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
Racial disparities persist in WFH access despite overall increase, study finds
The researchers suggest that these disparities could stem from managerial biases against BME workers, leading to a reluctance to WFH opportunities.
£18m buy-in with Utmost secures pensions for 270-plus UK scheme members
Hymans Robertson acted as lead transaction adviser, working with the Trustee and Company, while Gateley provided legal advice.
Construction industry needs three-times more apprenticeship starts, says CITB
Currently, only 21% of construction businesses employ an apprentice, and only 10% employ more than one.
Single pensioners face significant income shortfall compared to couples, research finds
The research found that a single pensioner relying on the full State Pension faces an income shortfall of £2,897 annually.
Sole trustee market expected to experience long-term slowdown, research reveals
The firm's latest paper outlined that there will be a short-term uptick in growth due to continued demand from the 4,000 small DB schemes.
Civil Nuclear Constabulary celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
Announced last year, the Level Four NHOPOA trains recruits in the National Police Firearms Training Curriculum.
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."