News: CIPD’s new CEO appointed to further its global ambitions
Peter Cheese has been appointed CEO of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development to lead its global expansion. The former Accenture global managing partner brings three decades of HR and business experience to the role, starting July 2.
News: UK’s long-term unemployment levels could ‘trigger social unrest’
A UN study warns that the UK’s long-term unemployment at a 16-year high could trigger widespread social unrest as jobless individuals become increasingly alienated. The research found that prolonged joblessness leads to demoralisation and anger toward authority, with five developed nations—including the UK, US, Spain, Ireland, and Denmark—identified as at-risk.
EC campaign unveiled to promote funded international work placements
The European Commission is launching its ‘We Mean Business’ campaign to encourage employers to offer fully-funded international work placements to young people. The initiative aims to fund 280,000 placements over two years through existing vocational and higher education programs, boosting skills and employability amid high youth unemployment across Europe.
Experts welcome two-year freeze on skilled migrant cap
The UK government will freeze the skilled migrant cap at 20,700 annually until April 2014, maintaining current limits rather than reducing them. Experts welcomed the decision as providing employers with greater certainty and access to specialist talent needed for business recovery, though skill requirements have been tightened.
International HR Academy to act as knowledge-sharing forum for HRDs
King’s College London and Cornell University have established the International Human Resources Management Academy to share research and knowledge on global HR management with international HR leaders. The academy will hold forums twice yearly in London and New York, exploring themes including international HR strategy, managing cross-border change, and global talent management.
HRDs unconvinced by social recruitment – study
Most HR directors remain unconvinced about social media’s effectiveness for recruitment, with 70% uncertain or skeptical of its value. Only 3 in 10 UK HR directors use social networking to source or communicate with job candidates, according to a Robert Half survey.
Employee wellness programmes: Proving their worth and paying their way
Employee wellness programmes deliver measurable returns on investment, with research showing participants experienced significant improvements in self-esteem, job engagement, and productivity levels. A study of 752 employees found that low-impact exercise initiatives reduced depression symptoms by 28%, increased self-confidence by 35%, and boosted work productivity by up to 20%.
Changes to skilled migrant rights will “cause big problems for employers”
The UK government will restrict skilled migrant workers earning under £35,000 from staying longer than five years, a policy critics warn will harm employers and discourage top talent from relocating to Britain.
Blog: Why is staff engagement in decline globally?
Global employee engagement has declined significantly across six major economies, according to recent Kenexa research. The data reveals engagement peaked in 2009-2010 before dropping sharply, likely due to unfulfilled employer reinvestment expectations following economic recovery. Leaders can reverse this trend by prioritizing work-life balance, developing better leadership skills, and investing in employee training opportunities.
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.
International Coaching Week: Profile of average coach revealed
A global study reveals the average UK coach is female, over 45, and holds a master’s degree, with most coaching relationships lasting 4-12 months. Leadership is the most profitable coaching specialty, though public confusion about coaching benefits remains a major barrier to market growth.
20,000 financial services jobs to be axed by end of quarter
UK financial services firms plan to cut 11,000 jobs in the first quarter amid Eurozone crisis concerns and economic uncertainty, accelerating layoffs that have eliminated 101,000 positions since 2008.
HRD Insight: Dan Grant on Dell’s ‘Connected Workplace’ scheme
Dell’s ‘Connected Workplace’ scheme enables flexible working arrangements focused on outputs rather than visibility, allowing staff autonomy over when and where they work. Introduced by UK HR director Dan Grant, the initiative has been adopted by 60% of Dell’s 2,200 UK employees across various working arrangements, supported by consistent policies and technology frameworks.
New global jobs recession could spark social unrest, warns ILO
The International Labour Organization warns that a global jobs recession threatens to trigger social unrest, with advanced economies needing five years to recover employment levels. The agency estimates 80 million new jobs are needed within two years, but current trends suggest only half will materialize.
Navigating the choppy waters of cultural difference
Cultural differences significantly impact business conduct in multinational companies. HR directors should prepare employees by teaching basic etiquette, encouraging language learning, understanding religious practices, and accommodating dietary needs to create favorable first impressions and professional relationships.
Cap is not damaging economy, says immigration advisor
The UK’s immigration cap shows no evidence of damaging the economy, though it’s creating employment challenges in the public sector, according to the government’s chief immigration advisor. The Migration Advisory Committee recommends closing 70,000 jobs to non-EEA workers while keeping specific skilled roles open to migrant workers.
Three UK firms win global awards for older worker practices
Three UK companies—Centrica, Marks & Spencer, and The Co-op Group—have won global awards for their innovative practices supporting employees aged 50 and over, including flexible working options, pension schemes, and age diversity training programs.
Leadership development programmes not up to snuff in too many organisations
Only 38% of UK leaders and HR professionals rate their organisations’ leadership development programmes as highly effective, while 20-24% consider them ineffective. Research from CIPD and DDI highlights the critical need for better leadership development to equip leaders with essential skills for driving change and executing strategy.
Ask the Expert: Can I reject candidates due to their visa status?
Rejecting job candidates solely due to temporary visa status risks discrimination claims based on race or nationality. While employers must verify right to work, case law suggests declining applicants because future visa renewal isn’t guaranteed may constitute unlawful discrimination under equality law.
Low skilled immigrant workers have doubled
Foreign-born workers now fill nearly 20% of low-skilled jobs in the UK, doubling from 9% in 2002, according to Office for National Statistics data. The increase has reignited debate over immigration policy and whether welfare reforms can encourage British citizens to take poorly paid positions.
