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.
Latest
CII Group qualifications and assessment director joins FAB board
Joining Mellor on the Board are Alison Parkes of EAL Awards, Kelle McQuade of Training Qualifications UK, Steve Smith of SIAS UK, and Terry Fennell of FDQ.
Benefex and Benify merge to form Benifex
The platform delivers personalised experiences for employees, ensuring they receive relevant benefits and rewards.
Acer and Intel partner to launch Skills for Innovation initiative
Acer and Intel hope to address gaps in digital literacy.
Employer helpline sexual harassment calls surge by 164% – Irwin Mitchell
Employer-side helpline calls about sexual harassment rose by 164% in the most recent quarter, exceeding 100 for the first time
Fake news can damage a company’s reputation, research finds
Researchers found that fake news changes how people think others view a company’s reputation.
10,000 more apprentices to qualify per year as Government cuts red tape
The Government has revealed plans to turbocharge growth industries, with reduced bureaucracy for apprenticeships and new leadership for Skills England.
Compensation & Benefits
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.
UK sectors fail to bridge £6,230 maternity pay shortfall, research reveals
Resume.io research revealed that statutory maternity pay (SMP) for 2025 rose slightly to £187.18 per week after the first six weeks.
Recruitment & HR
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.
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.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Clyde & Co receives ‘Carer Confident’ accreditation for employer support
The accreditation recognises the firm’s support for employees with caring responsibilities.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
Aston Martin signs Armed Forces Covenant to support veterans and military families
The signing ceremony took place on 28th April at the company’s headquarters in Gaydon.
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.
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.
24% of employers tailor benefits to workforce needs – Towergate Employee Benefits
The research found 35% of employers offered the same benefits to all staff regardless of seniority, and 36% offered the same package regardless of gender.
Global HR
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."
UK lags in workplace productivity ranking, finds Ricoh Europe
The UK ranked lowest for workplace productivity, with UK workers lagging 11% behind leaders Spain.