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.
Latest
Nearly a third of business owners expect to make redundancies next year – Evelyn Partners
30% of business owners polled say it was likely they would default on debt over the next 12 months.
42% of organisations see rise in workplace incidents during festive season – EcoOnline
67% of respondents identified an increase in spending on environment, health and safety (EHS) protocols.
Work-related ill-health and injury cost Britain £14.5bn a year – Health & Safety Executive
Ill-health caused the biggest proportion of total costs at around 67% (£14.5 bn).
Women’s average retirement age up seven years over three decades, research finds
Phoenix Group found the average age of retirement for women in the UK has increased by seven years in the last thirty years.
One in three report increased team stress due to manual payroll – PayFit
New research from PayFit showed demand for automation as payroll teams struggle to adapt to compliance changes and year-end demands.
Ciphr acquires employee benefits platform Avantus
Ciphr Group has moved into the employee benefits business, with the acquisition of Avantus.
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
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.
Glen Callum Associates launches ‘Our Aftermarket’ to highlight career opportunities
The campaign features a series of interviews with senior industry leaders Nigel Duffield (PHINIA Delphi), Steve Jarnet (Corteco UK) and Neil Grant (HELLA UK).
Bakkavor creates 60 jobs at Tilmanstone Salads site
Raj Singh said: “Anyone looking for a new challenge, do get in touch and be part of one of the region’s fastest growing and most successful teams.”
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
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.
CSP calls for the protection of linguistic rights for multilingual workers
CSP has also called for the recognition of multilingual skills in job evaluations and skills frameworks.
Technology
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.
Cowbell launches professional indemnity and cyber cover for UK tech firms
The product offers limits of up to £5m and combines professional indemnity with specialist technology cyber cover.
Zellis launches external ‘Unstoppable’ campaign
The campaign highlights the role of HR professionals in keeping businesses running amid complex legislation, administrative pressures and recruitment challenges.
Health & Wellbeing
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.
Bridge Health & Wellbeing shortlisted in Christchurch Business Awards 2025
The awards ceremony will take place on 8th May at Iford Golf Centre.
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.