Banks boost support for disabled entrepreneurs – UK Finance
Gareth Thomas said: “Today’s report showcases some of the great work of DFCE signatories in supporting disabled entrepreneurs."
Latest
UNISON calls for increased flexible working in the NHS
Following a survey, UNISON advocates for more flexible working practices within the NHS to help retain and attract staff.
easyJet cabin crew to receive 20% pay rise by May 2025
Unite union negotiates a significant pay rise for easyJet cabin crew, including a 20% basic pay increase and additional benefits by May 2025.
Prime Minister announces crackdown on retail crime, retail worker assault to be made criminal offence
New government crackdown targets retail crime, making assaulting a retail worker a standalone criminal offence.
Survey reveals water workers face increased abuse amid sewage dumping concerns
A survey links rising abuse of water sector employees to public outrage over increased sewage dumping incidents.
NI’s unpaid carers ‘left behind’ in new UK employment law, campaigners warn
People providing unpaid care for sick or disabled family members or friends in Northern Ireland have been ‘left behind’ by a new employment law that came into force in the rest of the UK last week, campaigners have warned.
Football pundit faces £210,000 tax bill after IR35 appeal dismissed
Former footballer Neil McCann incurs a £210,000 tax bill after his IR35 appeal is dismissed.
Compensation & Benefits
Welfare reforms risk forcing disabled workers out of jobs, says UNISON
A survey found 75% of those receiving the personal independence payment said losing it would affect their ability to work.
Renault Group rolls out global health programme to support all employees
Renault Group has launched a worldwide health and wellbeing programme offering free physical and mental health services to employees and their households.
Recruitment & HR
UK wind industry workforce hits 55,000, with further growth expected, report reveals
Nearly 40,000 people now work in offshore wind, up 24% from just over 32,000 two years ago.
Automechanika Birmingham attracts new generation of automotive talent
Automechanika Birmingham 2025 has introduced major new initiatives to address the automotive industry's skills gap, with its Motorvate programme and Thirty Under 30 Awards attracting young professionals.
Send Technology Solutions Ltd appoints Will Sparkes as CPO
In his new role, Sparkes will focus on building the company’s talent strategy, supporting its international, remote-first team as it continues to expand.
UK construction needs 47,860 extra workers a year to meet demand – CITB
The total extra recruitment needed is 1.8% in the UK, 1.6% in Northern Ireland (1,090 workers), and 2.2% in Greater London (8,460 workers).
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Half of financial services workers expect leaders to deprioritise ESG and DEI commitments
Most professionals acknowledged that ESG (69%) and DEI (68%) practices remain increasingly important to attracting and retaining customers.
Bagnalls launches female-fit PPE bib and brace to improve workplace safety
The contractor worked with Stronghold to design inclusive workwear after finding that existing PPE did not meet the needs of women in the industry.
Fix Auto UK receives DEI recognition at InsideOut Awards 2025
Fix Auto UK has been highly commended at the InsideOut Awards 2025 in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category for its in-house mental health programme.
307 employers earn ERS Silver Award for supporting armed forces staff
The scheme recognised companies that went beyond their armed forces covenant promises, supporting reservists, veterans and military families in the workplace.
Technology
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.
Government cyber security investment to create new jobs across sector
Launched as part of the Government’s 'Plan for Change', the Cyber Growth Action Plan will chart a path for long-term expansion in the UK’s cyber industry.
Coherent strategy and literacy investment key to AI transformation, says Kyndryl VP
Only 5% of businesses are not currently using any form of AI, while 74% either have it fully integrated, or are in the process of doing so.
Health & Wellbeing
One in three employers see ageing workforce as a business risk – Canada Life
83% of employers said people would need to work longer to support themselves in later life.
One in four say work harms their health, warns CIPD report
The CIPD's Good Work Index 2025 has found that 8.5 million UK workers feel their jobs negatively affect their health, prompting calls for action on wellbeing in the workplace.
77% of young people want mental health support at work – Benenden Health
The report showed that 74% of young people aged 13 to 18 believed mental health support would help people feel happier and want to stay in their jobs.
Women working night shifts more likely to have asthma, study reveals
University of Manchester research showed women working night shifts had a higher risk of moderate or severe asthma compared to women working only in the daytime.
Employee Relations
Tata Steel workers in Northern Ireland to strike over pay rates at minimum wage
Unite is calling for a pay deal to restore wage gaps that have disappeared as the national minimum wage has risen.
Young workers fear poor health will force them out of jobs, survey reveals
The survey by the Work Foundation at Lancaster University found 43% of workers aged 16-24 were worried declining health could push them out of work.
CIPD urges employers to offer flexible working to help staff keep cool in hot weather
Rachel Suff said: “During periods of hot weather employers should take proactive steps to ensure the wellbeing and comfort of their staff."
Network Rail staff named in Birthday Honours list
Steve Scrimshaw received a CBE and Donna Mitchell has received a British Empire Medal for services to safety for young people.
Global HR
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.
Bosnia and Herzegovina tops Europe with 64.7% minimum wage rise in 2025, report reveals
Romania recorded the second-largest increase at 22.78%, moving its minimum wage to €663, followed by Bulgaria at 15.51% (€477), Croatia at 15.48% (€700), and Serbia at 13.79% (€502).
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.