Majority of UK employees want ethical AI training as usage grows – Photoroom
Research revealed that 18% of workers said knowing how to use AI properly would improve their company’s performance.
Latest
Just Group completes £28m buy-in for ELG pension scheme
The deal covers the benefits of 180 members, including 99 deferred members and 81 pensioners.
Bridge Health & Wellbeing shortlisted in Christchurch Business Awards 2025
The awards ceremony will take place on 8th May at Iford Golf Centre.
Hobbycraft to close nine stores as part of wider restructure
Reports revealed that Hobbycraft’s private equity owner, Modella Capital, is preparing to launch a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA).
Mitie secures DWP contract to deliver UK-wide security workforce
The deal will see Mitie’s security staff working at jobcentres, ensuring safety for employees and visitors.
Dougall Baillie Associates marks 40 years with 10% growth in revenue and staff
Fergus Adams said: “As we celebrate 40 years in business, I’m proud to say our commitment to excellence continues to shine through."
Müller expansion in Market Drayton to bring new jobs and boost for local workforce
The dairy giant has received planning approval from Shropshire Council to significantly expand its operations at the site.
Compensation & Benefits
Median pay award holds firm at 3% in Q1, finds Brightmine
Despite the recent increase in National Insurance (NI) contributions, Brightmine data indicated that a sharp drop in pay awards is unlikely in the near term.
2024 group risk market growth lags behind previous years – Swiss Re
The report from Swiss Re showed that the number of in-force group risk policies increased by 3.2% from 91,739 in 2023 to 94,675 in 2024.
Recruitment & HR
Gallup warns declining manager engagement could threaten global productivity
A drop in engagement among managers has driven a global decline in employee engagement, according to Gallup’s latest workplace study, with Europe showing the lowest regional engagement at just 13%.
Plumbing and heating sector employment remains stable in Q1, research reveals
While trading conditions held steady overall, fewer businesses noted being busier than expected, and a growing number reported experiencing quieter periods.
Liverpool City Council launches grant scheme to help employers recruit young talent
Delivered by Liverpool in Work, the scheme will support employment costs up to £3,000 across the first six months of an eligible person’s employment.
Motorvate to spotlight Armed Forces talent as Mission Community joins Automechanika Birmingham
Initiative to champion career opportunities for veterans and service leavers in the automotive industry
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Manningham Housing Association retains global diversity standard
John Mulholland said: “Manningham Housing Association is a good place to work and a good example for diversity in the workplace."
Usdaw appoints Joanne Thomas as first female general secretary
Thomas was elected unopposed and will replace current general secretary Paddy Lillis upon his retirement on 25th July 2025.
CSP calls for the protection of linguistic rights for multilingual workers
CSP has also called for the recognition of multilingual skills in job evaluations and skills frameworks.
Public support remains strong for workplace DEI initiatives, finds Ipsos
However, the research also highlighted a clear gender divide in general attitudes to promoting DEI.
Technology
UK small businesses lead Europe in AI use, research reveals
Research by IONOS showed UK small businesses had the highest AI use at 37% compared to Germany at 32% and France at 26%.
Aberdeen International Airport launches AI assistant to aid passengers and staff
The digital assistant is intended to cut down the number of routine questions staff receive, letting teams deal with urgent and complex tasks.
UK lags in workplace AI use despite daily adoption, research reveals
EY data showed that in the UK, common uses include accessing customer support (32%), finding travel routes (20%) and shopping assistance (14%).
Health & Wellbeing
Swadlincote Veterinary Centre awarded gold accreditation through BVA scheme
Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: "We hope this first Gold accreditation inspires others to strive towards gaining recognition as workplaces where vet teams thrive.”
Thrive launches scheme to reward staff for health habits
The company says the aim is to boost productivity, improve goal attainment and help staff achieve a better work-life balance.
Salford Licensing Service partners with Salford Public Health to support local taxi drivers
Cllr Mishal Saeed said: "It’s important that we support more people to live healthy lives for longer by promoting good physical and mental health."
Yodel strengthens employee wellbeing offering in partnership with the Retail Trust
The partnership which dates back to 2018, has seen the Retail Trust support almost 1,000 Yodel colleagues, equating to 34% of its workforce.
Employee Relations
Remote work drives innovation in flexible cultures, Durham study finds
Remote work boosts innovation in egalitarian, flexible cultures, new Durham University study shows.
‘#Corporatelife’ trend highlights Gen Z career shifts – Standard Life
The hashtag #corporatelife, now dominating platforms like TikTok and Instagram, sees young professionals glamorising the modern workplace, from curated desk setups to rooftop happy hours.
John Pye Auctions shortlisted for People’s Choice at National Family Business Awards 2025
John Pye has been shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award at this year’s National Family Business of the Year Awards, recognising public support for the UK auction group.
High Pay Centre issues call to strengthen Employment Rights Bill
The centre set out three recommendations for the bill, focusing on fair pay, better awareness of workplace rights and stronger union consultation rights.
Global HR
Employers rank reskilling as top HR challenge for 2025
The research, which surveyed 5,625 HR professionals and 16,000 employees across 16 countries, highlighted a shift in priorities amid a tightening labour market.
IWG and Jabbrrbox partner to deploy 3,750 smart work pods globally
IWG and Jabbrrbox will roll out thousands of high-tech privacy pods in public and corporate spaces to support hybrid working and employee productivity.
Four in five HR professionals say changes to NI have negatively affected cost management
elementsuite revealed that 80.5% were feeling the pressure from NI changes, particularly in sectors such as retail, real estate and agriculture.
Thales shares recruitment plans for 2025, with plans to hire over 8,000 people
Around 40% of new hires will join engineering roles while approximately 25% will join industrial roles.