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.
Latest
WPP mandates four days of office attendance per week from April 2025
CEO Mark Read explained that the decision is rooted in the belief that in-person collaboration is vital for the company’s success.
NFP acquires The HR Suite, bolstering HR services across Ireland
NFP has acquired The HR Suite, a prominent HR consultancy in Ireland, with founder Caroline Reidy set to lead NFP’s specialist HR division in the country.
HR’s role as strategic partner stagnates for the first time in four years, says McLean & Company report
HR’s role as a strategic partner in organisations did not grow in 2025 for the first time in four years, according to new research by McLean & Company.
CAA staff strike for first time in 40 years in dispute over pay
Industrial action will start on 20th January and consist of working to rule and an overtime ban.
Met Police staff take industrial action over hybrid working policy
MPS management announced at the end of 2023 that it would replace the Blended Working policy with a Hybrid Working policy.
Elon Musk launches DOGE recruitment drive, calls for ‘highly committed individuals’
DOGE is recruiting for a number of positions, despite stating that they were only looking for individuals willing to work extensive hours.
Compensation & Benefits
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.
Median pay award holds firm at 3% in Q1, finds Brightmine
Despite the recent increase in National Insurance (NI) contributions, Brightmine data indicated that a sharp drop in pay awards is unlikely in the near term.
Recruitment & HR
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.
BCC calls for urgent Government action to tackle youth unemployment
BCC said ministers should set a target to bring the number of young people NEETs down to levels of the Netherlands.
Green HR practices boost staff-led sustainability innovation, says Durham University research
Embedding green HRM practices can drive employee-led sustainability initiatives and strengthen competitiveness, according to new research from Durham University Business School.
Over 80,000 jobseekers gain workplace training through Government scheme – DWP
DWP confirmed 86,640 places were offered through sector-based work academy programmes (SWAPs), passing the Government’s target of 80,000.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
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.
Manningham Housing Association retains global diversity standard
John Mulholland said: “Manningham Housing Association is a good place to work and a good example for diversity in the workplace."
Usdaw appoints Joanne Thomas as first female general secretary
Thomas was elected unopposed and will replace current general secretary Paddy Lillis upon his retirement on 25th July 2025.
Technology
Zellis recieves two nominations at Global Payroll Awards 2025
Zellis, the provider of HR and payroll software to the UK and Ireland has been shortlisted in two categories at the 2025 Global Payroll Awards. The ceremony, scheduled for 5th June in Warsaw, Poland,
Engineering UK launches STEM guide to support careers in engineering and technology
The guide is aimed at careers programme leads in schools and looks to help them highlight engineering and technology as options for students.
Lexacom launches tool to protect patient data in NHS AI use
Dr Andrew Whiteley said: “Patient Shield is designed to allow healthcare professionals to harness the benefits of AI while fully safeguarding patient data.”
Health & Wellbeing
UK records 604,000 workplace injuries in 2024, data reveals
According to the HSE, over 61,000 of these incidents were serious enough to be formally reported by employers under RIDDOR.
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.
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.
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.
Employee Relations
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.
Bury Council launches community drive to safeguard young workers
The campaign is aimed at ensuring every child in work is protected and all employers are aware of their responsibilities.
Majority of UK employees want ethical AI training as usage grows – Photoroom
Research revealed that 18% of workers said knowing how to use AI properly would improve their company’s performance.
England and Wales councils lose nearly 600,000 workers since 2012 – GMB
Kevin Brandstatter said: “These figures are clearly appalling and show the deep and lasting damage austerity has done to our country."
Global HR
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.
Gallup warns declining manager engagement could threaten global productivity
A drop in engagement among managers has driven a global decline in employee engagement, according to Gallup’s latest workplace study, with Europe showing the lowest regional engagement at just 13%.