SMEs cut costs and freeze hiring ahead of Budget – Rathbones
40% of SMEs have made or considered changes ahead of the Budget, with 32% already cutting costs or restructuring and 31% delaying hiring.
Latest
TUC Cymru welcomes Government’s Industrial Strategy and investment in Wales
Shavanah Taj, general secretary of TUC Cymru, said the strategy represents a shift after years of limited investment in Welsh industry.
Penfold surpasses 100,000 savers as demand for digital pensions soars
The firm also now supports pensions for over 4,000 businesses – from startups to large firms.
Culture of conflict avoidance on the rise for UK businesses, research reveals
A survey by WorkNest found that 43% of employers and HR professionals said fear of confrontation or escalation is the single biggest barrier to resolving disputes early.
SME leaders face longer hours and rising stress as workforce shrinks – Virgin Media O2
The research found 76% reported a negative impact on wellbeing and 51% said they were more stressed now compared to when they started their business.
Work-life balance expectations drives staff turnover in events sector – MIA
53% of those surveyed saw an increase in burnout, stress or wellbeing issues in the last year, with high workloads and tight deadlines named as the main reasons.
Motorvate brings students and employers together at Automechanika Birmingham
Doug Elliott said: "Motorvate was a brilliant showcase of how the automotive industry can engage and inspire future talent."
Compensation & Benefits
BMA criticises proposed 2.5% pay rise for doctors as pay review process begins
The proposed uplift equates to an additional 47p per hour for newly qualified doctors, based on current pay rates.
Zenith launches salary sacrifice scheme for used EVs
All cars have passed the AA Safety Inspection and are provided with a full service history, a manufacturer battery warranty and a maintenance package.
Recruitment & HR
Oldham logistics firm creates 10 new jobs as Pallet-Track partnership drives expansion
H&B Logistics is creating 10 new jobs and investing £500,000 in new facilities as part of a major expansion.
Bentley welcomes early careers cohort for 2025
The company announced 65 trainee vacancies in areas such as digital software, electrical engineering and AI.
Training gaps leave UK businesses unprepared for new data law, VinciWorks warns
The survey of 373 compliance professionals found that just 1.6% of organisations considered themselves fully prepared for the new law, which will replace parts of the UK GDPR in 2025.
Acas appoints Joanna Nunn as chief conciliator
Nunn, who has worked at Acas since 2006, previously served as assistant chief conciliator and brings extensive experience in mediation and dispute resolution.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Westmorland and Furness Council to launch pilot to boost jobs for people with learning disabilities
Councillor Patricia Bell said: “Many people have something to give the workplace, and by dividing up roles, we intend to create meaningful work for people with learning disabilities."
West Yorkshire Police signs pledge to support disabled staff
Assistant Chief Constable for People Richard Close, said: “Signing this pledge is more than a statement, it’s a promise to our people."
IKEA UK meets EHRC standards after overhaul of sexual harassment procedures
John Kirkpatrick, CEO of the EHRC, said: “We welcome the measures put in place to ensure that their workplaces are free of sexual harassment."
UK Music rolls out ‘Five Ps’ guide to boost EDI across the music industry
The guide came after consultation across the sector and sets out five key areas: people, policy, partnerships, purchase, and progress.
Technology
TUC urges TikTok to “come clean” as MPs investigate AI-driven job cuts
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, chaired by Chi Onwurah MP, has written to TikTok demanding answers about the redundancies within its London-based Trust and Safety Team.
Businesses face £400bn growth loss without urgent AI skills boost – Skills England
Three new tools have been launched to help fill the gap and unlock up to £400bn of growth by 2030.
Electricians and plumbers named among roles set to withstand automation in 2026, research finds
The findings from MyPerfectCV highlighted a growing divide between routine, task-based roles and those requiring manual skill, judgement, and human connection.
Health & Wellbeing
Bus drivers face heightened safety risks ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night, says Unite
Reports of fireworks being thrown at or into buses, and other forms of anti-social behaviour such as road blockages and vandalism, have surged in previous years.
British Safety Council and HSE launch new award to tackle work-related health issues
The ‘Innovation in Health Award’ will be part of the British Safety Council’s International Safety Awards in 2026 and is free to enter.
Centrica, ITV and Mail Metro Media join GoVo as founder members to tackle volunteer shortfall
The platform, developed by Royal Voluntary Service, aims to make volunteering easier and more flexible, helping charities find the volunteers they need.
Over half of employees would switch jobs for better wellbeing support – Robert Half
48% placed the same importance on stress reduction programmes, but a third of businesses did not offer any stress reduction support.
Employee Relations
One in five workers never thanked for their efforts, research reveals
Research from Moonpig for business revealed that 51% did not feel valued at work, while 53% said lack of recognition affected their motivation.
Younger workers most engaged in the workplace, research reveals
Reward Gateway | Edenred found that younger workers were the most positive, with 81% saying engagement efforts meant something to them.
RRG Group achieves Menopause Friendly Accreditation
Sarah Cooney said: “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where every colleague feels valued and empowered"
Different generations want different technology at work, finds Mitie
Seven in 10 (70%) Gen Z staff said technology helped them perform better at work, while 60% Gen X agreed.
Global HR
HiBob launches global network for people-first leaders to tackle HR challenges
The aim is to give practical tools, insights and a platform for real conversations on challenges HR and business leaders face.
International SOS and Sancroft support sustainability goals in global workforce mobility
International SOS has joined forces with sustainability consultancy Sancroft to help organisations embed sustainability into their global mobility and travel policies.
Only one in six HR teams confident their practices would stand up in tribunal – WorkNest
The findings suggested that many HR professionals felt uncertain about their organisation’s legal readiness at a time when businesses are preparing for vast reforms.
Most businesses now allow employees to work abroad – Grant Thornton UK
The survey found 77% of mid-market firms had a policy for international remote working in 2025, up from 59% in 2023.