The Partnership Institute: Winning at Work
The TUC Partnership Institute launches a new consultancy promoting cooperation between employers and unions. Partnership organizations report 34% better financial performance and 24% higher productivity growth, while delivering greater job satisfaction and improved working conditions for employees.
Bridging Europe’s IT skills gap
Europe faces a significant IT skills shortage. An upcoming Brussels conference on February 20 will address online recruitment strategies, cross-border hiring, and immigration policy’s impact on tech talent availability, bringing together EU officials, private sector leaders, and academics.
Motivation & Satisfaction
Darren Cairns seeks resources on employee motivation and job satisfaction for his Business Degree studies and future CIPD graduate membership. He’s requesting information on workplace policies, improvement strategies, and relevant literature to support his academic research.
E-mail policies need review – Eversheds
Companies should review email and mobile device policies to address security risks posed by new handheld devices like PDAs. Over 100 dismissals at a London law firm highlight the importance of establishing clear acceptable use policies that balance business needs with employee rights while protecting sensitive company data.
Put Equality into Practice
Achieving equality for women and men requires more than legal changes—it demands transformation in workplace practices, attitudes, and values at home and work. Despite progress since 1975, research shows a significant gap between people’s belief in equal opportunities and their daily actions.
Telephone test for first stage interviews
Find telephone assessment providers for first-stage employee interviews. These tests typically evaluate spelling, math skills, role-playing abilities, customer service scenarios, and general competencies to screen candidates before in-person meetings.
Company pensions under threat from Europe
European Commission proposals to harmonise pension rules could force UK companies to withdraw pay-linked pensions, threatening the £650 billion British pensions industry. The UK’s robust private pension sector could be undermined by mandatory solvency rules and interest rate standardisation across the EU.
The rise and rise of the free agent
Skilled workers are increasingly operating as free agents in the labor market, viewing employers as clients rather than committing to long-term career paths. This shift reflects fundamental changes in how work is organized, driven by technology and globalization that have dismantled rigid traditional employment structures.
Inland Revenue Download Area
The Inland Revenue provides a download area with free PDF guides, advice sheets, and Employer’s Bulletins issued approximately every four to five months to help employers stay informed on tax matters.
Post Office pays out for Racial Discrimination
The Post Office paid £19,757.19 in damages after an Employment Tribunal found that management at its Preston office discriminated against a postal worker of Indian origin by selectively applying performance tests. The tribunal condemned the Post Office’s recruitment practices and failure to properly investigate the discrimination complaint.
Public’s opinion sought on Health and Safety priorities
The Health and Safety Commission holds its first public meeting to gather input on Britain’s health and safety priorities for 2001-2004, seeking feedback from businesses, unions, and the public on its draft strategic plan focusing on construction, agriculture, healthcare, and workplace hazards.
CIPD Guidelines
The CIPD provides evidence-based guidelines for effective recruitment practices, including best practices for application sifting and structured interviews. These standards help organizations design fair, objective selection processes that minimize bias and improve hiring quality.
Tax discounts for Internet Filing
Taxpayers and employers can claim tax discounts when filing returns online with the Inland Revenue during 2001, as enabled by Finance Act 2000 legislation to encourage electronic tax communications.
A test for Professionals
This four-question quiz tests whether you’re truly professional by evaluating your problem-solving approach, logical thinking, memory, and ability to learn from mistakes. According to Andersen Consulting, 90% of professionals failed while many preschoolers succeeded.
Interest Rates Held at 6 p.c.
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has held interest rates at 6%, disappointing unions and business groups who anticipated a cut. The decision reflects concern about economic conditions, with fears that the UK could face recession.
Do your values match Gordon’s Voluntary Army?
Gordon Brown proposes expanding voluntary work in public services, including recruiting over 100,000 retired workers and funding community initiatives with £300 million. The plan represents a significant shift from centralized government to community-led provision of health, education, and social services.
Launch of 43 projects for European Year of Languages
The European Commission has selected 43 projects for funding under the European Year of Languages initiative, with approximately EUR1.7 million in subsidies. These projects promote multilingualism and demonstrate how language learning offers cultural and economic benefits across Europe.
mentoring accreditation
Develop an in-house mentoring program that recognizes mentor skills through accreditation. This guide explores Cambridge certificates and alternative accreditation options for mentors working with young trainees ages 16-24.
Written Guidleines for a Preferred Suppliers List
Learn how to develop written guidelines for a preferred suppliers list (PSL) in training procurement. This guide covers creating a structured process to communicate supplier requirements and standards to your business effectively.
Should you be reading this?
A majority of US employers monitor their workers’ internet activity, emails, and phone calls at work, according to a recent SHRM survey. The findings highlight growing workplace surveillance practices that employees should be aware of.
