CII Group qualifications and assessment director joins FAB board
Joining Mellor on the Board are Alison Parkes of EAL Awards, Kelle McQuade of Training Qualifications UK, Steve Smith of SIAS UK, and Terry Fennell of FDQ.
Acer and Intel partner to launch Skills for Innovation initiative
Acer and Intel hope to address gaps in digital literacy.
Fake news can damage a company’s reputation, research finds
Researchers found that fake news changes how people think others view a company’s reputation.
Government opens industry conference to kickstart SME exports
Hosted by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the event welcomes speakers from the CBI, British Chambers of Commerce and Invest in Women Taskforce.
Local government unions demand £3,000 pay rise for council and school staff
Unions representing 1.4 million council and school workers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have submitted a pay claim for a £3,000 wage rise, warning that low pay and rising workloads are driving staff away from public service.
Small businesses eager to grow overseas but need better export support, says FSB
Over a third of UK small businesses would consider exporting in future, but many need better access to tailored government support, according to new research from the Federation of Small Businesses.
National Audit Office flags spending breach and data gaps in Post Office Horizon compensation schemes
The National Audit Office has issued a qualified opinion on the Department for Business and Trade’s financial statements, citing a £208m spending breach and concerns over data gaps in compensation estimates.
FCA proposes reforms to make corporate bonds more accessible to retail investors
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has set out plans to simplify corporate bond issuance, making it easier for retail investors and wealth managers to invest in listed company debt.
Powys County Council recognised as CIPD People Development Partner
Powys County Council has been named a People Development Partner by CIPD, recognising its commitment to workforce skills and professional development.
Anti-ageism campaign reveals persistent workplace prejudice against older workers
New research from the Age Without Limits campaign highlights widespread ageism in the workplace, with significant numbers of people doubting the competency, adaptability, and value of workers over 50.
Freelancers report worsening mental health and lack of support amid challenging conditions in 2024
New research from Leapers reveals 45% of UK freelancers saw a decline in their mental health in 2024, with only 6% feeling supported by the Government. Late payments, client ghosting, and lack of access to mental health resources were major challenges for the self-employed workforce.
Brits divided on prioritising ethics or returns in pension investments
Research by digital wealth manager Moneyfarm highlights stark generational differences in attitudes towards ethical investing. Among Gen Z (18–29-year-olds), 86% say they would accept lower returns or work past retirement age to avoid investing in industries they perceive as socially or environmentally harmful. This compares to 73% of Millennials (30–44-year-olds) and just one in three (34%) of the general population. Despite these concerns, 60% of respondents overall prioritise investment returns when selecting a pension plan, compared to 28% who prioritise environmental and climate considerations. Tobacco (44%), alcohol (31%), and defence (25%) are the most avoided sectors, yet a significant 31%
