Government AI investment to create thousands of jobs across the UK
A new AI growth zone in South Wales will bring more than 5,000 jobs over the next decade, including roles at the former Ford Bridgend engine plant.
Latest
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.
Two million workers could lose unfair dismissal protection under Lords amendment, TUC warns
More than two million workers could be left without protection from unfair dismissal if peers in the House of Lords succeed in adding a six-month qualifying period to the Employment Rights Bill, the TUC has warned.
£55bn R&D investment to create jobs and drive innovation
The new funding – the largest-ever investment from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) – will support research agencies and innovation bodies working on advances from health to clean energy.
TUC urges Government to “put its foot on the accelerator” to protect car industry jobs
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak has called on the Government to accelerate support for the UK’s automotive sector, warning that high energy costs are putting thousands of manufacturing jobs at risk.
DWP runs trial to boost pension credit claims among eligible pensioners
DWP is running a trial with Age UK and Independent Age, sending letters to 2,000 pensioners in England who are likely to be eligible but not claiming.
Nearly a million families miss out on £2.6bn in unclaimed pension credit, data reveals
DWP data for the financial year ending 2024 showed there were up to 910,000 families who were entitled but did not claim.
Compensation & Benefits
Sector gap widens in employee wellbeing support among SMEs – Unum UK
71% of SMEs offer at least one wellbeing initiative, but uptake drops among smaller firms due to limits on time, resources and expertise.
Younger employees more willing to return to the office, Epassi UK finds
New research from Epassi UK shows employees under 30 are the most willing to work from the office, despite wider concerns about mandated returns.
Recruitment & HR
Most professionals would rather switch jobs than ask for a pay rise in 2026 – Robert Walters
The research found 74% would rather move to a new role with better pay than negotiate at their current workplace.
Majority of workers say job hunting is difficult – YouGov
Confidence was lowest among younger adults, with 74% of 18 to 24-year-olds describing the job market as difficult.
NEET numbers decline among young people in Q3 – ONS
The total stood at 946,000, down by 1,000 compared to the previous quarter.
HR teams face rising emotional strain as influence increases – HiBob
63% of UK HR professionals said they are leading major workplace changes with shrinking teams.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Epping Forest District Council opens inclusive employment grant scheme
The grant aims to help businesses cover costs like salaries, equipment, training, or start-up expenses.
Cheryl Sharp launches domestic abuse policies for UK businesses
The announcement comes as fewer than 5% of UK businesses have a domestic abuse policy in place.
Hundreds of UK firms join crime-cutting jobs plan for prison leavers
The initiative, linked to the Government’s Plan for Change, brings new employers alongside established partners such as Greggs, Iceland and Kier.
Quarter of female business owners take second jobs as economic pressures mount
The Female Business Owners Index 2025, from Tide and everywoman, revealed that more than half (54%) of women entrepreneurs report working longer hours.
Technology
Aegon UK, NatWest Cushon and M&G commit £200m in funding for science and tech businesses
Funds will support UK companies in areas such as clean energy, fintech and medical technology, aiming to create skilled jobs across the country.
Upgraded workplace tech could save firms nine sick days per worker, study finds
According to research by BT Business, 71% of workers said innovations like AI would drive efficiency, and 66% believe it will improve work-life balance.
Barnett Waddingham partners with Encirc to provide employee benefits platform
The move means Encirc staff can now manage their benefits online at any time, replacing manual, paper-based processes with a digital system.
Health & Wellbeing
Ben launches new men’s health awareness training for the automotive workforce
Ben has introduced a new men’s health awareness course to help automotive employers support the wellbeing of a predominantly male workforce.
FMB supports joint survey to improve mental health in construction
The CLC, with support from the University of Warwick, launched the consultation survey to gather views on the main causes of poor mental health and how the sector can address them.
Work-life balance tops priority for jobseekers – Market Financial Solutions
The survey showed that 45% of adults picked work-life balance as one of their top three priorities when looking for a job.
Majority of workers say work boosts health and wellbeing, survey finds
The survey from Cirencester Friendly found 69% of Gen Z respondents said work benefits their health, compared to 75% of baby boomers.
Employee Relations
Christmas work parties linked to hundreds of tribunal cases each year – YuLife
Data showed that there have been 322 UK Employment Tribunal cases since 2017 linked to festive celebrations.
Toyota retains top spot in Automotive Category of Best Companies Survey 2025
The company held onto its three-star ‘world class’ status and moved up 15 places to 13th in the Best Large Companies to work for.
One in five workers have requested a salary advance – PayFit
Among workers who requested a salary advance, more than half (54%) used it to pay a bill.
Pluxee UK launches new employee experience platform
The new platform aims to provide employees with benefits that are simple to access and offer tangible value, including up to 15% cashback at more than 80 retailers.
Global HR
Umberto Tossini steps down from Automobili Lamborghini after nearly two decades
Lamborghini’s chief people, culture and organisation officer Umberto Tossini is leaving the company after 19 years, with chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann assuming interim responsibility.
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.
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.