Green Paper: Work and Parents
The UK government unveiled a Green Paper proposing expanded support for working parents, including paid paternity leave for fathers, extended maternity leave options, and flexible working arrangements. The proposals aim to balance parental needs with business concerns during a three-month consultation period.
EOC: Britain Stuck in a Rut
The UK remains stuck tackling persistent sex discrimination across employment, education, and social institutions, according to the Equal Opportunities Commission’s annual report. Despite 25 years of legislation, outdated assumptions about gender roles continue affecting people’s lives, from parents seeking flexible work to women facing hiring barriers.
2000 European Day of Disabled People
The 2000 European Day of Disabled People, held in Brussels on December 5-6, focused on combating discrimination against disabled people in the labour market. The Commission and European Disability Forum organized the event and launched a dedicated website.
Sex in the Office
A survey of young female office workers reveals that 82% flirt with attractive colleagues, 61% have had sex with coworkers, and 22% have slept with their boss. While workplace romances are common, HR experts warn they pose serious legal risks and professional complications.
Family Policies – TUC Reaction
The TUC welcomes the government’s green paper on family policies, which proposes increased maternity pay and leave, flexible working rights for parents, and paid paternity leave. TUC General Secretary John Monks says the reforms will help working mothers spend more time with newborns and enable parents to balance work and childcare responsibilities.
Recruiting contract sales team
A startup founder explores options for building a contract sales team without committing to full-time employees, including part-time roles ideal for flexible workers. Learn about recruiting contractors and what compensation packages to consider.
TUC: "Don’t Keep Us In The Dark”
UK workers often learn of job losses through text messages and radio announcements rather than from employers. The TUC is calling on the government to support a European directive that would require employers to consult workers about closures, mergers, and redundancies.
Jowell: UK leading the way for Europe on Jobs
Employment Minister Tessa Jowell says the UK is leading Europe on jobs and employment policy, arguing that creating more work is the most effective way to tackle social exclusion. The EU has adopted the UK’s employment model, combining flexible labour markets with minimum standards, ahead of the Nice summit.
Courses and Events – User’s FAQs
Find answers to common questions about searching, booking, and adding courses and events. Learn how to use quick and advanced search features, understand regional coverage, explore different course types, and get information about booking and submission requirements.
New guide on Parental Leave
Employment Minister Tessa Jowell launched a new guide to help small businesses manage maternity, parental, and emergency leave effectively. The guide provides practical advice on handling temporary absences, using recruitment agencies for cover, and understanding legal obligations related to employee leave.
"HR with attitude” – Now is the hour
Management gurus emphasize that HR must move from conference rhetoric to practical action. In today’s competitive environment, HR professionals need courage and strategic positioning to prove their value, moving beyond traditional training programs to become essential partners in organizational development and cultural change.
Bullying, Kamlesh Bahl and race issues.
Kamlesh Bahl, a former senior Law Society official, has brought a case to Employment Tribunal involving allegations of bullying and race issues. The ongoing legal matter has sparked debate about definitions of racism and human categorization.
Equal Opportunities and age
Age discrimination legislation could significantly impact UK training and development programs, potentially affecting government-funded initiatives targeting young people and graduate recruitment schemes. The post explores whether organizations might face discrimination claims and whether age-based positive action could become the focus instead.
Problem Employees
Explore the nuanced concept of problem employees in this online workshop. Learn whether issues stem from the employee, management, company culture, or HR processes, and gain practical insights for addressing workplace challenges effectively.
HR Weekly Watch – updated to 30 November
HR Weekly Watch for November 30, 2000 covers major employment news including the Government’s New Deal jobs scheme reaching 250,000 placements and expanding to lone parents, plus stories on workplace stress, job creation at Domino’s, and industrial relations developments.
HR Newsletters
HR newsletters help keep employees informed about company policies, benefits, and HR updates. If your organization uses them, learn what to include and how to create an effective newsletter that engages your workforce.
Exit Interview Template
An exit interview template helps organizations systematically gather feedback from departing employees across all levels. This generic form captures valuable insights into workplace culture, management effectiveness, and retention factors from administrative staff through directors.
Government Hits New Deal Target
The Government’s New Deal programme has reached its target of placing 250,000 young people into work since April 1998, marking a significant achievement in employment policy. The initiative has helped reduce youth unemployment to its lowest level since the mid-1970s through individually-tailored support and employer involvement.
Recruitment company sees marked change in graduates’ attitude
Today’s graduates prioritize employer benefits over job availability, citing money, training, and career progression as key decision factors. This shift reflects strong labor demand that has made graduates more confident and selective about their first roles.
Help employees have a Happy New Year
Help employees avoid Christmas debt by encouraging them to think carefully before borrowing. The Office of Fair Trading warns that consumer credit has surged over 60% in recent years, with average unsecured debt around £2,500 per person—urging people to shop around for better credit deals and seek free advice if needed.
