits opportunities, while a series of national events, research, and media campaigns raise public awareness about discrimination in employment, education, and healthcare.
DTI: Ministerial Responsibilities
The UK Department of Trade and Industry ministerial team comprises the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and five Ministers of State overseeing e-commerce, employment relations, trade and investment, industry and energy, and science and innovation, along with three Parliamentary Under-Secretaries managing small business, competition and consumers, and scientific affairs.
Congratulations to AccountingWEB!
AccountingWEB has won the best business website award at the 2001 New Media Age Effectiveness Awards in London. With over 140,000 members globally, the site is recognized as the largest and most successful online resource serving the accountancy community in the UK, US, and Netherlands.
So, How do you motivate people?
Discover how to truly motivate your team during challenging times. This article explores why traditional motivational speaking falls short and reveals the two key rules for genuine employee motivation: understanding that motivation comes from within, and matching solutions to acknowledged needs.
How to: Understand voice recognition applications
Voice recognition technology converts spoken words into digital data using pattern recognition, comparing your speech to stored patterns in the software’s memory. Modern applications enable continuous, natural dictation at speeds up to 120 words per minute, with capabilities extending beyond text processing to command and control of various computer applications.
When unemployment falls and wage inflation rises
Wage inflation jumped to 5.3% across all sectors in April as unemployment fell, prompting calls for interest rate cuts from business and union leaders. However, the combination of rising wages, labor shortages, and increased public spending could fuel inflation risks that the Bank of England may need to address.
Further Details of Appointments and Responsibilities In Work and Pensions
The Department of Work and Pensions announces ministerial responsibilities under Secretary of State Alistair Darling. Key roles include Nick Brown overseeing structural unemployment and welfare-to-work programs, Ian McCartney managing pensions policy, Malcolm Wicks handling work-related benefits, Pat Hollis directing child support and family services, and Maria Eagle leading disability policy initiatives.
New DES Minister gets to work on AS level concerns
The new Education and Skills Secretary has commissioned an urgent review of A level reforms after concerns about excessive student assessment burdens. The review will examine implementation issues and the particularly problematic Key Skills qualification ahead of next autumn’s exams.
Threat of Rail Strikes
The RMT union representing UK rail workers has called for one-day strikes on 25 June and 4 July, demanding changes to railway operating rules that it claims downgrade the role of guards. Railway companies deny they can change the rules and say they’re prepared to challenge the strike action in court.
Workshop report: Consultants: Why and when do we need them?
This workshop explores when organizations should hire consultants and what makes engagements successful. Participants discuss how clear project specifications, defined outcomes, and strong client-consultant communication are essential, while poor planning and lack of accountability often lead to failed projects.
Government Responsibilities after the Reshuffle
Following a government reshuffle, Tony Blair retained his position as Prime Minister, with Gordon Brown continuing as Chancellor of the Exchequer. The cabinet underwent significant changes across major departments including Foreign Affairs, Home Office, Defence, and Education, with new appointments made to key ministerial roles.
