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.
Latest
Financial well-being is growing in working population, report reveals
Over two thirds (69%) of workers saying they feel financially resilient, up from 65% in 2023, according to new data from LV=.
TUC and Usdaw urge retailers to end use of “freelance” staff
The TUC and Usdaw call on major retailers to stop using self-employed “freelance” staff, citing the undermining of workers’ rights.
Energy Skills Passport launched to help workers transition across UK energy sectors
The Energy Skills Passport, a tool enabling workers to navigate careers across the UK energy mix, launches with support from OEUK, RenewableUK, and the UK and Scottish Governments.
DWP statistics reveal 13% pensioners are in poverty
The percentage of single pensioner benefit units in low resources rose by one percentage point to 18%.
Sainsbury’s announces redundancies as a part of three year ‘Next Level’ strategy
Sainsbury’s has announced plans to reduce over 3,000 roles across the business as part of its ongoing efforts to simplify central divisions.
HR Path expands in Europe with acquisition of Talent at Work
Founded in 2009, Talent at Work focuses on coaching services and leadership development.
Compensation & Benefits
Financial services employees increasingly concerned about benefits packages, finds Zest
97% of financial services firms said that company perks are now one of the first things they are asked about by new candidates.
Underpensioned groups face lower standard of living in retirement – PPI
The report found that underpensioned groups still have lower employment rates and are more likely to be in part-time work compared to the population average.
Recruitment & HR
Micro-credentials emerging as key driver of career success, report finds
Coursera's report revealed that a majority of students and employers now see these targeted certifications as essential tools for career readiness and advancement.
Business confidence moves to its highest level since before the Budget – IoD
Headcount expectations recovered for the second month running from -4 to +3, the first positive reading since September 2024.
RAC expands mechanic apprenticeship scheme nationwide
The RAC has partnered with North Humberside Motor Trades GTA to roll out its mechanic apprenticeship scheme across England.
Businesses commended for support of disabled people in the workplace at Disability Confident Awards
Large and small businesses who have carried out exceptional work in hiring, retaining and supporting disabled people in the workplace have been recognised in the annual Disability Confident Awards.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Avanti West Coast unveils train wrap celebrating workforce and community diversity
The unveiling forms part of Avanti’s wider equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, which is due to launch later this year.
Trustee boards lack youth and diversity, survey finds
The The Charity Commission and Pro Bono Economics survey found that there were slightly more black trustees under 60 (7%) than in the general population (5%).
IPA partners with Brixton Finishing School to widen access to advertising careers
Through the partnership, Brixton Finishing School will offer employability support and resources to schools and students that take part.
BBC to improve workplace culture as it publishes independent review
The report from Change Associates, found no evidence of a toxic culture, but it highlighted key areas for improvement.
Technology
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.
Aegon upgrades ‘Member Insights’ tool to boost pension engagement
The latest updates give employers, trustees and advisers more scheme information when sending targeted campaigns to employees.
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
Health & Wellbeing
East Midlands tradespeople report better work-life balance
Van drivers in the East Midlands experience less stress and fewer working hours than UK counterparts, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles survey finds.
80% of cancer patients in L&G Return-to-Work Programme make successful comeback
The findings of L&G's Chief Medical Officer (CMO) report underscored the growing impact of technology-led partnerships in managing serious health-related work absences.
Failure to offer workplace flexibility risks long-term decline, says Aalto University study
New research from Aalto University shows companies that fail to adapt to employee needs risk burnout, higher turnover, and weakened organisational performance.
Growing demand for sabbaticals as UK workers seek relief from burnout, says Robert Half
New research from Robert Half reveals 42% of UK employees want sabbaticals in 2025, as concern about burnout and workload pressures rises.
Employee Relations
Hybrid work is here to stay, but offices remain essential – ISS
According to the study, 81% of employees currently operate within a hybrid work arrangement.
Birmingham Council cuts bin drivers pay by £8,000
Unite has said the council’s decision shows an escalation in the dispute and the council's real plans to use workers' pay as a way to cut costs.
Improved paternity leave could boost economy, says JRF
Increasing Statutory Paternity Leave from two weeks to six weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings could deliver a £2.68bn boost to the wider economy.
Salary sacrifice car schemes ranked as key employee benefit for 2025, research reveals
Research from Tusker found that 31% of HR and benefits professionals saw employee experience as the main focus.
Global HR
UK lags in workplace productivity ranking, finds Ricoh Europe
The UK ranked lowest for workplace productivity, with UK workers lagging 11% behind leaders Spain.
Zellis receives two nominations at Global Payroll Awards 2025
The ceremony, scheduled for 5th June in Warsaw, Poland, aims to celebrate commitment to excellence and innovation in the payroll industry.
Government urged to introduce Workplace Justice Visa amid growing reports of migrant worker exploitation
The report by WoRC, entitled 'Safeguarding Sponsored Workers: A UK Workplace Justice Visa', outlined urgent reforms based on a six-country comparative study.
Language skills now critical to workforce access as EU migration rises 63%
Research from Preply revealed that a growing number of EU nations require applicants to demonstrate formal language proficiency as part of their residency and integration policies.