Fujitsu workers agree to end long-running dispute
Unite union members have ended a long-running dispute with Fujitsu over pensions, pay, and overtime. The agreement includes improved pension protections, backdated pay increases for Manchester staff, and protection against retaliation for workers involved in industrial action.
Regional mediation pilots for SMEs unveiled
Two regional mediation pilot projects have launched in Cambridge and Manchester to help small-to-medium-sized companies resolve workplace disputes before reaching employment tribunal. Each network will train 24 SMEs in informal mediation techniques, aiming to reduce tribunal claims and associated costs for employers and taxpayers.
PC to appeal dismissal for having sex on the job
A police constable dismissed for gross misconduct after an 18-month investigation found he had sex with five women while on duty plans to appeal. Troy Van-Eda was sacked from Greater Manchester Police following allegations he abused his position, including sexual encounters at a police station.
Analysis: Did the public sector pensions battle really need to be fought?
A pensions consultant argues the government’s public sector pension reforms may save little money overall, as the cost per worker remains virtually unchanged despite raising the retirement age from 60 to 67. However, the Treasury disputes this analysis, claiming it overlooks higher employee contributions and other reform measures that will deliver billions in savings.
Public sector disillusion widespread, warns recruiter
Public sector workers are increasingly disillusioned, with over half willing to leave pensions behind for private sector jobs, according to a recruitment survey. The findings highlight widespread concerns about workplace stress, job security, and career progression in the public sector.
Update: High Court bid to stop tube drivers’ strike on Boxing Day
The High Court is hearing London Underground’s legal challenge to stop tube drivers’ strike planned for Boxing Day. LU claims only 42% of Aslef union members voted for strike action, while the union says 92.3% supported industrial action over pay disputes.
Government must give gangmasters’ enforcement agency more teeth
The Gangmasters Licensing Authority risks losing its effectiveness unless the UK government provides it with stronger powers and adequate funding to protect temporary workers in the food industry, according to industry experts concerned about continued worker exploitation.
News Analysis: ‘Glimmers of hope’ for jobs market as incomes set to drop
Despite signs of hiring optimism with 54% of employers planning to hire permanently in the next three months, real household incomes are forecast to fall 7.4% over the next three years, creating a challenging economic landscape for workers and businesses alike.
Appeal Court ruling on equal pay claims could open floodgates
A Court of Appeal ruling has cleared the way for equal pay claims to be heard in the High Court, potentially opening doors for thousands of workers in both public and private sectors. The decision means employees have up to six years to pursue compensation, rather than the standard six-month employment tribunal deadline.
Round-up of Chancellor’s key Autumn Statement pronouncements
The Chancellor announced a 1% public sector pay cap for two years following a pay freeze, alongside plans to raise the state pension age to 67 by 2026. The Autumn Statement also revealed reduced economic growth forecasts and predicted significant public sector job losses totaling 850,000 by 2017.
Legal Insight: Limiting the cost of a national walk-out
Private sector employers can take preventive steps to limit strike day disruptions, including communicating work attendance expectations, ensuring employee safety at picket lines, and considering flexible working arrangements. Clear policies on leave requests and absence procedures help minimize workforce absences during industrial action.
Local government mobile working projects set to triple
Local authorities plan to triple large-scale mobile working projects over the next three years, with initiatives involving 100+ users expected to jump from 17% to 56% by 2014. Despite cultural change barriers and budget pressures, four in five councils surveyed intend to implement mobile working programs and report significant cost savings.
HR vacancies rise, but salaries remain flat
HR job vacancies are increasing, particularly for global and public sector roles, though salaries remain largely flat according to recruitment data. Professionals with international experience, especially in Asia Pacific and Africa, command higher pay, while demand in the NHS and government sectors grows for experienced HR practitioners.
Regional Health Authority goes social to support new NHS commissioning groups
South East Coast Strategic Health Authority launched a virtual learning environment to help new clinical commissioning groups share experiences and expertise as the NHS restructures. The Learning Network provides collaborative support to GP practices taking on health care budgets from April 2013.
Jobs market to suffer “slow, painful contraction”, warns CIPD
The UK jobs market faces a “slow, painful contraction” as public sector job losses outpace private sector hiring, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s latest employer survey. Public sector redundancies have exceeded Office for Budget Responsibility predictions, with unemployment expected to rise further amid economic uncertainty.
Security certification introduced to help public sector hire right skills
The British Computer Society has launched a pilot certification scheme for government information assurance professionals to help public sector employers hire specialists with the right skills. The scheme, developed with GCHQ’s CESG agency, covers six security roles across three practitioner levels and will fully launch early next year.
Half of public sector workers fail to recommend it as career choice
Nearly half of public sector workers would not recommend the sector as a career choice, with dissatisfaction particularly high in central and local government. The study of over 1,000 staff attributed the negative sentiment to cost-cutting measures and job losses, with morale and motivation at concerning levels.
Legal Insight: Dealing with the aftermath of whistle-blowing
A Court of Appeal judgment in NHS Manchester v Fecitt clarifies employer liability for whistle-blower victimization, finding organizations responsible for colleague harassment following protected disclosures about false qualifications and safety concerns.
Lincolnshire shared services deal to save £1.3m by axing 20 posts
North and North East Lincolnshire councils plan to merge local taxation and benefits services, saving £1.3m through 20 job cuts. The shared agreement covering council tax, benefits administration, and related functions is expected to launch by July 2012, with affected employees offered retraining and redeployment options.
News Analysis: Jobs market shows mixed picture
London’s financial sector faces significant job losses with 30,000 positions expected to disappear by year-end, while retail employment also declined sharply. However, some recruitment sectors showed modest signs of recovery as employer confidence gradually improved.
