Most carers would quit jobs without flexible working, research reveals
Nearly two thirds (65%) of working carers said they would look for a new job if their employer restricted flexible hours.
Latest
Unite wins pay award for Doncaster-based Lucchini Unipart Rail workers
Unite, the trade union, has won a substantial pay award for more than 50 skilled workers at Lucchini Unipart Rail’s Doncaster factory.
Arriva Northumbria strike action suspended pending new offer ballot
Strikes planned by Unite members at Arriva Northumbria for the week starting Sunday, 7 April 2024, have been put on hold as the employer presents a new offer.
Study reveals coffee breaks with colleagues boost job satisfaction and productivity
A recent study finds that coffee breaks with colleagues are key to greater job satisfaction, with 84% reporting less enjoyment at work without them.
AXA UK’s study shows 60% of young adults aspire to be their own boss
AXA UK finds a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit among young adults, with Gen Z leading the charge in business ventures.
38% of UK workers hesitant to request pay rises, finds survey
A survey reveals 38% of UK employees avoid asking for salary increases, highlighting April as a key month for negotiation due to financial year changes.
Half of UK workers feel neglected by employers amid cost of living crisis
Research by Health Shield Friendly Society indicates health and wellbeing benefits are key for employee retention, but many feel neglected on cost of living issues.
Compensation & Benefits
Unum UK dental claims rise by 35% as more employers turn to private care
The company now covers over 378,000 people with its dental cover, an increase of 27% compared to last year.
Cancer main cause for group risk claims in 2024, survival rates higher than ever – GRiD
Cancer made up 68% of group critical illness claims, 39% of group life assurance claims and 27% of group income protection claims.
Recruitment & HR
Vertu branch manager named finalist in British Forces in Business Awards
The British Forces in Business Awards celebrates veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
Aberdeenshire Council backs ‘Workwise’ training scheme to boost workplace entry
Cllr David Keating said: “The scheme will not just help people understand the world of work, but grow their confidence and ambition.”
c2c appoints four young staff members through King’s Trust railways programme
New recruits Jack Wood, Fatihur Rahman, Arif Torofdar and Lindsey Keeling have joined in permanent roles.
PwC: AI driving productivity, wages and job growth across exposed industries
PwC's 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer shows AI is increasing productivity, job numbers and wages across roles – even those considered highly automatable.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Škoda celebrates European Diversity Month, reaffirms commitment to inclusion
Škoda beat its target for women in management in 2024, with women now making up 20.4% of management staff.
Womble Bond Dickinson celebrates charitable impact in new report
Sally Dallow said: “Our firm's vision is to lead the way on responsible business."
Currys leaders recognised for ongoing work in workplace inclusion
Paula Coughlan and Michelle Gorringe-Smith were named as advocates for change for their work on inclusion and diversity in the retail sector.
39% of disabled workers faced bullying or discrimination at work – TUC
12% said they had experienced bullying, such as sustained patterns of intimidating or abusive behaviour connected to their disability.
Technology
Government AI trial cuts nearly two weeks of admin time per year for civil servants
Research found using AI saved people an average of 26 minutes per day, adding up to nearly two weeks a year for each civil servant.
INTERVIEW: Freelancers surge as AI grows in popularity
Matthieu Rouif said: "As AI becomes more intuitive and accessible, entrepreneurs will be able to move faster, experiment more, and scale smarter."
Small businesses face rising cyber threats amid record-breaking attack attempts, research finds
According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, 43% of UK businesses and 30% of charities reported experiencing a cyber breach or attack in the past 12 months.
Health & Wellbeing
WorkingWell launches ‘POWER-UP’ tool to track workplace pressure
The profiling tool lets employees see their own energy and pressure levels, as well as other factors known to affect wellbeing.
Alliance Automotive Group marks Mental Health Awareness Week with company-wide campaign
AAG ran a month-long step challenge and NAPA roadshow to support staff wellbeing and raise funds for mental health charities.
BSIF takes over SGUK secretariat to boost workplace safety
Alan Murray said: “I am confident that with the support of BSIF, we will continue to play our part in keeping the workforce of the UK safer and healthier."
Workers face rising risks from extreme heat as legislation lags
Millions of UK workers could soon be exposed to dangerously high temperatures, according to a report published by the Autonomy Institute.
Employee Relations
White Ribbon launches ‘Right to Respect’ campaign to prevent workplace harassment
The campaign has been launched in line with the Worker Protection Act 2023, which came into force in October 2024.
Government agency spend crackdown returns nearly £1bn to NHS frontline
Wes Streeting said: “We’re already backing our health workers with above-inflation pay rises and now, nearly £1bn is being reinvested back to the frontline."
Majority of working mums unhappy with return-to-work support, research reveals
Only 17% of mums felt confident about going back after maternity leave.
Majority of employees admit to ‘ghostworking’ and job hunting during work hours
A recent survey by Resume Now revealed that a significant portion of the workforce engages in "ghostworking"—the act of appearing busy without being productive.
Global HR
Pandora among ‘Europe’s Best Workplaces’, expands workforce by 40% in four years
The Financial Times ranking highlighted 1,000 top companies across Europe, based on anonymous feedback from current and former employees.
Irish employers lag behind on AI strategy and training, warns CIPD
The 2025 HR Practices in Ireland study revealed that 58% of workplaces have not provided a clear plan on how AI will be used.
Coats publishes global wellbeing whitepaper in partnership with Great Place To Work
Coats has launched a wellbeing whitepaper with Great Place To Work, highlighting over 500 global initiatives and tangible improvements in staff engagement.
Mindtools acquires Kineo to expand global learning and development services
The move brings the two companies together under the ownership of CIG, and aims to expand their learning solutions to more customers globally.