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.”
Latest
Gartner survey finds 38% of HR leaders reported they are piloting, planning implementation, or have already implemented generative AI
A Gartner, Inc. survey of 179 HR leaders on January 31, 2024, revealed that 38% of HR leaders are piloting, planning implementation, or have already implemented generative AI (GenAI), up from 19% in June 2023.
First pay settlements of 2024 see median award fall to 5.1% as UK falls into recession, finds XpertHR
The latest pay settlement data from XpertHR shows that the median basic pay award for the three months to the end of January 2024 is 5.1%, down from 6% in the previous rolling quarter.
Adecco targets employment and training for 85,000 refugees by 2027
Adecco reaffirms its pledge to support refugees, aiming to secure employment for 85,000 and provide training for 17,000 by the end of 2027.
Workers demand fair pay amidst cost of living crisis, Totaljobs report reveals
Totaljobs' 2024 report outlines UK workers' expectations for pay rises against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis.
Office workers sceptical about AI benefits, reveals Ivanti report
A new Ivanti report shows office workers are six times more likely to view generative AI as benefiting employers over employees, with many concerned about job security and the real impact on productivity.
Unhappy employees take significantly more sick days, impacting UK economy
A report by WPI Economics, commissioned by Unum UK, highlights the economic impact of unhappy employees taking additional sick days, costing the UK economy an estimated £11 billion annually in lost productivity.
Compensation & Benefits
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.
2024 group risk market growth lags behind previous years – Swiss Re
The report from Swiss Re showed that the number of in-force group risk policies increased by 3.2% from 91,739 in 2023 to 94,675 in 2024.
Recruitment & 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.
Mitie secures DWP contract to deliver UK-wide security workforce
The deal will see Mitie’s security staff working at jobcentres, ensuring safety for employees and visitors.
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%.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
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.
Public support remains strong for workplace DEI initiatives, finds Ipsos
However, the research also highlighted a clear gender divide in general attitudes to promoting DEI.
Technology
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.
UK small businesses lead Europe in AI use, research reveals
Research by IONOS showed UK small businesses had the highest AI use at 37% compared to Germany at 32% and France at 26%.
Aberdeen International Airport launches AI assistant to aid passengers and staff
The digital assistant is intended to cut down the number of routine questions staff receive, letting teams deal with urgent and complex tasks.
Health & Wellbeing
Bridge Health & Wellbeing shortlisted in Christchurch Business Awards 2025
The awards ceremony will take place on 8th May at Iford Golf Centre.
Swadlincote Veterinary Centre awarded gold accreditation through BVA scheme
Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: "We hope this first Gold accreditation inspires others to strive towards gaining recognition as workplaces where vet teams thrive.”
Thrive launches scheme to reward staff for health habits
The company says the aim is to boost productivity, improve goal attainment and help staff achieve a better work-life balance.
Salford Licensing Service partners with Salford Public Health to support local taxi drivers
Cllr Mishal Saeed said: "It’s important that we support more people to live healthy lives for longer by promoting good physical and mental health."
Employee Relations
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.
Ealing traffic wardens protest in Westminster over lack MP support
Sharon Graham said: “It is time they stepped up and supported these workers. Unite will not stop until the union-busting at Greener Ealing ends."
Müller expansion in Market Drayton to bring new jobs and boost for local workforce
The dairy giant has received planning approval from Shropshire Council to significantly expand its operations at the site.
Global HR
Remote work drives innovation in flexible cultures, Durham study finds
Remote work boosts innovation in egalitarian, flexible cultures, new Durham University study shows.
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.
IWG and Jabbrrbox partner to deploy 3,750 smart work pods globally
IWG and Jabbrrbox will roll out thousands of high-tech privacy pods in public and corporate spaces to support hybrid working and employee productivity.
Four in five HR professionals say changes to NI have negatively affected cost management
elementsuite revealed that 80.5% were feeling the pressure from NI changes, particularly in sectors such as retail, real estate and agriculture.