Scheme to support unpaid carers reaches 250-member landmark – Carers UK
Carers UK urged more employers to adopt carer-friendly measures in the workplace to support employees who combine work and unpaid care.
Latest
Unemployment steady at 4.4% amid declining vacancies and pay growth – ONS
The number of vacancies decreased by 9,000 on the quarter, marking the 31st consecutive drop, but still remaining above pre-pandemic levels.
UK employers face largest redundancy round in a decade, report reveals
The CIPD indicated that redundancy intentions among 2,000 employers reached their highest since the pandemic.
Broadstone advises Geoghegan & Company in £1.5m Just Group pensionbuy-In
The scheme secured benefits for its eight deferred and eight pensioner members with a £1.5m deal, completing the buy-in of its liabilities.
CEO pay in Europe remains stagnant over the past decade, research finds
New research from Vlerick Business School reveals that CEO remuneration in Europe has remained largely unchanged in real terms over the past decade, despite inflation and corporate growth.
Go North East workers consider strike action over ‘dangerous’ management culture
Over 1,000 Go North East workers are being consulted on potential strike action following claims of intimidation, unsafe working conditions, and dismissals of staff who raised health and safety concerns, according to Unite.
Majority of UK adults rethink retirement due to IHT changes on pensions, survey finds
The survey revealed that 21% intended to withdraw more money from their pensions to spend it, and 19% aimed to gift it.
Compensation & Benefits
Health and Social Care Secretary promises “new deal for working people” in conference speech
Speaking at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Streeting reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding mental health support in the workplace.
Government invests £1.8m in NHS care for veterans and serving personnel
A new training programme will ensure NHS staff across the country are supported to meet the unique health needs of veterans, serving personnel and their families.
Recruitment & HR
Government cuts red tape to accelerate teacher recruitment
The Government has announced a major reform to teacher training routes, reducing the duration of postgraduate teaching apprenticeships (PGTAs).
British Steel to recruit over 180 employees to boost production
Positions range from engineering and environment to chemistry, cleaning, legal, labouring, safety, and stores.
Staffordshire County Council launches scheme to match care leavers with local jobs
The ‘Supporting Care Leavers into Employment’ scheme aims to match businesses with young people who have the right skills.
SMEs plan pay and recruitment freezes as tax rises drive cost pressures – Premium Credit
Research found 26% planned to limit pay rises, while 19% said they would either not replace staff who leave or stop recruiting.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Barnsley Council receives ‘Breastfeeding Friendly Employer’ certificate
The council is the first employer to achieve the Public Health certificate after bringing in several initiatives.
Clyde & Co receives ‘Carer Confident’ accreditation for employer support
The accreditation recognises the firm’s support for employees with caring responsibilities.
Workers meet MPs to call for changes to equal pay law
The event, which takes place at 2pm today in Portcullis House, is hosted by GMB Union.
Minister pledges ‘seismic shift’ to improve professional standards across HM Prison and Probation Service
Immediate action will include establishing a new unit to investigate and better respond to allegations of internal bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Technology
56% of workers optimistic but overwhelmed by AI advancements – Henley Business School
When asked how they would describe their approach to AI, 26% of respondents said they were cautious and 23% said they were curious.
Cyber attacks a “wake up call” for businesses – Pat McFadden
Recognising the impact such attacks have on working people as they go about their daily lives, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will highlight moves to “bolster our national defences” including
Skillvue secures $6.3m to expand AI-powered skills and assessment platform
The HR platform, which initially focused on recruitment, has evolved into a broader tool for organisations to develop employee capabilities in response to rising demand for reskilling.
Health & Wellbeing
HSENI to highlight need for healthier workplaces at Balmoral Show
The team will offer advice, resources and guidance on managing and reducing health risks at work.
Lenovo UK & Ireland achieves Menopause Friendly Accreditation
Adrian Criddle said: “This recognition reflects our dedication to creating a workplace where all employees feel supported and valued."
Blackpool Council launches free employment charter to raise job standards
The scheme aims to raise employment standards, improve job quality and support economic growth in Blackpool.
Workloads remain the leading cause of stress for HR professionals – Ciphr
The results from a survey of over 270 UK HR decision-makers found that just 6.3% of people in HR roles never experience stress at work.
Employee Relations
UK employment tribunal backlog hits record 50,000 cases – Littler
Philip Cameron said the long backlog was “just not fair on either party” and that “leaving businesses in legal limbo makes it harder for them to operate,”
Government negotiates US steel tariff reduction to protect jobs
Agreement on US steel tariffs provides certainty for UK steel industry and protects employment.
GMB Union responds to US-UK tariff deal announcement
GMB Union has cautiously welcomed the new US-UK tariff deal that could benefit workers in the whisky and automotive sectors.
Modern slavery and unfair deductions still found in construction sites – Achilles UK
The report revealed that 111 workers reported unexplained deductions from their wages, in addition to expected taxes.
Global HR
Gen Z now makes up largest share of hourly workforce, Deputy report reveals
Deputy has released its annual report The Big Shift: How Gen Z is Rewriting the Rules of Hourly Work, offering a comprehensive look at the changing dynamics of the hourly labour market.
US labour market adds 177,000 jobs in April, as unemployment rate holds steady
Job gains were seen across several key sectors, with employment continuing to trend upward in health care, transportation and warehousing, financial activities, and social assistance.
Jersey hits record 64,790 jobs as public sector employment surges
Of these, 54,910 were in the private sector and 9,880 in the public sector.
M&S orders staff to work from home following cyber attack
Jessica Bass, partner at Oury Clark Solicitors, said: "It is vital that M&S maintains clear and open communication with all employees during this time, so they understand what is happening and why these steps are necessary."