Employment declines as pay growth outpaces inflation – ONS
Between May 2024 and May 2025, the number of payrolled employees in the UK fell by 135,000, marking a decline of 0.4%.
Latest
Government funds 120 projects to test AI tech for UK industries
Small businesses across the country will benefit from AI tools aimed at boosting productivity and efficiency.
Government proposals aim to protect businesses from cybercrime
Businesses in the UK are set to be protected by new ransomware proposals to tackle the threat of cybercrime.
Workplace injury and ill-health take high toll on businesses, Croner warns
Workplace injuries and new cases of work-related ill health in 2023/24 cost an estimated £21.6bn, with 29.6 million working days lost.
Beijing officials consider Musk’s role in TikTok US operations
Chinese officials are evaluating contingency plans for TikTok’s US operations if the app faces a ban in the US
NASUWT launches industrial action ballot over sixth form college pay dispute
NASUWT has opened an industrial action ballot for members working in sixth form colleges, citing an inequitable pay offer for 2024/25. The Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA) proposed a conditional 5.5% pay award for academies, with non-academised colleges only receiving the full amount in April 2025.
Gender pay gap in UK financial boardrooms narrows but remains significant
The gender pay gap across UK financial services boardrooms narrowed from 30% to 25% between 2019 and 2023, according to EY’s latest European Financial Services Boardroom Monitor
Compensation & Benefits
Zest customers increase monthly employee benefits spend to £70m
Employers using Zest also saved £7.8m per month in National Insurance contributions (NICs), up from £6.6m 12 months earlier.
Weavr teams up with Visa to bring flexible employee benefits cards to SaaS HR platforms
By working with Visa an associate member, Weavr will now allow SaaS companies to use Visa-powered financial products in their platforms.
Recruitment & HR
LGB employees face hostility for ‘wrong’ views at work, research reveals
The survey found over a third of respondents (35%) experienced social exclusion or hostility from colleagues or management due to their beliefs.
C-suite leaders face critical skills gap ahead of 2035, says Robert Half
Robert Half warns UK firms are unprepared for future leadership demands, with resilience, innovation and AI expertise set to define success.
Candidate availability rises at fastest pace since 2020 as hiring demand softens
UK recruitment activity slowed again in May, with permanent hiring down and candidate supply rising sharply, according to the latest KPMG and REC report.
Ministers commit £2.5bn to futureproof UK auto industry through DRIVE35
The UK Government has unveiled DRIVE35, a £2.5bn initiative backing the transition to zero-emission vehicle production and advanced automotive R&D.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Amey launches ‘STRIVE’ programme to support care leavers into work and training
Amey worked with Greater Manchester Youth Network to deliver STRIVE, which gives personalised mentoring, pre-employability training and work experience.
TPE and Network Rail partner to support women returning to work after career breaks
The ‘Never Mind the Gap’ scheme, run with Women in Rail, gave a small group free training and placements to learn about roles in the industry.
Ethnic diversity still lacking in boardrooms as FTSE 100 and S&P 100 fall behind public institutions
Just 6% of FTSE 100 Chairs and 13% of S&P 100 Chairs are from ethnically diverse backgrounds, according to new analysis from INvolve.
Ministers urged to expand pay gap reporting to cover ethnicity and disability
Nick Henderson-Mayo said: “Extending pay gap reporting to ethnicity and disability could bring the same clarity and more money into people’s pay packets.”
Technology
High earners and men get most AI training, widening workplace gaps – The Adaptavist Group
58% of high earners felt they’d had enough guidance on AI, compared to 25% of lower earners.
Wagestream acquires Zippen to boost workplace pension offering
Peter Briffett said: “With Zippen joining the Wagestream Group, we are strengthening our expertise and furthering our mission to help people take control of their financial lives.”
FutureLearn launches FLx to deliver personalised workplace learning
The platform creates personalised learning pathways for employees, customised to their roles, skills and career goals.
Health & Wellbeing
TUC launches week of action to protect workers from extreme heat
The TUC said employers should keep indoor workplaces cool and let staff take frequent breaks, with cold drinks available.
Work related stress remains top concern for most staff – GRiD
In 2025, 34% of employers cited work pressures as the main concern for baby-boomers, 36% for Gen X, and 38% for Gen Z.
Competitive workplaces drive impostor syndrome, research finds
The study from by the University of Exeter found that organisations themselves play a part in causing imposter feelings among staff.
Q Branch Consulting secures NHS mental health contract
Jenny Jarvis said: “We were really happy to be chosen to work with the NHS and use our brand and human transformation expertise on something that is so important."
Employee Relations
Over a fifth of trainee doctors hesitant to escalate patient care – GMC
The survey asked about escalation of care, with 79% of trainees saying they never felt apprehensive, but 21% had hesitated at least once in the past year.
Over a million workers quit jobs due to lack of flexibility – CIPD
Research found that just over half of employees (53%) felt pressure to spend more time in the workplace.
Government launches Post Office Green Paper to consult on future reform
The Government has published its first major review of the Post Office in 15 years, seeking views from postmasters and the public on future reforms.
Asda distribution managers to vote on union recognition following CAC ruling
More than 1,000 Asda distribution managers across 23 UK sites will vote on union recognition after the CAC approved a GMB ballot.
Global HR
Research reveals gaps in health and wellbeing support for overseas employees
The Towergate Employee Benefits research found that only 36% of companies tailored their health and wellbeing offerings depending on the country where employees are located.
British Safety Council celebrates winners of International Safety Awards 2025
The awards recognised 789 organisations from 45 countries for their efforts in preventing workplace injuries and work-related ill health in 2024.
Government targets global experts with £54m fund to fill UK skills gap
The Global Talent Taskforce is set up to focus on bringing in researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, managers, engineers and creatives.
Deputy appoints Ciaran Hale as chief technology officer
Hale will work with the product, data and platform teams to strengthen technology foundations and develop solutions for shift-based businesses.