Gender Lens – How ‘what good looks like’ differs at work for men and women
Women and men probably have more in common than they know – however it is not their similarities that get the most attention, it is the differences. Rory Fidgeon summarises research which highlights the differing priorities between men and women. In a recent study, designed to surface the true underlying beliefs and assumptions people hold […]
2010 – the year the talent war resumes
With 2010 approaching and signs that the economy is starting to recover, Richard Doherty from Jobpartners looks to what the future has in store for talent management. Against the backdrop of recession, 2009 was undoubtedly one of the most difficult years in recent times for HR and talent management. With preditions of an upturn and […]
Beyond belief? Faith and work – the legal considerations
No matter what your employees believe, they need to be dealt with correctly – or you will face the legal consequences, explain lawyers Natasha Koshnitsky and Rob McCreath. Picture the scene: the interview has gone well and the candidate has come across as well-qualified and suitable for the senior and highly sensitive vacancy. In the […]
Employing disabled people
The subject of employing disabled people is one that is likely to raise a number of concerns amongst employers. Unfortunately, most of these concerns are based on misinformation and prejudice. Jane Hatton, Managing Director of specialist training company The Diversity People (and who has herself become disabled) helps to put the record straight. Recruiting and […]
Ask the expert: Family business in breach of equal opportunities?
Is this small family business breaching equal opportunity legislation by employing family members automatically? Matthew Whelan and Ester Smith advise. The question: A small family business (circa 8 staff) employs predominantly family members. The business’s objective is primarily to provide jobs/earning capability for family. Business does employ non family members and does not […]
The battle for equality is not over yet
Where do you think we are in the battle for equality? Ruth Spellman of the CMI warns it’s not yet over – not by a long chalk. The recent Queen’s speech included ideas which may see the Equalities bill become law. But Ruth Spellman warns that even if it does, all things will not be […]
Equal pay: Slow burning issue of the century?
Equal pay legislation has been around for 40 years – so why are we still struggling with it, asks Ian Milton. For most HR professionals, equal pay is a topic that seems to rear its head every few years, cause a degree of concern and then quietly go on the backburner. The legislation is been […]
When opposites frustrate – don’t give up!
Diversity can bring huge benefits to an organisation, but are you getting the most from it? Matthew Hill gives advice and guidance on managing diverse teams. When the pressure is on within a team, the cracks will begin to show. This is often evidenced by escalating displays of emotion and tension. Sometimes a negative spiral […]
Tory plans to raise retirement age
Following a high court ruling the age of retirement could stay, the Conservatives have announced they would raise the state retirement age to 66 – for both men and women. Although there are already plans to raise the retirement age, the present Government is not seeking to raise the age to 66 until 2026. The […]
Getting the best from Generation Y
Recruiting and retaining Generation Y poses a real challenge for HR professionals as the techniques used for previous generations no longer apply. Rob Cross explains how to master a different approach. "So where do you see yourself in five years?" I asked the 22-year-old who is now in their third week of […]
High court says retirement age can stay – for now
The ruling is in. With the Government announcing it was bringing forward a review of the Default Retirement Age (DRA) to 2010, Mr Justice Blake has ruled that the DRA can stay. He did, however, recognise the ‘very substantial weight’ of arguments put forward by the Equality and Human Rights Commission and Age UK to […]
Tackling prejudice at work
With the number of workplace discrimination cases rising, it is vital that HR professionals confront, tackle and remove prejudice in the workplace, but how should they go about it? Nick Golding finds out. The number of workplace discrimination cases, where workers drag their employer through the courts over alleged unfair treatment because of their age, background […]
The business case for diversity
Does greater diversity equal greater profits? Bella Mehta explains how diversity can deliver and make a positive impact on your bottom line. We’ve long thought that diversity was a ‘good thing’, something we should be doing. Now, though, we have concrete evidence that not only does diversity have the feel-good factor, but it […]
Opinion: Working beyond retirement age
As a 74-year-old who is still working, John Pope share his views on the issues around the raising of the state pension age, mandatory retirement rules, and the loss of talent to business. At present, retirement age for men is 65, soon to be raised to 66. That leaves about 45 years to generate the wealth that has […]
It’s about a sticky floor, not a glass ceiling
Gender discrimination is holding women back from the very start of their careers, long before they reach the supposed ‘glass ceiling’, says Mary-Rose Lines, who explains what HR can do to help women progress. What caused the war for talent? Many things including demographic changes, globalisation, skills shortages and increased competition. Have any of […]
Mandatory retirement: The case against
The default retirement age is simply not needed, says Chris Ball, who shares his thoughts on why scrapping mandatory retirement can be extremely beneficial to organisations. The case for or against mandatory retirement is not just an HR issue. It involves the individual worker and the national and international economy as […]
The benefits of a default retirement age
Matthew Lawrence outlines his views on why the default retirement age should not be removed and warns that a change to current policy could have serious financial implications for employers. At the outset it is important to state that workers over 65-years-old are often an invaluable resource of knowledge and experience, something sorely needed in […]
Huge gender pay gap in City
Women working in the UK’s financial sector receive around 80% less in performance-related pay than men, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The commission’s Finance Sector Inquiry found that women employees earned an average of £2,875 in bonuses, compared to an average of £14,554 for men. The inquiry included a survey of […]
Diversity at B&Q: The people business
Retail chain B&Q is well known for its success in employing a diverse workforce. So what is its secret? Lucie Mitchell speaks to the organisation’s diversity advisor to find out. Home improvement retailer B&Q is well known for its diversity policies. It has earned a reputation for employing older workers and has […]
Engaging all the generations in our workforce
Karen Frost explores the key differences between each of the four generations and explains how to overcome the challenge of Generation Y. If you stop and think about it, we currently have four generations of people in our workforce. This has always been the case, but the needs and aspirations of each […]