CIPD Preview of the Annual Conference
The CIPD National Conference in Harrogate expects around 2,500 attendees with 250 exhibition stands and 37 seminars focused on strategy. Key speakers include Michael Porter from Harvard Business School and Professor CK Prahalad, covering topics like e-learning, talent management, and innovation.
Mixed picture on pay from CBI survey
Manufacturing pay awards rose to 3.3% in three months to August, while service sector pay dipped to 3.5%, according to the latest CBI Pay Databank Survey. The mixed results suggest UK pay growth remains manageable despite strong employment levels.
TUC welcomes Chancellor’s productivity drive
The TUC has welcomed Chancellor Gordon Brown’s proposal for a government-business-union partnership to boost Britain’s productivity through joint working on skills, technology, and management practices.
The £400,000 insurance case
A Hull widow is pursuing a £400,000 insurance claim following her husband’s death in a motorcycle accident, but the insurance company argues the marriage was ending after discovering his affair.
Head of Disability Rights prevented from flying because he cannot walk
Bert Massie, chairman of the Disability Rights Commission and wheelchair user, was prevented from boarding a ScotAirways flight because he couldn’t walk up the aircraft steps. The airline cited a policy against lifting passengers and health and safety concerns, though the Disability Discrimination Act includes exemptions for commercial carriers.
Pension Death Benefits: Expression of Wish
Pension scheme death benefits are often paid based on members’ nominations, but these are expressions of wish rather than binding legal instructions. Trustees retain discretion to distribute benefits as they see fit, which can create complications in situations involving divorce, remarriage, or unclear beneficiary designations.
The TUC on the Employment Framework Directive
The TUC welcomes a new European Employment Framework Directive that will require UK employers to stop discriminating against workers based on age, sexual orientation, religion, and disability within six years. However, the TUC urges the government to implement these protections sooner rather than waiting until the 2003 and 2006 deadlines.
Fat websites!
A ZDNet survey reveals that many websites exceed optimal file sizes, with average pages at 89Kb compared to the recommended 60Kb median. Oversized web pages slow download times and drive away visitors, making website optimization critical for user retention.
Freelancing abroad
Discover how to launch a freelance career abroad as a trainer and management specialist. Learn about international agencies, work requirements, and practical steps for finding overseas opportunities in America, Europe, and beyond.
European worker rights: Employment Framework Directive
The EU Employment Framework Directive establishes legal protections for workers against discrimination based on race, disability, age, religion, and sexual orientation. After negotiations, member states agreed on the directive, though the UK secured exemptions for armed forces and extended implementation timelines, while Ireland obtained concessions regarding religious discrimination in school hiring.
HR Expertise and Resources Centre
The HR Resources Centre has relocated to a new dedicated location with expanded access to community blogs, expert Q&A, and HR glossary definitions to support your workplace needs.
Minister: Clear pensions statements should lead to greater individual savings
A combined pensions statement showing estimated retirement income from state and private pensions could encourage people to save more for their retirement, according to Social Security Minister Jeff Rooker. The DSS pilot program with major employers aims to reach 15 million workers by 2005.
Blunkett appoints LSC National Council Members
David Blunkett appoints 14 members to the Learning and Skills Council’s National Council, including representatives from business, unions, education, and local authorities. The council will oversee post-16 learning modernization and set the LSC’s strategic vision.
New Head for Cabinet Office Women’s Unit
Susan Atkins has been appointed as the new Director of the Cabinet Office Women’s Unit, starting October 30. She replaces Fiona Reynolds and brings extensive experience in equality policy, having previously led the Probation Unit at the Home Office and served as Deputy Chief Executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission.
CBI tells TUC to stop urging for staff consultation law
The CBI has called on the TUC to abandon efforts to establish an EU-wide law mandating employer consultation with staff in companies with more than 50 employees, arguing such legislation would be unnecessary bureaucracy that ignores local business practices.
Joint Statement on behalf of the trade union movements of Germany, Spain, Great Britain and Ireland
Trade unions from Germany, Spain, Great Britain, and Ireland call on their governments to stop blocking EU social legislation on workers’ rights. The governments are preventing progress on the European Company Statute and employee information and consultation directives, which would establish minimum standards protecting workers during corporate restructuring and mergers.
TUC joins European Unionists in call for governments to back down
The TUC and trade unions in Spain, Germany, and Ireland are calling on their governments to support an EU directive requiring consultation with workers on major workplace changes. The directive would give 65% of UK workers the right to be consulted on mergers, redundancies, and reorganizations at companies with 50+ employees.
Being kicked when you’re down
A new WorkUnlimited article reminds organizations to treat employees fairly by examining how management decisions and workplace conduct can have lasting consequences on people’s careers and reputations.
TUC welcomes move to involve safety reps.
The TUC welcomes plans to pilot the use of Worker’s Safety Representatives, recognizing that trade union-backed representatives help improve workplace safety standards and support better outcomes when employers and unions work together.
Mo Mowlam: Exclusion begins with the young
Dr Mo Mowlam outlined the Government’s comprehensive programme to combat social exclusion among young people, including the Quality Protects initiative, Children’s Fund worth £450 million, and the Connexions Service. The measures aim to create opportunities for all children and prevent long-term exclusion rooted in early disadvantage.
