Most workers positive about AI but lack confidence to use it effectively, study reveals
The study from Strive Training found a growing gap between AI adoption and practical capability.
Latest
Employer support for Keep Britain Working programme doubles, Government says
Around 150 organisations employing approximately 1.5 million workers have now joined the programme’s “Vanguard” phase.
More than half of business leaders fear becoming obsolete, study finds
According to research from Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), 55% of senior decision-makers are worried about staying competent.
Tackling administration hurdles to unlock better retirement standards
Jerry Butcher of Scottish Widows discusses how operational barrier are limiting employers’ ability to improve pension outcomes.
Zurich Corporate Risk launches cancer risk assessment tool with Further
The digital tool is designed for group risk customers and aims to help employees better understand their risk of developing cancer, while providing guidance on prevention and early detection.
Blaenau Gwent records highest workplace injury rate in the UK, research finds
Data from Direct365 revealed that Blaenau Gwent saw 479 injuries per 100,000 employees, more than double the national average.
Pallet-Track promotes Sarah Hayes to hr director role
Long-serving employee joins leadership team as business strengthens people strategy.
Compensation & Benefits
GPs in England overwhelmingly reject imposed contract changes – BMA
Almost 17,000 GPs and GP registrars took part in the vote, with 98.9% opposing the plans and calling for a return to negotiations.
Employers warned of £20,000 fines ahead of April minimum wage increases
The warning from Capital on Tap comes as updated wage rates are set to be introduced at the start of the new tax year.
Recruitment & HR
Employment Rights Act could drive rise in insecure work, research suggests
The study from Employment Hero found that one in five (20%) small businesses plan to increase their use of contractors or temporary staff in response to the reforms.
Employer confidence and hiring picks up in first quarter of 2026 – REC
Employer confidence in the UK economy rose by 11 percentage points between December 2025 and February 2026, reaching a net -30%.
Logistics workforce crisis will worsen unless employers overhaul job design, warns Timewise
Research carried with Trust for London found that poor job design in logistics is driving sickness, safety risks and recruitment shortages across the sector.
HLPartnership appoints Toby Miles as recruitment manager
Miles joins from Legal & General (L&G), where he spent eight and a half years.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Women of colour face highest levels of workplace exclusion, research finds
Research from People Like Us and Women in PR found 20% of ethnic minority women reported microaggressions and discrimination at work.
E.ON UK and HubGem among winners of Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards 2026
Other winners included Bentley, Deutsche Bank, The Access Group, Octopus Energy, City of London Corporation, Dreams, and giffgaff.
Nearly one in eight employers fail to provide sexual harassment training, survey finds
Research from VinciWorks found that while 81% planned to increase efforts around sexual harassment prevention, fewer than one in 20 (5%) rated their current training as excellent.
66% of neurodiverse jobseekers cite interviews as a barrier to employment – Pertemps
Job attraction and advertising were seen as moderately challenging by 14%, career progression by 12% and onboarding by 8%.
Technology
AI confidence key to improving access to employment, training provider says
Strive Training said improving both AI literacy and confidence could play a key role in supporting people back into the workforce.
AI adoption in home building set to boost jobs, not cut them, report finds
A report from the HBF and Pluto Finance found only 6% of construction firms expect AI to reduce headcount, compared to 11% in other sectors.
Aegon reports over £135m in lost pensions consolidated through Mylo app
Nick Roy, commercial director of workplace at Aegon, said: “We’re pleased with the progress, and this is only the beginning.”
Health & Wellbeing
Unite launches ‘Abuse Doesn’t Fly’ campaign to address abuse of Scottish airport workers
Research from Unite found over 90% of Scottish airport workers said they had experienced verbal abuse in the last year.
A third of workplace sickness absence linked to mental health, finds Acas
Employers said the most common reason for absence was minor illnesses like coughs, colds and flu, with 62% stating this.
74% of employees feel supported by employers during stress or illness, research finds
Research from Verve Healthcare found 45% of employees aged 55 and over said they felt supported.
DWP and SPFL partner to open 80 youth hubs
The move aims to boost support for young people aged 16 to 24 who are out of work or training.
Employee Relations
Southampton employees attend the most workplace socials in the UK, study finds
The study, based on a survey of 2,000 UK workers, found employees in the city attend an average of 4.6 workplace social events per year.
85% of managers say disengagement is damaging team productivity – Robert Walters
When asked how a disengaged colleague affected their performance, 60% of professionals said they would notice, and 21% said they would feel less motivated.
Digital whistleblowing dominates as anonymous reporting hits record levels – Safecall
The number of reports with names attached dropped from 37% in 2019 to 25%, while anonymous submissions made up 56% of all cases.
Employers should plan for stranded staff this holiday season, urge lawyers
Lawyers at Shakespeare Martineau stated that many employers still do not have a formal travel disruption policy, which can leave them open to claims when workers get stuck abroad.
Global HR
moneyappi partners with ASOS to boost employee financial wellbeing
Employees at ASOS now have access to moneyappi’s AI-powered platform, designed to help employees improve their financial situation.
The Access Group named ‘Human Company of The Year’
The Access Group was recognised for keeping a strong focus on employees during growth in artificial intelligence (AI).
UK now top global hub for startup hiring – Deel
Of nearly 100 startups that each raised over $100m (£79m) in funding, 12.2% of cross-border hires were in the UK – the highest share worldwide.
Everywhen named exclusive partner in global Asinta benefits network
This will give clients access to a broader range of services in more countries.