GCHQ and STEM Returners partner to support return to work transition
The first programme will offer 10 senior software engineer roles.
Latest
PPF confirms zero levy for conventional DB schemes in 2026/27
The final rules for the 2026/27 levy will be published next month.
Integrated job management cuts admin and boosts cash flow for SMEs, says jobmate
Chris Dalton said: “Our platform is designed to connect the entire workflow, give managers real-time visibility, streamline admin and boost profit outcomes.”
Citipost Mail achieves Platinum Investors in People accreditation
Lesley Yeomans said: “This Platinum accreditation is a powerful endorsement of the culture our people have built together."
Two fifths of SMEs can’t pay staff on time due to late payments – Bibby Financial Services
The survey showed 42% of SMEs had been unable to cover payroll due to late customer payments, while 24% had to pause hiring.
easyJet expands uniform donation scheme to help jobseekers access smart workwear
Research showed that 71% of respondents said the high cost of smart workwear stopped them from buying suitable clothes for interviews and work.
Aon advises on £9.5m Mouchel Business Services pension scheme deal
Russell Powles, associate partner and head of Aon’s underpin team, said: “This is a fantastic outcome for the scheme and its 220 members."
Compensation & Benefits
SME wages fall in January as hiring shows tentative recovery, report finds
The analysis from Employment Hero found wages fell 1% month on month in January 2026, marking the first monthly contraction since January 2025.
Workplace illness drives £861m in sick pay costs across England, analysis finds
Women lost 16.6 million days to work-related illness, around 500,000 more than men, according to health and safety experts at Protecting.co.uk.
Recruitment & HR
‘Ghost’ job listings stalling UK job searches, survey finds
According to research by Robert Walters, 44% of professionals believed vacancies advertised without genuine intent to hire have stalled their job search.
Workday launches EU data residency in Frankfurt alongside multilingual platform support
The enterprise software company said the update enables legal and business teams to analyse contracts and manage agreements while remaining compliant with EU data regulations.
Quarter of employees want to change jobs this year – Ciphr
Out of 2,000 workers surveyed, 32% of under 34s and 30% of 35-44-year-olds were either actively job hunting or planning to leave.
AI use on CVs drives 40% of employers to extend probation periods, finds Deel
77% agreed that it is now more difficult to spot authenticity before someone joins the business, so checks are being shifted into probation.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
91% of women would stay longer with employers that support midlife health – LiveCareer UK
Flexible schedules were highlighted by 58% of women as the most helpful support, followed by 56% who wanted paid leave or mental health days.
ERG Blueprint conference to bring together UK workplace inclusion leaders
The event was designed to support employee resource group (ERG) leaders at a time when networks face increasing pressure to demonstrate impact.
IoD launches first women-only cohort of Accelerated Certificate in Company Direction
The 5.5-day residential programme will take place from 14th to 19th June 2026 at the Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa in Surrey.
Three-fifths of employees stay silent on workplace bullying, data finds
Culture Shift found junior employees were twice as likely as senior leaders to say speaking up is “pointless” because “nothing meaningful will be done about it”.
Technology
AND Digital and HowNow report 50% reduction in learning curation time
Employee onboarding has also been reduced, saving 80% of learning and development time and helping new staff get up to speed faster.
Origo records more than 100,000 pension transfer searches on tracker portal in first year
The service provides real-time updates on pension transfers, meaning advisers no longer need to contact providers for updates.
Cybersecurity concerns slowing SME digital plans, survey finds
The SME Digitalisation Report, based on a survey of 700 UK SME owners across sectors including retail, IT and education, found that 55% see digitalising processes as a key objective for 2026.
Health & Wellbeing
Majority of employers unprepared for menopause law, 74% call for stronger rights – VinciWorks
Nearly three-quarters said menopause needs stronger legal protection at work.
Reed Learning awarded DWP contract to deliver health and wellbeing training to SMEs
Reed Learning will work with International Workplace to deliver the training, with sessions set to run till 31st March 2026.
40% of over-50s unaware health issues can boost retirement income – Standard Life
The study showed 40% were unsure how sharing health information affects annuity rates.
Hymans Robertson calls for more workplace guidance amid young people’s financial struggles
Ollie Le Farge said: “Accessible financial guidance can make a real difference by helping young people build confidence and resilience with their money."
Employee Relations
Workers prioritise pet insurance over income protection, finds LV=
The fourth Reaching Resilience Report showed 33% hold pet insurance, compared to 25% with critical illness cover and 25% with income protection.
Millions of adults turn to side hustles due to financial stress – Pepper Money
The study found this was most common among younger people, with 19% of Gen Z and 15% of millennials starting a side hustle.
Lime Health launches WoW Elite to tackle workforce health challenges
The group aims to bring people together for honest discussion and to find practical solutions to workplace health issues in the UK.
Retail jobs at risk from rising employment costs, finds BRC
Labour and employment costs ranked as a top concern for 84% of finance chiefs, up from 21% last July.
Global HR
Chartered status offers vital career boost in the age of AI, says CISI
CISI said the designation helps maintain standards of professionalism and trust as financial services become more global and AI use increases.
Formula E selects HiBob to boost global HR management
HiBob’s HR platform will be used throughout Formula E’s operations to centralise people management and support its international workforce.
CISI launches jobs board to boost global financial services careers
The platform features real-time job postings, smart search and filtering tools, and career guidance from CISI experts.
Deel sets Guinness World Records™ title with global virtual hiring event
Deel has set a new Guinness World Records™ title for the 'Largest online hiring event' after attracting 6,848 attendees to a live virtual recruitment event.