Blog: Hiring migrant workers is now a boardroom issue…
Immigration compliance has become a critical boardroom issue after the UK Border Agency increased focus on employer sponsor licence compliance. HR leaders must ensure senior management understands that modern immigration compliance extends beyond visas to include strict record-keeping requirements, recruitment standards, and third-party oversight, with failure to comply resulting in severe financial and criminal penalties.
Case Study: Inchcape Shipping Services standardises global HR to boost efficiency
Inchcape Shipping Services deployed Workday’s cloud-based HR system across 67 countries to standardize processes and improve workforce visibility. The implementation enables clearer goal-setting, performance tracking, and succession planning while reducing administrative tasks like absence reporting from 72 hours to real-time automation.
Blog: Getting a handle on cross-cultural communication
Learn key strategies for effective cross-cultural communication by understanding whether people from different cultures prefer direct or indirect communication, multiple options or clear procedures, and fast-paced or thoughtful decision-making.
Legal Insight: Have you renewed your foreign worker sponsorship licence?
Employers must renew their foreign worker sponsorship licences before expiry to legally employ migrants from outside the European Economic Area. The UK Border Agency’s points-based immigration system requires valid sponsorship licences, which typically run for four years and require timely renewal to avoid legal breaches.
Talent Spot: Carol Carson, HR director at Autoglass
Carol Carson joined Autoglass as HR director after nearly 30 years in health and beauty, bringing extensive international experience from roles at Boots across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the US. Now focused on talent development, she oversees corporate HR and policy while leading the company’s investment in staff training and engagement.
Blog: Wasabi – A lesson in effective staff communications
Wasabi successfully rolled out a new pension scheme by implementing an effective staff communication strategy that bridged language barriers and achieved 71% employee enrollment. The sushi retailer’s approach combined group meetings, one-on-one advisors, and translators to ensure consistent messaging across diverse locations while maintaining local relevance.
Infographic: UK workers lose faith in senior management
UK workers are increasingly losing confidence in senior management, according to new data. This infographic reveals declining trust levels among employees toward leadership and the key factors driving this shift in workplace attitudes.
In a Nutshell: Five tips for rolling out a global HR system successfully
Discover five essential tips for successfully rolling out a global HR system based on Aviva’s experience implementing Workday across multiple regions. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls through phased deployment, clear communication, and managing expectations honestly.
EU proposals: Tightening up Ts&Cs for temporarily posted workers
The EU’s Posting of Workers Directive requires employers to apply minimum employment terms and conditions to workers temporarily sent to other member states, including minimum pay, working hours, leave, and health and safety standards. A UK government consultation on enforcing these rules has closed, with responses expected to shape the UK’s negotiating position on the directive.
Do you do a Basil Fawlty when talking to foreign partners?
UK employers underestimate the importance of language and business communication skills, risking competitive disadvantage in global markets. Research reveals that while most believe non-native English speakers communicate adequately, few provide necessary training or help native speakers adapt their communication for international partners.
Legal Insight: How to employ migrant workers legally
UK employers must verify all employees have valid work rights or face fines up to £10,000 per illegal worker, or unlimited fines if knowingly employed. The UKBA is actively enforcing compliance through workplace raids, making proper documentation checks and record-keeping essential HR practices.
News: Tesco faces £200k fine for illegal working by foreign students
Tesco faces a potential £200,000 fine after immigration officials discovered 20 foreign students working illegally at its Croydon warehouse, exceeding their visa hour restrictions by up to three-and-a-half times. The supermarket chain is cooperating with authorities and has implemented stricter employment verification procedures.
Blog: Attracting and retaining talent across borders
Global organizations face growing complexity in recruiting and retaining skilled employees across borders. Employers seek candidates with understanding of global markets, local economies, language skills, and cultural adaptability. Ongoing support and robust HR management processes are essential for retaining international talent.
Talent Spot: Philippe Ferrie, head of HR at Vallourec
Philippe Ferrie, head of HR at Vallourec, successfully led the implementation of a global HR information system across the company’s decentralized operations in just five months. Drawing on principles of respect and active listening, Ferrie has built a career navigating major organizational challenges at manufacturing and pharmaceutical giants including Rio Tinto, Sanofi, and DuPont.
News: Home Office strike threatens to hit Olympics
Immigration officials voted to strike over job cuts and pay, threatening to disrupt border operations during the Olympics. The strike could occur as early as the day before the opening ceremony, when thousands of international visitors and media are expected to arrive at UK airports.
News: UK Border Agency ‘cut too many staff, too quickly’
The UK Border Agency cut over 1,000 staff too quickly, forcing it to hire replacements and increase overtime, according to the government’s spending watchdog. The National Audit Office found that staffing shortages in areas like London and southeast England harmed performance, while poor leadership and a delayed computer system worsened the situation.
Case Study: Medtronic introduces global well-being scheme to cut absenteeism
Medtronic launched a global well-being programme to help employees address health issues like obesity, stress, and smoking while reducing absenteeism. The initiative uses confidential health assessments and personalized coaching to identify high-risk individuals, with early results showing significant improvements including a 15% reduction in smoking rates.
News: Count your immigrant workers, says Milliband
Labour proposes new immigration controls including mandatory reporting of overseas workers and stricter minimum wage enforcement. The policy reversal aims to address concerns about foreign labour dominating local job markets, with firms employing over 25% overseas staff required to notify job centres.
A typical HRD: Part 4 – FTSE 250 companies
Modern FTSE 250 HR directors require broad business expertise beyond traditional HR skills, with responsibilities extending to talent management, change leadership, and strategic business partnering. These executives increasingly work closely with finance and CEO-level colleagues to drive organizational transformation and add value to the bottom line, often bringing experience in talent management and international HR operations.
Blog: The employee impact of a recognition desert – survey
A Globoforce survey reveals that 86% of employees want workplace recognition, yet 46% feel unsatisfied with what they receive. The study shows frequent recognition significantly impacts manager effectiveness and employee engagement, with 41% receiving no recognition in six months.
