Fee hikes for skilled migrant worker visas a “bitter blow”, says CBI
The CBI has criticized the government’s decision to dramatically increase visa fees for skilled migrant workers, with costs for employers jumping 20-60% from April. The fee hikes represent a “bitter blow” to UK businesses already frustrated by previous price increases without promised service improvements.
Recruitment agencies indulge in “casual racial discrimination”
A UK survey of 2,500 jobseekers reveals recruitment agencies discriminate against Black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, offering them jobs at significantly lower rates than white applicants. BAME candidates received job offers in 29% of agency placements versus 44% for white applicants, prompting many to bypass recruiters and apply directly to employers.
London 2012: 02 staff pilot flexible working options
O2 closed its Slough headquarters and asked 3,000 employees to work remotely to test flexible working contingency plans ahead of the London 2012 Olympics. The pilot aimed to manage expected travel disruption while demonstrating mobile technology benefits to UK businesses.
Leadership training mandated for senior Whitehall project managers
The UK government has launched a £7 million Major Projects Leadership Academy to provide mandatory leadership and project management training for senior civil servants. Developed with Oxford’s Saïd Business School and Deloitte, the initiative aims to save £10 billion annually by reducing reliance on expensive external consultants and improving project delivery across Whitehall.
Youth unemployment “time bomb” to cost economy £9.2bn per year
Youth unemployment is forecast to cost the UK economy £9.2 billion annually from 2013, with losses from reduced tax revenues, benefits payments, and lost output. A report warns the crisis requires stronger government incentives for employers to hire young people and improved education and training pathways.
National Apprenticeship Week: How to get started
National Apprenticeship Week highlights how apprenticeships can create motivated, skilled employees while helping businesses meet training needs cost-effectively. With government grants available, employers can develop a workforce aligned with company values over one to four years.
National Apprenticeship Week: Who’s doing what and where
National Apprenticeship Week kicks off over 500 events across the UK to boost employer interest in apprenticeship schemes. Major employers including Starbucks, Aldi, and McDonald’s announced new apprenticeship initiatives, though only 20% of businesses currently offer such programs despite a 140% rise in training places over four years.
Minister for disabled: Unemployment result of unwillingness to work
The UK minister for disabled people attributes unemployment to workers’ lack of appetite for available jobs, citing 400,000 vacancies in jobcentres despite 2.68 million unemployed people. Critics note jobcentre figures don’t reflect actual labour market demand, with some regions having 16 jobseekers per vacancy.
Waterstones ends unpaid work placements
Waterstones has ended its participation in the government’s Work Experience scheme after The Guardian revealed unemployed people were working unpaid at its stores. The decision came following a review prompted by the coverage, though dozens of other major retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Boots continue the practice despite legal challenges.
Sustained high unemployment to ‘permanently damage UK economy’
A think tank warns that sustained high unemployment—predicted to reach 9% this year and remain above 7% through 2014—could permanently damage the UK’s long-term economic supply and productivity.
Move to darker suits reflects darker employee mood
Since the recession, employees have shifted from navy to charcoal suits, reflecting a darker mood in the workplace. Sales data shows navy suit purchases dropped from 47% to 37%, while charcoal rose from 9% to 11%, suggesting workers’ subconscious mood changes through clothing choices.
Workplace alcohol policies should be mandated, says charity
Alcohol Concern is calling for mandatory workplace alcohol policies at all UK publicly-listed companies to address employee drinking behaviors and reduce lost productivity. The charity estimates alcohol-related issues cost the economy £6.4 billion annually in lost working days and absenteeism.
London 2012: Planning for travel disruption
London businesses face major travel disruption during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with an expected three million additional public transport journeys on peak days. Organizations should develop travel demand management plans now to minimize operational impact on staff and customers during the events from late July through early September.
Workers more ‘stressed and insecure’ than in Queen’s coronation year
UK workers report higher stress and job insecurity despite greater prosperity since the 1950s, according to a CIPD Work Audit. Rising workplace stress stems from digital technology blurring work-life boundaries and enabling increased surveillance, while widening income inequality and unemployment concerns undermine job satisfaction.
Trades require more – not less – recognition, says Wolf report contributor
A Wolf report contributor argues that traditional trades like plumbing and carpentry deserve greater recognition in schools, not less. The government is removing over 3,100 vocational qualifications from school league tables, but industry leaders say this risks worsening skills shortages in essential sectors.
London 2012: Civil servants ordered to work from home during Olympics
UK civil servants will work from home for seven weeks during the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics to reduce pressure on London’s public transport. The government is conducting trial runs to ensure remote working infrastructure can handle the shift for up to three million extra daily journeys expected during the Games.
Clegg calls for urgent action in upping income tax thresholds
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has called for urgent action to raise the income tax threshold to £10,000 annually, while introducing additional taxes on high earners to fund the cut. He argued that pressure on family finances is reaching critical levels as wages have stagnated for ordinary workers while the wealthy have seen significant salary growth.
Shift over last year in way HR viewed, reveals survey
A survey of HR directors reveals that two-thirds believe their role has shifted significantly over the past year, with 83% moving from transactional support to becoming strategic business partners. However, employment prospects remain mixed, with only 21% of HR leaders planning to increase headcount in the first half of 2012.
EU data protection law proposals to make “huge demands” on HR
The European Commission proposes new data protection rules requiring companies to appoint data protection officers, report breaches immediately, and face fines up to 2% of global turnover for non-compliance. The changes would give users easier access to personal data and a “right to be forgotten,” though critics warn of significant compliance costs and HR demands for businesses.
Blog: ReServe – A new way of working for the over-55s
ReServe is a nonprofit organization connecting skilled professionals over 55 with meaningful, paid part-time work in schools, hospitals, and nonprofits. Rather than traditional volunteering, ReServe positions are valued jobs that allow older workers to apply existing expertise or develop new skills while earning modest wages.
