Charter Marks all-round
Government ministries celebrate Charter Mark awards, a quality improvement tool focused on customer service in the public sector. Nearly 600 jobcentres received the award, alongside organizations from health, education, social services, and other departments, with 744 organizations honored in this year’s ceremony.
Jobs lifeline to Corus workers
EXi Telecoms is recruiting redundant Corus steelworkers as part of expansion plans that could create 4,000 new jobs. The initiative offers potential employment for workers affected by Corus closures in Wales and the North-East.
Penalty Clause for Training Costs
A user seeks help locating a free penalty clause template for training costs previously posted by Cheshire solicitors on this site or Trainingzone. The downloadable resource addressed employee training cost recovery agreements.
2,000 jobs to go in shake-up at the Pru
Prudential plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs as part of a reorganization of its customer service and direct sales operations, the financial services group announced.
Prudential to axe its entire direct sales force
Prudential is closing its entire direct sales force, eliminating 2,000 jobs at a cost of £110 million to achieve £135 million in annual savings. The company will shift to telephone and internet-based sales while maintaining a smaller dedicated team of around 350 people.
Women Unlimited
Women Unlimited is a major work and training event bringing together over 2000 women with leading employers and training organisations. Hosted by Government Ministers and sponsored by Sun Microsystems, the event offers seminars on CV writing, interview skills, IT opportunities, and entrepreneurship to help women explore career advancement options.
Parking tickets: A valid claimable expense?
Parking tickets present a gray area for business expense claims. While one employee’s penalty was reimbursed by their company, their supervisor’s was denied—illustrating how different organizations apply varying standards to traffic violations incurred during work-related travel.
The seven habits of highly ineffective people
Discover why identifying bad habits may be more useful than chasing success. This article explores seven habits of ineffective people, arguing that eliminating poor practices automatically improves performance better than attempting to meet unrealistic standards like those promoted by management gurus.
New online system for administering your salaries and wages
StaffPay is a new online payroll administration system that automatically calculates and processes employee wages, salaries, and expenses while staying updated with current tax rates and employment legislation. It reduces payroll administration costs for organizations of any size and is free for very small companies.
SUPPORT STAFF TNA
Seeking a Training Needs Analysis template for support staff roles like secretaries and receptionists? This post requests recommendations and resources for TNA templates tailored to administrative and front-office positions.
CPD RECORDING SOFTWARE
Find the best CPD recording software for lawyers tracking continuing professional development hours. Discover simple solutions to record daily training activities, courses, and self-study hours to meet Law Society requirements of 16 annual hours.
What formal written notice needs to be given to staff to change terms of contract?
Employers must provide formal written notice before changing pay terms like payment frequency. The required notice period depends on employment contracts and local employment law, but typically ranges from one to two months. Always review individual contracts and consult employment law in your jurisdiction before implementing changes.
Pensions victory for part-time workers
The House of Lords ruled that part-time workers, predominantly women, can now claim backdated pension rights from 1976 after being previously barred from company pension schemes. However, a strict six-month time limit for filing claims means many women who waited longer will receive nothing.
Wanting to work abroad? See EXPAT 2001
Expat 2001 is Europe’s largest international expat fair, offering comprehensive information on living, working, and settling abroad. With over 80 participating organizations and 60+ services, the fair serves expatriates, emigrants, students, and multinational employees planning international relocations.
Safety policy
Small companies can access free health and safety policy templates from government resources and employer guidance. The HSE website offers practical advice and downloadable templates that small businesses can customize for their specific needs and workforce size.
compassionate leave
Compassionate leave isn’t legally required in the UK, but employers can choose to offer it as a goodwill gesture. Typical situations include caring for sick children or elderly parents. Small companies often provide 1-3 days annually, though policies vary based on individual circumstances and company resources.
HR Briefing #23 – Employment law updates, Getting to grips with IT, Interview: Sarah Perman
HR Briefing #23 covers employment law updates, IT skills for managers, and an interview with Sarah Perman of the Partnership Institute. The issue includes resources on HR topics, community Q&A features, and a free Investors in People diagnostic questionnaire.
Interview: Sarah Perman, Director of the Partnership Institute
The TUC has launched the Partnership Institute, a consultancy helping organizations develop more inclusive, collaborative workplace relationships. Director Sarah Perman discusses why now is the right time for partnership approaches and how the institute brings employers and unions together to solve problems constructively.
Train the Trainer
Learn how to design an effective Train the Trainer course covering both theory and practical applications. This guide explores essential course content including coaching techniques and instructional methods for developing internal training capabilities.
TUC asks Competition Commission to kick the Abbey habit.
The TUC urges the Competition Commission to review the proposed Lloyds-TSB takeover of Abbey National, citing threats to 9,000 jobs and reduced consumer choice in banking. The union warns the deal could trigger further consolidation among major banks.
