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
Health and wellbeing support key to recruitment and retention in 2025
Employers will need to prioritise health and wellbeing support as a key recruitment and retention strategy, with 61% recognising its growing importance, according to new research from Towergate Employee Benefits.
Over a million workers on zero-hours contracts shows need for Employment Rights Bill, TUC
The number of workers on zero-hours contracts remains above one million, prompting renewed calls from the TUC for the Employment Rights Bill to ban exploitative working practices.
Wage growth boosts household budgets but inflation concerns remain
Wages have outpaced inflation again, offering households more financial breathing room, but concerns remain over the potential for rising inflation and its impact on interest rates.
Young professionals seek financial support for rising energy bills, research reveals
Half (52%) of young people cited the benefits packages as the most important thing they look for in employment.
Women work seven weeks for free due to 13.1% gender pay gap, TUC analysis finds
The union body said this is partly because women tend to be employed in lower-paid roles than men.
Just Group secures £16m buy-in for Deutz scheme
The buy-in insures the benefits of 181 Scheme members, comprising 70 deferred members and 111 pensioners.
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."