Majority of UK workers fear AI will cut jobs, KCL study finds
Six in 10 said AI would take more jobs than it creates, and half (50%) said its impact would be worse than a normal recession.
Latest
Vertu colleague recognised nationally at Masters Awards
Shane Witts received the award as part of the group’s annual awards programme recognising.
Fragmented system limits pension investment opportunities, says Pensions UK
The report found that more investment in UK growth relies on creating pension-grade opportunities with clear routes to market and suitable risk-return prospects.
UK employers prioritise cost management over growth, CIPD finds
The proportion planning to recruit in the next three months rose slightly to 63%, mainly due to stronger hiring intentions in the public sector.
Young job seekers warned over rise in AI-powered recruitment scams
Experts are warning young job seekers to stay alert to increasingly sophisticated AI-powered scams as fraudsters target people struggling in a weaker UK labour market.
Thousands attend Wales’ first Youth Jobs Fair
The jobs fair, organised as part of the Government’s Youth Guarantee scheme, brought together more than 40 employers and training providers.
Mortgage leaders warn industry risks ‘EDI fatigue’ without continued focus
Senior mortgage industry figures have urged professionals across the sector to take part in the latest Working in Mortgages ED&I research, warning progress could stall without continued engagement.
Compensation & Benefits
Bupa and YuLife launch cash plan to improve workplace health
The plan gives employees access to digital tools and healthcare support, allowing them to claim back costs for everyday healthcare.
AI skills now shape pay rises and promotions for UK workers, data reveals
The study from HiBob found that 63% of firms link AI skills to promotion decisions, 61% to performance ratings, and 31% to pay.
Recruitment & HR
Rising hiring costs and lower candidate mobility pressure industrial employers
Energy and industrial employers are facing growing recruitment pressures as rising hiring costs combine with falling candidate willingness to relocate for on-site roles, according to Newman Stewart.
Employers warned over rise of “football sickies” during 2026 World Cup
Research from YouGov found that among Britons planning to follow the tournament, 26% said they would stay up past 11pm to watch matches live.
King’s Speech 2026: Apprenticeships in focus as youth unemployment rises
Among the measures announced were plans to invest in apprenticeships and tackle youth unemployment, as well as a commitment to support SMEs.
UK lagging behind in AI recruitment, YouGov finds
19% in the UK thought hiring would drop due to AI, and 40% expected little or no impact.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
People from working class backgrounds more likely to have low wellbeing, data finds
Research from the Sutton Trust, supported by Co-op, found those who move into higher status jobs are much happier than those who stay in lower socio-economic groups as adults.
FMB urges construction sector to tackle mental health stigma
The Federation of Master Builders has called on the construction industry to break its culture of silence around mental health after one of its members shared his experience of struggling in silence.
Movera launches Mental Health Ambassador network to boost colleague wellbeing
The programme brings together 25 volunteer ambassadors from both hybrid and remote teams.
Gwynedd Council becomes first in Wales to sign Welsh Language at Work Charter
Dr Mandy James said: “Using the Welsh language is a valuable and practical skill in the workplace and enriches our social life and communities in Wales."
Technology
91% of hospitality staff say tech is improving work-life balance, data finds
The Access Hospitality survey found that 27% of staff said AI has made their role much easier and over half (52%) view AI as a helpful tool for their job.
UK workers lose nearly a day a week managing disconnected AI tools, says Workday
UK employees are spending almost a full working day each week moving information between disconnected AI systems, according to new research from Workday.
Pension Schemes Act to accelerate AI use in UK pensions sector, says Lumera
Lumera stated that providers will need to use AI and updated technology systems to keep pace and manage new requirements.
Health & Wellbeing
Automotive charity Ben sees sharp rise in demand for financial and mental health support
Ben responded to more than 14,000 enquiries over the past year as automotive workers increasingly sought support for stress, financial hardship and wellbeing concerns.
Young workers eight times more likely to report poor mental health at work – MFHA
More than one in four said they didn’t feel safe enough to speak up or ask for help, and almost one in three (31%) had considered leaving their job as a result.
Work-life balance is the top career goal for Gen Z and Millennials – Deloitte
Cost of living remained the top concern for both generations in the UK, with 44% of Gen Z and 52% of millennials naming it as their biggest worry.
Three in four performing arts professionals face career-impacting health issues, finds BAPAM
Record demand for specialist health support was seen in 2025, with nearly 3,000 performers accessing services.
Employee Relations
Staff start strikes at Heriot-Watt University over job cuts and programme closure
The Union said they are open to talks with management to solve the dispute, but want a firm commitment to rule out compulsory redundancies.
Retailers shift focus to cost control over employee experience, survey finds
The WorkJam survey showed 37% of retail professionals focused on cost control and only 5% kept employee experience as a priority.
Financial resilience now seen as a key concern for employers and workers – WEALTH at work
45% worried about not having enough for unexpected costs, 29% were concerned about affording basic living costs, and 26% were worried about debt.
Leicester maternity staff report improved empathy after workplace coaching programme
More than three quarters of maternity staff in Leicester said empathy had improved across the service following a workplace coaching and culture programme delivered during 2023 and 2024.
Global HR
Deel signs multi-year sleeve partnership with Arsenal for 2026/27 season
Alex Bouaziz, co-founder and CEO of Deel, said: “The club will be rolling out Deel's platform across its workforce and HR operations in the coming months."
81% of employers plan to increase number of employees overseas – Everywhen
A quarter are looking to do this within the next 12 months, and 72% within five years.
CEOs continue to prioritise AI and profitability amid geopolitical uncertainty – EY-Parthenon
The survey of 1,200 CEOs across 21 countries revealed that more than half (56%) now view geopolitical risk as the biggest threat to their business over the next 12 months.
TomTom rolls out HowNow AI skills platform to boost workforce agility
The company brought in HowNow as part of a two-year people strategy to reshape learning and give employees skills-driven development paths.