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.
John Monks: New Year Message
John Monks’ 2000 New Year message highlights progress in workplace rights and union membership, but warns of intensifying job losses in manufacturing due to an overvalued pound and Britain’s exclusion from the euro.
Disability Equality Training
The Disability Rights Commission is reopening tenders for Disability Equality Training, with preference expected for delivery led by disabled people. Tender documents and further details are available on the DRC website, with submissions due January 26, 2001.
Statistics on Work Based Training for Young People
The DfEE has released updated statistics on government-supported work-based training for young people through TEC and CCTE providers. The data updates figures from the previous quarter and is available in PDF format and online.
A cold, cold Christmas in Manufacturing
UK manufacturing faced its worst Christmas in 2000, with 5,615 job losses in December and over 96,000 redundancies throughout the year. The North, North East, Midlands, and Scotland were hardest hit, including major cuts at Vauxhall and other major employers.
Dotcoms face employee action
Dotcom sector workers are facing job losses and labor unrest as companies collapse. Employees at Amazon and other online retailers are voting on unionization efforts, citing mass layoffs, low wages, and the worthlessness of stock options that once promised wealth.
Looking for Kevin Mitchell
Seeking to reconnect with Kevin Mitchell, a senior recruitment specialist based in Birmingham with experience at TMP and PA Consulting. Anyone with contact information or leads is asked to help.
2000: Looking back at a year of HR
The year 2000 brought significant HR challenges, including fierce debates over workplace regulation between legislators, trade unionists, and employers. Key developments included parental leave regulations, the minimum wage increase to £3.70, and alarming workplace bullying statistics showing 47% of employees witnessed bullying.
How you can become a European Company
EU Employment Ministers agreed to establish a European Company Statute, allowing pan-European companies to operate under EU law rather than national regulations. The statute includes mandatory worker participation in major company decisions, though business groups like the CBI expressed lukewarm support over concerns about implementation and additional EU regulations needed for full operational capability.
Few workers have reduced their hours despite new regulations
Two years after the Working Time Regulations took effect, 60% of workers who previously worked over 48 hours weekly continue to do so, with only 2% reducing hours directly due to the policy. Despite limited compliance, nearly half of surveyed workers view the regulations positively as necessary protections against excessive working hours.
Unlimited Women will attend Women Unlimited
Women Unlimited, the first Government-led opportunities fair for women, takes place February 13th 2001. The free event brings together employers, training organisations, and experts to offer interactive seminars, exhibitions, and networking for women exploring work choices, career changes, and business start-ups.
Senior staff benefit most in NHS pay settlement
Senior NHS staff, particularly nurses taking on new responsibilities, benefit most from the Government’s latest pay settlement. The above-inflation pay rises, accepted for a third consecutive year, include 3.7% increases for nurses and 3.9% for doctors, with senior nurses receiving over 5% increases totaling £1,270-£1,515 annually.
Work Permit Holders and Redundancy
Work permit holders facing redundancy must be treated fairly under employment law, but sponsorship status and immigration implications add complexity to selection decisions. Employers should apply consistent, objective criteria regardless of visa sponsorship while considering legal obligations to both sponsored employees and EU citizens.
Induction design consultants
Seeking specialist induction design consultants to develop a flexible, multi-format framework for a 1,200-person organization. Project scope includes planning, research, and resource design to replace outdated paper-based systems with accessible digital and traditional materials.
"Screw around vigorously" the Tom Peters way
Tom Peters advises managers to “Screw Around Vigorously” (S.A.V.) in uncertain times, encouraging bold experimentation and unconventional thinking. Speaking at a London seminar, Peters argues that traditional corporate strategies fail in today’s rapidly changing business environment, urging leaders to abandon rigid approaches and embrace creative risk-taking.
Disabled student wins right to take the General Medical Council to tribunal
A disabled student has won the right to take the General Medical Council to an employment tribunal for rejecting her medical training application. The London Employment Tribunal ruled the GMC is covered by disability discrimination law, allowing Heidi Cox to pursue her case.
