Mediazoo joins ‘Skills Symphony’ to meet upskilling workplace needs
Skills Symphony will offer a range of learning and training services, from design and delivery to technology and management.
Latest
Police staff vote for pay increase by 4.75%
UNISON police staff members in England and Wales have voted to accept a 4.75% pay offer for 2024.
Government to fast-track plans to boost access to CDC pensions
CDC pension schemes, first introduced to the UK in 2022, enable savers to pool their money into a single fund to share investment risk and longevity risk.
Atom bank appoints Ayshea Robertson as chief people officer
Robertson joins from Zen Internet, the internet service provider, where she spent six years as CPO and board director.
Pre-Budget speculation “chips away at people’s confidence in pensions” – AJ Bell
Michael Summersgill urged the Chancellor to use her first Budget to commit to long-term stability in the pension tax system.
Scottish Widows launches Flexible Income Protection to bridge protection gap
42% of adults currently worry that their household would not cope if they were unable to work.
John Lewis axes CEO position, higher profit forecasts show “even keel” achieved
Nish Kankiwala took the role in 2022, as part of an emergency plan implemented by the business.
Compensation & Benefits
Businesses absorb NI rise as costs return to pre-hike levels, data reveals
Analysis of over 600 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) showed that by May, employer NI costs dropped back to £40,500.
59% of firms use health benefits to prevent staff absence – Towergate Employee Benefits
Nearly a quarter (23%) of businesses said absence rates cause issues.
Recruitment & HR
Northbuild Recruitment secures £1m facility from Cynergy Business Finance to drive expansion
Manchester-based Northbuild Recruitment has received a £1m invoice discounting facility from Cynergy Business Finance to support its continued growth.
Travelodge enhances employee retention with Zellis platform
The system lets employees manage rotas, shifts, payroll checks and personal admin from their phones.
Movera creates remote roles as part of national growth strategy
This shift aims to support the group’s growth plans and continues its mission to transform the property sector with technology and a people-first mindset.
Imexpart celebrates Gina Watson’s 20th anniversary
June marked 20 years since Watson joined Imexpart – two decades of dedication, creativity and commitment that has helped shape the company’s marketing excellence.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Football pay gap leaves female players with far smaller pensions – Standard Life
Women were 20% more likely than men to cut pension contributions during financial pressure.
ACEVO wins ‘Best Small Employer’ at the 2025 Working Families Best Practice Awards
ACEVO was recognised for its approach to flexibility, wellbeing and inclusion.
Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland recognised for inclusion efforts LGBT national awards
Marko Feulner said: “This reflects the incredible work our employee network does in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves."
IAAF signs Armed Forces Covenant
The IAAF signed the covenant at the Automechanika Birmingham Motorvate event earlier this month.
Technology
Wellcrowd and VivaScore partner to deliver workplace wellbeing
Employers and insurers will be able to spot health risks earlier, covering physical, mental and behavioural areas.
Oak Engage secures investment to engage deskless and frontline workers
The Newcastle-based tech company provides a mobile-first experience for disconnected workforces and enables businesses to build enhance productivity and boost operational efficiency.
HiBob launches tailored SMB HR platform for UK firms
The bundles, designed for SMBs, focus on payroll and talent management, following feedback and market research.
Health & Wellbeing
Calls grow for clearer workplace protections as UK temperatures soar
In newly issued guidance, Acas highlighted that employers are bound by a general “duty of care” to ensure working conditions remain reasonable, whether staff are in an office, warehouse, or working from home.
41% of workers admit pulling ‘sickies’ to make the most of hot weather, research reveals
According to Virgin Media O2’s broadband network analysis, traffic dips have emerged during the period warmest weather.
BMA responds to Government’s mental health care plans amid workforce concerns
The BMA has expressed cautious support for the new plans while raising concerns about workforce shortages and the limitations of digital solutions.
Supporting Gen Z in the workplace is more urgent than ever, say experts
Research from Instant Offices found that despite being considered one of the most digitally adept generations, many Gen Z professionals are encountering significant challenges as they enter the workforce.
Employee Relations
Government sets out phased plan to boost rights for half of all UK workers
The plan, set out today (1st July 2025) will phase in key changes from late 2025 through to 2027.
65% of financial services firms now offer paid volunteering, study finds
Research from Royal Voluntary Service found 86% of finance businesses see volunteering as important to their company purpose and ESG goals.
Siemens Mobility staff record over 1,200 volunteering hours across nine communities
Rob Morris said: “The dedication shown by our teams across the country is a testament to our shared values and sense of community.”
Clear language key to resolving workplace conflict – Acas
The study reported that vague phrases used in workplaces, such as 'nipping it in the bud', could mislead or confuse people.
Global HR
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.
infinitSpace to open second Berlin workspace in partnership with PATRIZIA
Flexible workspace provider infinitSpace is expanding in Berlin with a second site, opening in August 2025, in collaboration with global real asset manager PATRIZIA.