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.
Working with the Inland Revenue online
The Inland Revenue offers online services for taxpayers, intermediaries, and software developers, including self-assessment tax return submissions, PAYE forms, and electronic payment options through their website.
Workshop: Service Standards and Recruitment Agencies
This online workshop explores service standards in the recruitment industry, examining how client companies can ensure quality representation through agencies, whether clear expectations are communicated, and what standards job applicants should expect. Join the discussion to share your views on recruitment agency practices and client-agency relationships.
Workshop: HR and Training in 2001 – open forum
Join a free online workshop on January 9, 2001 to discuss HR and training challenges for the year ahead with industry professionals. Explore expected key issues, evolving roles, employment law, and technology’s impact on HR functions.
Just Do It!
Managers often fail to implement insights from expensive training programs, creating a costly “knowing-doing gap.” Research shows that corporate risk aversion and internal competition discourage action, though approaches like action learning offer promising solutions for connecting knowledge to workplace practice.
Acas appoint first Chief Executive
Acas has appointed John Taylor as its first full-time Chief Executive, effective end of March. Taylor, formerly Chief Executive of the Training and Enterprise Council for South-East Wales, replaces part-time Chair Rita Donaghy and will lead the organization through evolving workplace challenges.
Employers overcome red tape to provide pension schemes
Employers face mounting regulatory burdens when administering occupational pension schemes, with 94% reporting increased resource demands and 90% expecting conditions to worsen. Despite bureaucratic challenges, companies remain committed to providing quality pensions and expanding employee benefits.
New resources for HR payroll professionals
HR Zone releases two new guides to help payroll professionals select the right payroll system and navigate available software solutions. Resources include a comprehensive selection guide and a listing of major payroll suppliers and reference sites.
1,600 learning and self development resources added to HR Zone
HR Zone has added 1,600 bite-sized learning and self-development resources through a collaboration with learningmatters.com. The expanded library includes training videos, management articles, diagnostic tools, and business reference materials available for immediate online access and delivery.
New QuickFacts guides to company cars and sustainable development
The CIPD has released two new QuickFacts guides covering company car incentives for employees and sustainable development in people management. Both resources are available through the CIPD website and offer practical guidance on these key HR topics.
No more ‘sickies’ – it’s ‘duvet days’ to the rescue!
American companies are introducing “duvet days”—up to four paid days off annually that employees can use at short notice for recovery or mental health breaks. This practice could replace the British tradition of calling in sick, offering legitimate time off without requiring advance notice.
Government launches womens development event
The government is launching ‘Women Unlimited’, a free career development conference in London on February 13 featuring seminars, workshops, and exhibitions for women at all career stages. The event offers practical guidance on training, employment, entrepreneurship, and IT skills from employers and industry experts.
Companies need freedom to communicate with staff, says CBI chief
The CBI chief opposes EU workplace communication directive, arguing mandatory consultation policies for companies with 50+ employees will harm UK growth and job creation. He calls for greater tax incentives to boost business investment amid predicted global economic slowdown.
‘Work sharing is the way forward’ – Handy
Management writer Charles Handy explores how work sharing and community-based collaboration offer an alternative to rising self-employment and contract work, examining models from the voluntary sector, arts, and education that balance individual autonomy with collective purpose.
Vicars to campaign for contracts of employment
Church of England vicars, currently without formal employment contracts, are considering a campaign backed by the MSF union to secure legal employment status. Clergy argue they lack job security and legal protections, with their housing and roles subject to their bishop’s discretion.
HR Weekly Watch – December 2000
HR Weekly Watch for December 2000 covers key employment and workplace news, including pension policy debates, the New Deal job initiative reaching 30,000 placements in Scotland, minimum wage criticism, police recruitment successes, and labor disputes in the postal and health sectors.
‘How I quit Smoking’ Mr D’s story
Mr D shares his proven smoking cessation technique, which involves gradually eliminating caffeine before quitting smoking during a stress-free long weekend. This personal account offers practical, non-medical advice based on what worked for the author and his wife.
