Bus driver appeals sacking – for eating a grape
A 66-year-old bus driver from Coventry has appealed his dismissal by National Express after being caught eating a grape while sitting in his stationary cab. Michael Shephard claims he ate the fruit to relieve dry mouth caused by post-heart-surgery medication, and says the rules were being applied too strictly.
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%.
Blog: Three simple ways to spruce up for spring
Boost your wellness this spring with three simple strategies: take advantage of warmer weather for free outdoor exercise like walking and gardening, support your immune system through detoxification and proper hydration, and try energizing recipes like detox smoothies to establish healthy habits that last year-round.
Blog: Two reasons why psychometric tests suck…
Psychometric tests like MBTI fail for two key reasons: they confirm what you already know about yourself and encourage you to ignore unflattering results. Most workplace personality assessments generate minimal genuine engagement or behavior change.
Case Study: Herts Council’s ‘Transformation’ programme slashes sickness absence
Hertfordshire County Council reduced employee sickness absence from 9.3 to 7.8 days annually through its new Transformation wellbeing programme, with long-term absences dropping by two-thirds. The strategy emphasized senior leadership support, manager education, stakeholder engagement, and targeted interventions for at-risk groups.
Blog: What makes you happy in your work?
Workplace happiness comes from meaningful work, team connection, and personal achievement rather than profit margins or management style. Creating a culture where employees feel proud of their contributions, laugh together, and see their impact can inspire and motivate entire teams, regardless of industry.
Blog: Yes, you can really grow your brain!
The brain can physically grow and change throughout your life through learning and practice, a concept called neuroplasticity. Research shows that developing expertise in specific skills, like taxi drivers navigating complex routes, actually enlarges relevant brain regions and creates new neural connections.
Ask the Expert: How do we deal with an alleged accident victim who is now in Brazil?
An employee who slipped at work a year ago is now in Brazil, hasn’t returned, and stopped sending sick certificates six months ago. The employer seeks guidance on dismissal options while an injury claim and potential misconduct regarding unauthorized absence are pending.
Research puts migrant construction worker safety in the picture
Using pictures in construction safety training could reduce migrant worker deaths and injuries by up to 20%, research shows. Migrant workers comprise 6% of UK construction workers but account for 17% of work-related deaths, often due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with UK safety standards. Visual training methods including photographs and pictograms significantly improved worker understanding compared to text-based instruction alone.
Whistleblower alleges former A4e staff are being made “scapegoats”
Four A4e workers arrested on suspicion of fraud are being made “scapegoats,” according to a whistleblower. The employment agency’s staff faced dawn raids last month, with the company claiming the alleged fraud dates back to 2010. A whistleblower suggests managers pressured workers to falsely claim job placements to earn bonuses and government fees.
Could more effective workforce management replace redundancy?
Effective workforce management—including better monitoring of staff activity, absence management, and employee deployment—could save businesses millions in costs and help organizations avoid costly redundancies that result in lost skills and knowledge.
Dept of Health apologises for paying senior execs via limited companies
The Department of Health apologized for misleading Parliament about paying senior executives through limited companies, a tax avoidance arrangement affecting 25 identified cases. Internal documents reveal staff salaries were paid directly to shell companies, potentially reducing tax bills, with officials warning the practice may be widespread across government departments.
Talking Point: Is the fit note fit-for-purpose?
The fit note, introduced in 2010, replaced the binary “fit or unfit” classification with a “may be fit for work” option to support phased returns. While 52% of employers find it useful for prompting health discussions, research shows it has yet to reduce absence levels significantly, suggesting the system requires ongoing culture change to reach its full potential.
Blog: The necessity of developing management resilience
UK middle managers face excessive pressure, with nearly half reporting daily or weekly stress according to recent CIPD survey data. Developing management resilience is essential to prevent disengagement from filtering through organizations and impacting overall workforce motivation and performance.
Unilever scientist jumps to death following redundancy
A senior Unilever food scientist died by suicide the day after his redundancy, an inquest heard. Dr Clive Blackburn, who developed drinks for brands including Slimfast and Lipton Tea, developed severe depression following notice of job loss and returned to the laboratory where he died from a fall from height.
Legal Insight: How not to slip up in the snow
Severe UK weather is expected to last until the end of February, disrupting travel and work. Employment lawyer Clare Cruise addresses key questions about employee obligations, workplace policies, and time off rights during adverse weather conditions.
Steve Boorman, Royal Mail’s ex-chief medical adviser, on health and well-being
Staff absences cost UK businesses 175 million working days annually, but presenteeism—employees working while ill—can be even more expensive. Steve Boorman, Royal Mail’s former chief medical adviser, explains why proactive workplace health programs and occupational health services are essential for protecting employee wellbeing and improving business performance.
‘Overworked’ HR manager sues for £800,000 in compensation
An HR manager has sued her former employer, insurance firm Hartford Europe, for £800,000 in compensation, claiming excessive working hours caused her chronic fatigue syndrome. She alleges she worked 12-hour days during recruitment activities and became too ill to work for five years.
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.
Blog: Employee stress equals financial risk
Employee stress is a major financial risk factor for companies, yet many leaders overlook it as a primary cause of retention problems. When top performers cite work-related stress as their reason for leaving, organizations that fail to address it face growing difficulty retaining critical talent.
