HiBob launches tailored SMB HR platform for UK firms
The bundles, designed for SMBs, focus on payroll and talent management, following feedback and market research.
Latest
Plumbing and heating sector employment remains stable in Q1, research reveals
While trading conditions held steady overall, fewer businesses noted being busier than expected, and a growing number reported experiencing quieter periods.
Liverpool City Council launches grant scheme to help employers recruit young talent
Delivered by Liverpool in Work, the scheme will support employment costs up to £3,000 across the first six months of an eligible person’s employment.
Only half of employers support four pillars of employee health and wellbeing, report finds
Research from Towergate Employee Benefits found that just over half of employers said they currently offer support for mental (54%) and social wellbeing (52%),
‘#Corporatelife’ trend highlights Gen Z career shifts – Standard Life
The hashtag #corporatelife, now dominating platforms like TikTok and Instagram, sees young professionals glamorising the modern workplace, from curated desk setups to rooftop happy hours.
Unum UK pays out £516m in group protection claims in 2024
The firm now covers 2.8 million people across its products, which is a 44% rise in the last five years.
Equiom adds to employee retirement and reward services
Claire Le Brocq said: "These appointments reflect our clear focus on growing this key service line."
Compensation & Benefits
Marsden Building Society launches ‘Workplace Savings Scheme’
The scheme is only open to employees at businesses with 50 or more staff, with Marsden offering interest rates of up to 3.00% p.a./AER variable.
Grant Thornton sets up EBT to share equity with senior staff
This EBT will hold a chunk of the firm’s equity to reward senior staff below partner grade, with allocations going to employees at manager level and above.
Recruitment & HR
Culture of conflict avoidance on the rise for UK businesses, research reveals
A survey by WorkNest found that 43% of employers and HR professionals said fear of confrontation or escalation is the single biggest barrier to resolving disputes early.
Work-life balance expectations drives staff turnover in events sector – MIA
53% of those surveyed saw an increase in burnout, stress or wellbeing issues in the last year, with high workloads and tight deadlines named as the main reasons.
Motorvate brings students and employers together at Automechanika Birmingham
Doug Elliott said: "Motorvate was a brilliant showcase of how the automotive industry can engage and inspire future talent."
One in 12 employees experienced threats in the workplace in the past year, research reveals
Data revealed that workplace violence was found in all industries examined, from finance to construction to the arts.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Lamborghini highlights inclusive culture in first Sustainability Report
With more than 70 indicators and a focus on internal culture, the report included a participatory process involving more than 50 employees and 100 cross-functional sessions.
Thousands recognised for diversity efforts in 2025 National Diversity Awards shortlist
The winners will be announced at an event at Liverpool’s Anglican cathedral on 19th September, hosted by Clare Balding CBE.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service awarded Menopause Friendly Accreditation
Deborah Garlick said: “They are not only supporting their own colleagues – they are helping shape the future of menopause support across the emergency services.”
The Times reveals ‘Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality’
The annual flagship award, led by BITC, celebrates achievements and efforts by companies at the forefront of championing gender equality.
Technology
Pearson and Google partner to bring AI-powered learning tools to UK schools
The new tools aim to give teachers more data on pupils’ progress and help them target lessons to meet curriculum standards.
Mitie launches AI apprenticeship to boost digital skills across workforce
The 12-month course will teach practical AI and data skills aimed at helping staff use tools like Microsoft Copilot in their day-to-day work.
69% of financial services staff want AI use monitored – Smarsh UK
29% said they were worried they did not know where potentially sensitive information was going when AI agents were used.
Health & Wellbeing
65% of workers say psychological safety is overlooked – Dräger UK
63% of workers thought too much responsibility was being placed on employees when it came to workplace safety and wellbeing.
SME leaders face longer hours and rising stress as workforce shrinks – Virgin Media O2
The research found 76% reported a negative impact on wellbeing and 51% said they were more stressed now compared to when they started their business.
British Safety Council celebrates winners of International Safety Awards 2025
The awards recognised 789 organisations from 45 countries for their efforts in preventing workplace injuries and work-related ill health in 2024.
Pearn Kandola launches ‘Psychological Safety Week’ for workplaces
The aim is to help companies understand and put psychological safety into action at work.
Employee Relations
BTTJ urges employers to focus on employment law basics over speculation on changes
Kerry Hudson said: “Rather than reacting to headlines, employers should see this as an opportunity to strengthen their foundations.”
Deputy partners with Predelo to support shift-based businesses
The collaboration aims to transform how shift-based companies manage their employees.
34% of managers fear job loss as worker confidence hits new low – ManpowerGroup
Research found most UK managers (86%) saw economic instability, restructuring and mass layoffs as the biggest threats to their careers.
Lamborghini named Italy’s most attractive automotive employer
The accolade reflects the company’s reputation for providing a workplace culture centred on employee wellbeing, inclusion and work-life balance.
Global HR
Government targets global experts with £54m fund to fill UK skills gap
The Global Talent Taskforce is set up to focus on bringing in researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, managers, engineers and creatives.
Deputy appoints Ciaran Hale as chief technology officer
Hale will work with the product, data and platform teams to strengthen technology foundations and develop solutions for shift-based businesses.
infinitSpace to open second Berlin workspace in partnership with PATRIZIA
Flexible workspace provider infinitSpace is expanding in Berlin with a second site, opening in August 2025, in collaboration with global real asset manager PATRIZIA.
Bosnia and Herzegovina tops Europe with 64.7% minimum wage rise in 2025, report reveals
Romania recorded the second-largest increase at 22.78%, moving its minimum wage to €663, followed by Bulgaria at 15.51% (€477), Croatia at 15.48% (€700), and Serbia at 13.79% (€502).