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.
Latest
Micky Adriaansens appointed chair of Nyenrode Business University
Micky Adriaansens, former Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate, has been appointed chair of Nyenrode Business University, effective 1st February 2025.
‘Plan for Change’ to deliver jobs and growth in fusion industry
Researchers developing fusion energy receive a record £410mn investment, helping to kickstart economic growth.
83% willing to whistleblow, only 64% come forward, research finds
Protect found that 83% of UK workers said they would be willing to raise concerns if they witnessed wrongdoing at work.
Early intervention is key to combat mental ill-health – GRiD
Katharine Moxham said: “If Blue Monday is said to be the most depressing day of the year for staff, it’s worth sparing a moment to think about how those who are already struggling with their mental health might be feeling at this time."
Towergate urges employers to support mental health all year, not just Blue Monday
Employers should view Blue Monday as a prompt to take action to support employees' mental health throughout the entire year.
Aon names Matt Duffy as chief commercial officer for global benefits
Matt Duffy returns to Aon from Mercer Marsh Benefits and will lead the development and execution of the Global Benefits commercial strategy.
Compensation & Benefits
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.
Annuities understanding rises by 25% among over-50s, misconceptions remain – Standard Life
Research revealed that the number of people correctly identifying that lifetime annuities provide a guaranteed income for life rose from 39% in 2023 to 49%.
Recruitment & HR
Employment Rights Bill putting “brakes on hiring”, says BRC
The survey of HR Directors (HRDs) of leading retailers revealed the scale of concerns about the impact of the Employment Rights Bill, which will be debated in the House of Lords today.
UK tax vacancies up 14% as firms boost hiring in response to fiscal reforms
UK tax vacancies rose 14% year-on-year in Q1 2025, with regional hiring outpacing London and strong demand for corporate, indirect and cross-border tax skills.
UK lags in workplace productivity ranking, finds Ricoh Europe
The UK ranked lowest for workplace productivity, with UK workers lagging 11% behind leaders Spain.
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.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
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.
Menopause Advisory Group formed to boost workplace support
Convened by the Government’s Menopause Employment Ambassador, Mariella Frostrup, the group discussed the impact menopause can have on workers and current efforts to support women in work.
Over a third of female SME owners face gender bias – AXA UK
Research revealed that 53% of the female SME owners surveyed said they felt pressure to prove themselves more than male business owners.
Technology
One in five schools use AI despite lack of staff training, warns GMB
More than 84% of school workers said they have not received training on Digital and Technology Standards.
One in four workers worry that AI will lead to job losses – Acas
Acas commissioned YouGov to ask employees in Britain what their biggest concerns about the use of AI were.
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.
Health & Wellbeing
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.
Caring duties leave nearly half of over 60s without pension savings – Phoenix Insights
Research revealed that among those with pension savings, carers had 17% less than the UK average, meaning a shortfall of about £37,000.
APN launches annual World Health & Safety week
The initiative is supported by the UK's eight major pallet networks, with teams at each network hub focusing on safety best practice and employee well-being.
Employee Relations
Violence against ambulance staff hits record high, as AACE urges Government action
For the first time, annual reported incidents of violence, aggression, and abuse against ambulance personnel surged past 22,500, marking a nearly 15% increase on the previous year.
NHS staff fatigue a hidden risk to patient safety, HSSIB warns
The investigation found that the impact of staff fatigue on both patient safety and workforce wellbeing is not being addressed within current NHS systems.
Unite deal secures two-year pay rise for East Midlands Airport refuellers
Under the agreement, the workers will receive a 6.5% pay increase in the first year and a further 3.5% uplift in the second year.
North Somerset Council urges employers to book free workplace heart health checks
Nearly 1,000 checks have already been completed with more booked in, but spaces remain for workplaces to take part.
Global HR
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.
Burnout on the rise for Gen Z workers, as two thirds confess to not switching off from work
Click Offices analysed data from across the UK to see the impact of burnout on the workforce.
Remote work drives innovation in flexible cultures, Durham study finds
Remote work boosts innovation in egalitarian, flexible cultures, new Durham University study shows.