Avanti West Coast launches scheme to encourage students into rail careers
The programme offers students aged 14 to 18 from local schools the chance to learn about the railway and the different job opportunities within the sector.
Latest
AI adoption remains limited across HR as 59% of departments make little or no use of the technology
New research from Vlerick Business School shows HR is lagging behind other functions in adopting AI, with practical barriers – not resistance – holding back progress.
Yodel strengthens employee wellbeing offering in partnership with the Retail Trust
The partnership which dates back to 2018, has seen the Retail Trust support almost 1,000 Yodel colleagues, equating to 34% of its workforce.
The OU and 5% Club launch free academy for HR professionals
Phil Kenmore said: “At the OU we are always looking for new ways to support flexible and accessible upskilling."
Rising costs and inflation remain top concerns for SMEs – Shawbrook
Almost eight in 10 (78%) of SMEs said they worried about inflation and the cost of living, an increase from 69% in 2024.
HowNow launches ‘Guru’ AI learning agent
The agent has been designed to understand the learner, adapt to their skill level, and deliver feedback and support.
Usdaw appoints Joanne Thomas as first female general secretary
Thomas was elected unopposed and will replace current general secretary Paddy Lillis upon his retirement on 25th July 2025.
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
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.
Deputy partners with Predelo to support shift-based businesses
The collaboration aims to transform how shift-based companies manage their employees.
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.”
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.
Lancaster University to host Work and Health Forum
The event will focus on how employers in the North West can create healthier jobs to tackle worker shortages and support economic growth.
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).