REC urges care with data protection
With the rise in availability of technology, recruiters are increasingly using the Internet as a business tool, and the distribution of information via the net is fast becoming an integral part of current recruitment methods. Consequently, practitioners are subject to the watchful eye of the Data Protection Commission. The Data Protection Act of 1998 regulates […]
Pregnancy and Maternity – New advice web pages from EOC
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has published the first of several proposed advice pages on sex discrimination issues.The first set of pages published in April 2001 can be found at http://www.eoc.org.uk/advice/maternity/index2.htm
EIRO publishes 2000 Annual Review
The European Industrial Relations Observatory (EIRO) has published its latest Annual Review which contains a summary of Employment Information regarding the UK economy and for other countries.
Pay rates steady, says CBI survey
Pay award levels are holding steady, easing fears that falling unemployment will force up inflation, according to a survey published today (Monday) by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The CBI’s latest Pay Databank Survey shows service firm settlements averaged 4.1 per cent in the three months to February 2001, compared with 4.2 per cent […]
EOC settles their own employee’s sex discrimination case
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has settled a case with one of its own staff members for sex discrimination.Director of Marketing at the EOC’s Manchester office, Kevin Marsh began his claim after failing to be shortlisted for the post of Head of Communications. He had argued that he had reduced his working hours to look […]
Employee AssistanceOccupational Health
I am carrying out research to produce recommendations to overcome absence problems in a specific workplace which will also be used as my CIPD final management report.I have now got to the stage where I am looking at ways of preventing absence and promoting attendance at work. I would be really interested to hear from […]
Graduates: work hard and be flexible
New graduates with good personal skills, who are prepared to be flexible, are faring well in the job market. Others may fare much less well. As Institute of Employment Studies (IES) Director Richard Pearson commented: ‘The buoyant economy is working well for graduates with a good university track record and interpersonal skills, who are prepared […]
Recruiter’s Interviewing Secrets Revealed
In the first of a series of regular articles written for HR Zone, Hugh Joslin, Managing Director of Media Contacts (Recruitment Consultants) Ltd shares the secrets of ‘Interviewing’ in the recruitment business.The interview is the lifeblood of recruitment consultancies. Having interviewed thousands of candidates over the past 20 years, few are as qualified as Hugh […]
Women need better financial planning
Growing numbers of working women face the need to plan their finances more effectively, especially when it comes to pensions, according to a report published today by the financial watchdog, the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The report, Women and personal finance: the reality of the gender gap [PDF], shows there is little difference in ownership of […]
Sending the wrong signals
This is the latest in a series of columns written for HR Zone from management education portal FTdynamo.com.‘New’ economy companies were exposed to ridicule when details of some of their more unusual staff perks started to get out. Aromatherapists on 24 hour call. Massage at the desk. Scooters, pinball machines and water pistols freely available.Some […]
New travel directory makes for easier business travel arrangements
This week we’ve upgraded the Travel Directory on this site to make it even easier for busy professionals to make their travel bookings.The Travel Agents Directory is maintained by our sister site TravelMole and is the premier travel agency service in the UK listing all the major companies and services. All the entries are members […]
Do computers mess up your day?
For some light relief – using the computer of course – check out a little article written by Judi James for the Guardian website.She fondly remembers a time before e-mail. Computer rage gets an airing, and the limitations of IT are well rehearsed. “Ask Why?” is her recurring theme, before adopting a technology solution. She […]
New reforms for Employment Tribunals
Steve Byers, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has introduced new legislation to reform the operation of Employment Tribunals in two respects.New procedures will be introduced from 18 April 2001 which reform some of the procedures of Employment Tribunals. These include: case management/measures to deter and weed out unmeritorious cases; some technical changes to […]
Inland Revenue publishes 2001/2 electronic tax, PAYE and self-assessment services
Payroll managers, small business and the self-employed will want to check out the updated versions of the various Inland Revenue electronic tax services which have been released this week.A full index of the available services and forms is available on the Inland Revenue website.Individual taxpayers and payroll managers are receiving their return information through the […]
Employment of outdoor workers
The Health and Safety Executive has issued new advice to employers regarding sun protection for any staff who work outdoors.The advice is available online here.
European employment law blocks M&S redundancy plans
In a decision which is sure to be hotly contested by the company, Marks and Spencer’s has had its plans to close 18 stores in France put on hold.The High Court in Paris has issued an injunction preventing the current closure plans from being implemented. There is widespread support for the stores from French staff […]
Extreme monitoring and lack of breaks top TUC call centre complaints
Extreme monitoring by supervisors and not being allowed to take adequate rest breaks, were the top two concerns of call centre workers calling the It’s your call hotline, according to a TUC report. The report, Calls for change, is released as Channel 4 News screens an investigation into some of the call centres reported to […]
The Promise And Betrayal Of Modern Work
This is the latest in a series of columns written for HR Zone from management education portal FTdynamo.com.Joanne Ciulla, a professor at Virginia’s University of Richmond, is fascinated by work. She noted all the cartoons and commentaries about how miserable it is to work in most jobs and thought: “When did this start to happen?” […]
Stakeholder pensions available from today!
Stakeholder pensions go on sale for the first time today.Alistair Darling said: “Stakeholder pensions are a low cost, secure and flexible pension option for moderate and higher earners. Two in five working people have no pension for their old age apart from their state pension. We want people who can save to do so – […]
Tessa Blackstone welcomes graduate employment news
Education and Employment Minister Tessa Blackstone yesterday welcomed news that graduates continue to be in demand by employers. The Higher Education Funding Council for England today published the first employment rates of universities, which will help prospective students to choose their course and university.Tessa Blackstone said,”The employment rates show that graduates remain highly sought after […]
