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.
Latest
Thames Valley Police urged to rebuild trust after losing employment tribunal
An independent review found the tribunal loss had a significant impact on leadership, trust, transparency, and consistency in the force’s approach to equality.
Workplace Journal launches WhatsApp Channel
Workplace Journal has launched its own WhatsApp Channel, offering readers a new way to receive news and updates directly in the app.
One in four managers claim businesses over prioritise gender diversity, research finds
The research from the CMI in collaboration with the FTSE Women Leaders Review showed that 10 FTSE 350 firms made the biggest strides in reducing their gender pay gaps between 2019 and 2024 also saw revenue growth in nearly every case.
Employee expense fraud on the rise as teams overwhelmed with end-of-year tasks
Seb Vanhecke, chief product officer of European fintech Rydoo said the combination of higher workloads and the availability of AI-generated deepfake receipts is making it easier for fraudulent claims to go unnoticed.
Protest staged outside Wendy’s due to courier driver policies
The protest came after the fast-food chain allegedly refused to install adequate shelter for delivery drivers or riders, as is industry standard at fast food restaurants.
Construction sector sees the fastest pace of job shedding in five years, report finds
S&P Global UK Construction PMI report found staffing numbers were reduced for the third consecutive month in March 2025, reflecting the steepest decline in employment for nearly four and a half years.
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
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.
Amazon announces £40bn UK investment to create thousands of jobs
The investment includes the construction of four new fulfilment centres, with confirmed sites in Hull, Northampton, and the East Midlands.
85% of workers believe AI is replacing entry-level jobs, finds HiBob
Ronni Zehavi said: “There is no doubt AI is taking on many routine tasks typically linked to junior roles, but that doesn’t mean those roles are disappearing."
Guide Dogs partners with UK Careers Fair to promote volunteering opportunities
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Guide Dogs team where volunteering, donating, and recruitment opportunities will be discussed.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Deloitte UK named top 50 Employer for Gender Equality for tenth year
Jackie Henry said: “Deloitte UK's inclusion is an important recognition of our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, where everyone can thrive.
UK retail boards near gender parity, says BRC
While women made up less than a third (32%) of boardrooms five years ago, that number has now almost reached parity, at 47% in this year’s report.
Rise AV launches ‘Elevate Programme’ for women seeking leadership roles in AV
The programme will run from late October to early December 2025 and combines virtual and in-person sessions designed to work around work commitments.
Causeway invests a further £1m to boost digital skills for young people
The next phase will focus on getting more girls involved and reaching more young people in under-served areas.
Technology
Festina Finance expands cloud pension platform into UK Market
The platform is used for defined benefit (DB), defined contribution (DC), collective DC and life insurance schemes.
IT and finance face biggest shortages in cyber security jobs – Bridewell
Management and consulting had 130 jobs, while finance had 119 roles on offer.
Government to boost jobs in Wales with new ‘Industrial Strategy’
The strategy is a 10-year plan to make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, aiming to create 1.1 million jobs.
Health & Wellbeing
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.
Mental health issues drive employee helpline calls – Zurich Corporate Risk
Anxiety stayed as the top category for the fourth year, responsible for 19% of calls, while low mood accounted for 11%.
Welfare reforms risk forcing disabled workers out of jobs, says UNISON
A survey found 75% of those receiving the personal independence payment said losing it would affect their ability to work.
Employee Relations
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.
Uber drivers face more unpaid hours under dynamic pay system, study reveals
The report found that gross hourly pay fell from £22.20 to £19.06, before even counting costs like car hire, fuel, insurance or parking.
The Jersey Employment Forum calls for protection for whistleblowers
The Forum's 75-page report proposes the creation of a standalone Public Interest Disclosure Law, aimed at safeguarding individuals who raise concerns about wrongdoing in the public interest.
Vernon Building Society joins Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter
Darren Ditchburn said: “Offering a working environment in which they can flourish and being part of the Charter helps us demonstrate our commitment to them."
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).