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).
Latest
Vitality launches ‘Pick and Play’ rewards for members
The rewards mechanism has been designed to support further personalisation for members and increase engagement.
Co-op legal services offers tuition-free solicitor apprenticeships
Candidates can earn a salary starting from £24,000 while they train.
Barclays allocates £500 share award to 90,000 employees
This initiative is set to cost between £45m and £50m.
The Rt Hon Chloe Smith appointed new president of the CIPD
Smith has experience and interest in the world of work, people and technology
Vitality unveils new protection products and enhancements
The updates provide members with access to broad financial protection, alongside high levels of support.
INTERVIEW: How DEI shifts in the US could impact UK businesses
Jonathan Mansfield on the evolving DEI landscape in the UK, and the impact of US corporate shifts.
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
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.
Government pledges greater growth for the coach sector ahead of National Coach Week
As part of efforts to tackle driver shortages and expand job opportunities for young people, the Government is currently reviewing consultation feedback on licence rules for 18-to-20-year-olds.
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
Home Office introduces new rules to sack police officers guilty of gross misconduct
The new rules will strengthen the ability of police chiefs to clean out their forces of officers unfit to serve.
Train driver age cut to 18, opening thousands of jobs to school leavers
The Government announced that thousands of jobs and apprenticeships will be made available to those between 18 and 20 years old as early as December 2025, offering experience and long-term career opportunities.
GMB urges council and school workers to reject 3.2% pay offer
Kevin Brandstatter said: “GMB’s committees were unanimous; this offer isn’t enough and it's shocking this full and final pay offer was made without any negotiation."
Amazon faces legal challenge after union vote
A total of 49.5% of the 2,600 workers who voted backed union recognition at the Midlands site in July last year, falling short by just 28 votes.
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."