Training provider urges large firms to spend Growth and Skills Levy before funding is lost
Jordan Burke has urged large firms to “use it or lose it” as Government reforms mean many businesses could miss out on apprenticeships funding.
Latest
West Midlands SMEs set to boost digital skills through university partnership
The University of Wolverhampton, Birmingham City University and Coventry University will run an event focused on digital adoption, cyber resilience and leadership skills for local small and medium-sized businesses.
CAFRE encourages school leavers to apply for Food and Drink Academy
The Academy is a four-year higher level apprenticeship programme, combining university-level study with paid employment in a Northern Ireland food and drink business.
Standard Life completes £700m BPA with the Deloitte UK pension scheme
The transaction secures the benefits of all pensioner and deferred members of the legacy defined benefit scheme.
HSENI launches advertising initiative to address work-related deaths in Northern Ireland
The TV and multimedia campaign is part of the ongoing workplace health campaign, which focuses on raising awareness of health risks at work and the need for controls.
CII and PFS open entries for 2026 Apprenticeship Awards
Callum Beaton, president of the CII, said: “We look forward to celebrating the continued positive impact of apprentices and employers.”
Red tape discourages 43% of SMEs from hiring apprentices, research finds
73% of SME leaders were ready to use new support from Government apprenticeship schemes announced in last year’s Autumn Budget.
Compensation & Benefits
Benifex partners with Carrot to expand fertility and hormonal health benefits
The partnership adds Carrot to its Marketplace, expanding options for employers wanting to support family-building and hormonal health.
E.ON signs pledge to offer paid fertility leave and support at work
The Fertility Support Pledge encourages employers to give clear, consistent support and to address the stigma faced by staff going through fertility treatment.
Recruitment & HR
Employers fear hiring delays more than economic instability, finds Robert Half
The research showed 65% of businesses said the biggest risk to operations is how fast they can hire, putting this ahead of concerns such as the economy and budgets.
London’s Build Academy welcomes Minister for Industry to address construction skills shortage
The scheme – set up by the CITB, FMB, and Shooters Hill Sixth Form College – aims to tackle skills shortages in RMI, including green skills and retrofit.
Pineapple Recruitment appoints new consultant to HR and finance division
Lauren McGorrigan brings over 10 years’ experience to the team and will work closely with divisional lead Joanna Pennell to grow the division across the UK.
64% of professionals rejected job offers after poor interviews – Robert Walters
Disorganised scheduling or unclear interview processes put off 37% of candidates, while 22% said a poor explanation of the role was an issue.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Business Disability Forum calls for clarity on Access to Work scheme
Angela Matthews said: “We need clear direction from the Government to end this uncertainty and for rules around Access to Work to be clarified and applied fairly.”
35% of workers with regional accents feel judged at work, finds Zurich UK
31% said they felt they needed to change or soften their accent in the office to sound more professional.
Royal Borough of Greenwich accredited as Carer-Inclusive Workplace
The accreditation came from Greenwich Carers Centre in recognition of the council’s new carers’ leave guidance.
Government, tech giants and charities meet to break down barriers at work
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “We must harness the power of technology to open more opportunities for disabled people to work."
Technology
Omnicore and Pension Lab partner to offer digital LoA to Simplybiz and threesixty firms
The deal will give advice firms across Simplybiz and threesixty access to Pension Lab’s digital LoA platform through Omnicore’s connected services.
Nurses, teachers and electricians among 20 jobs set to remain secure from AI – LiveCareer UK
Careers named include doctors, dentists, pharmacists, counsellors, social workers, plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters and journalists.
Most workers confident using AI but lack formal training, finds Hable
Data revealed that only 32% said they had received training or resources to help them use AI at work.
Health & Wellbeing
TransUnion UK employees raise £40,000 for Andy’s Man Club
Kaushik Gopalan said: “We are proud that so many of our UK colleagues have come together to support a charity that is close to many of our hearts."
21% of workers miss out on annual leave due to workplace pressure, research finds
The study from Timetastic showed 21% failed to use all their holiday, even though 89% said time off improved their mental health.
53% of UK workers remain in jobs they don’t enjoy, research finds
Aegon’s Money:Mindshift found 54% of workers believe a dream job is realistic and 58% said achieving it was important, but only 12% said they had reached it.
Avilio and Aberystwyth University partner to boost staff wellbeing and productivity
The initiative is aimed at helping staff improve efficiency and well-being as part of Aberystwyth University’s new Strategy 2030s and transformation programme.
Employee Relations
Just one in four doctors at Manx Care would recommend it as a place to work, survey finds
More than 60% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that the organisation listens to staff views.
NatWest to expand Financial Foundations programme to support 50,000 people
The programme is expected to reach around 1,000 people a week in their workplace or community group throughout 2026.
Millennials account for most payrolled job losses – CV-Library
The 25-34 age group made up 76% of the drop in payrolled jobs over the past year.
CIPD calls for action on skills, fair work and innovation in Wales
Marek Zemanik said: “A partnership approach with organisations, combined with a clear focus on fair work, skills and innovation will be key to driving a more productive labour market."
Global HR
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.
Pearson and Deloitte partner to deliver AI-powered workforce training
The partnership will use both companies’ experience to deliver AI learning, leadership development and training solutions.
Retention and productivity top benefits of health support for overseas workers – Everywhen
32% of employers said retention rates were the main reason for offering health and wellbeing support, with 31% choosing productivity as the biggest advantage.