Retirement planning complexity drives demand for bespoke investment services – Rathbones
Research found that 97% of IFAs expected rising demand for bespoke portfolios managed by third party wealth managers.
Latest
Maximus celebrates job support impact in Wrexham
So far, more than 900 Wrexham residents have been supported on their journey into work.
First-time employment affects health behaviours in young adults, study shows
The study assessed daily fruit and vegetable intake, regular physical activity patterns, and daily sleep duration after employment.
Livv Housing workers to step up strikes throughout February
Repair, maintenance and call centre staff took strike action in October, November and January.
Barclays introduces minimum three-day office requirement
The bank’s minimum time in office requirements differ between business areas based on the nature of work and business needs.
Union targets industry water conference as campaign against Veolia escalates
Unite members working in Sheffield have been on continuous strike for months in order to get their union recognised for collective bargaining.
Two in five LGBTQ+ employees still feel the need to hide their identity at work, research finds
More than one in four (26%) LGBTQ+ people experienced verbally abusive conduct from customers or clients because of their identity.
Compensation & Benefits
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.
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."
Recruitment & HR
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.
TMM Recruitment becomes employee-owned through trust model
Amanda McCullloch said: “This EOT is our way of recognising and rewarding the people who have been instrumental in making TMM Recruitment what it is today."
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
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."
Government invests £8.2m to support young girls stepping into AI careers
The funding, part of the refreshed Advanced Maths Support Programme, will target support to thousands of pupils from 400 disadvantaged secondary schools.
Technology
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.
UK leads in AI adoption, but faces growing divide between startups and large enterprises – Amazon
According to Amazon's Unlocking the UK’s AI Potential 2025 report, AI usage among UK businesses jumped from 39% to 52% in the past year.
Health & Wellbeing
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.
Samaritans ‘STEP’ courses receive CPD accreditation
STEP now offers CPD certified courses to organisations in all sectors, helping staff, colleagues, customers and the public support themselves.
Employee Relations
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.
Hundreds of highly skilled jobs to be unlocked by new RAF drones
The RAF is investing an initial £19m into the drones, which are made in the UK and directly support 200 highly skilled engineering jobs.
phs Besafe launches industrial workwear range for manufacturing and engineering
phs Besafe introduces new industrial workwear designed for manufacturing, engineering and automotive sectors with sustainable fabric technology and commercial laundry services.
Employment Rights Bill risks undermining key worker protections, warns IER
The IER – a think tank supported by academics, lawyers and trade unions – warned that, in its present form, the bill leaves workers vulnerable.
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.