Royal London reaches £1bn of pension scheme liabilities after latest buy-in
The deal, agreed in March 2025, marked Royal London's ninth buy-in since it entered the BPA market in September 2024.
Latest
New year job hunt sees 11% of UK workers actively seeking a change amid economic uncertainty
More than four million UK workers are actively seeking a new job, driven by financial concerns and the search for better work-life balance, according to research by Totaljobs.
Female technology entrepreneurs struggle with recruitment due to gender stereotypes, study finds
Female technology entrepreneurs struggle to attract job applicants due to gender stereotypes, according to research from Mannheim Business School.
92% of small employers concerned about Employment Rights Bill, plan to cut hiring, survey finds
The Bill has raised fears that it will harm recruitment and drive up the Government’s benefits bill.
Single-earner couples facing 33% higher poverty risk since 2000, research finds
Single-earner couples face a 33% higher risk of falling into poverty today compared to 2000, research published by the Resolution Foundation.
Outlook for the UK recruitment market in 2025 remains positive despite economic pressures
Barrow Mount Recruitment’s latest report forecasts steady growth in the UK recruitment sector throughout 2025, driven by ongoing demand for skilled talent across key industries despite economic challenges.
Scottish staff crying out for re-training, but employers aren’t listening
Scottish workers are asking for more training and development to improve their productivity, but employers aren’t providing sufficient support, according to new data from recruitment firm Robert Half.
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
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.
Over 5,000 apprentices trained in West Midlands as scheme donations hit £50m – WMCA
The apprenticeship levy transfer fund has helped over 2,500 SMEs with money pledged from larger companies.
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.
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
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.”
UK could unlock £400bn in economic growth through workplace AI adoption, says Google
The AI Works report revealed the UK’s current lag in AI usage at work, despite soaring public interest.
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.
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.
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.
Employee Relations
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."
Stagecoach bus services across west of Scotland to stop in May as pay dispute escalates
Strike action will now take place over a series of days including the 2nd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 16th, 19th, and 23rd of May.
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.
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%.
Employers rank reskilling as top HR challenge for 2025
The research, which surveyed 5,625 HR professionals and 16,000 employees across 16 countries, highlighted a shift in priorities amid a tightening labour market.