UK companies warned of critical talent gap as reliance on external CEOs grows
Analysis from 25x25 revealed that 58% of FTSE 350 CEOs were externally appointed.
Latest
32,000 student nurses at risk of dropping out, warns RCN
A staggering 32,000 student nurses might abandon their courses by the end of the next parliament, a figure sufficient to fill all current nursing vacancies within the NHS in England, according to new analysis released by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
UK jobs market cools but pay growth remains resilient, says Resolution Foundation
The Resolution Foundation has highlighted a continued cooling of the UK's jobs market amid a broader economic slowdown, yet notes that pay growth is holding up well.
Boosting jobs market must remain top priority, TUC
In response to these figures, Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, said: "Ministers are taking important steps to improve support for people out of work. Jobcentres must become places people enter with hope, not fear."
Devolution plans should empower councils and protect local jobs, says UNISON
UNISON has responded to the government's devolution white paper published today, stressing the importance of reforms that empower local councils and safeguard employment within the public sector.
Retail sheds 225,000 jobs in five years
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that there were 2.81 million jobs in the retail sector in September 2024, marking a traditionally low point before the holiday season boosts employment.
Liberal Democrats table amendment to exempt health and care providers from NICs hike
The Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to the government’s NIC Bill to exempt health and care providers from the proposed tax hike.
Compensation & Benefits
People’s Pension returns over £100m to members through savings reward
Patrick Heath-Lay said: “This is an extremely significant moment – a milestone we are very proud of and a great example of what a pension with purpose looks like."
Cambridge Building Society Community Fund supports unpaid carers with grant
Christine Burton, carer support worker at Making Space, said: “We’re so grateful for this support, which helps us protect carers at their most vulnerable.”
Recruitment & HR
Cumbria-wide scheme to help more people with complex needs into work
The Cumbria Connect to Work Invitation to Tender (ITT) is now open for submissions from experienced employment support providers.
Acorn by Synergie secures five-year contract extension with Vale
The deal will see Acorn by Synergie continue to supply staff for Vale’s operations in South Wales.
Disadvantaged young people locked out of financial services careers, study finds
Research from LV= and the Social Mobility Foundation has highlighted the persistent barriers facing young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds when trying to access careers in financial services.
TUC unveils “worker first” plan to put jobs and unions at the centre of AI future
The move comes as new polling by Survation revealed that over half of the public (51%) were concerned about the impact of AI on their jobs.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Vico Homes appoints strategic director of people and culture
Martyn Shaw, CEO at Vico Homes, said: "Dr Sarah Cooper will play a vital role in shaping what it feels like to be part of Vico Homes.”
Bath & North East Somerset Council launches scheme to support people with SEND into work
The Internship offers a mix of work experience, skills learning and support for those with an education, health and care plan or additional needs.
Sustainable work key to tackling child poverty in the Highlands, report finds
John Finlayson, said: “Addressing poverty requires a collaborative, cross-sector approach where employment is key to supporting families."
Hercules Academy partners with WSES to bring more Nuneaton residents into work
Paul Blakeman said: “Together, we were delighted to deliver the Level 1 Health and Safety course which all eight participants successfully completed."
Technology
Ciphr Payroll shortlisted for two software awards at CIPP Annual Excellence Awards 2025
The CIPP Annual Excellence Awards will take place on 2nd October 2025.
TUC Cymru calls on Government to support workers facing AI changes
Research found that 60% of people in Wales were concerned about AI affecting their jobs, with job losses and changes to terms and conditions the top worries.
Moray Council sets out digital strategy to boost digital skills and services for staff
Councillor Donald Gatt said: “By using digital tools in smarter ways, we can improve services, support our staff, and make the best use of our resources.”
Health & Wellbeing
Four-day work week better suited to UK workers, says expert
Vicky Walker said: “Offering a flexible work week allows employees the right to prioritise their work-life balance without compromising on work efficiency and productivity."
A third of employees anxious over lack of first aiders at work, research reveals
The study from St John Ambulance found 29% of employees said there had been times when no one at their workplace was first aid trained.
75% of SME leaders say better personal wellbeing positively impacts business
The American Express Business Barometer survey revealed that over four-fifths (82%) agreed they perform better at work when they are mentally and physically healthy.
Most parents say lack of support makes returning to work difficult, research reveals
The Growth Spurt Return to Work Research Paper found that 73% said they did not get the support they needed, and 26% left their job because of it.
Employee Relations
Essex scheme offering digital health screenings for workers surpasses 1,000 checks
Out of over 1,000 checks, 357 people went on to use further support services, including help to quit smoking and for weight management.
Phased retirement for teachers drops by 51% amid affordability concerns
Wesleyan’s survey found over half (52%) would consider phased retirement, but 43% were put off by worries about affordability.
58% of employees hide skill gaps at work, study reveals
The study from Attensi found that 46% said they had pretended to understand tasks they did not.
42% of Brits expect to retrain or switch careers as longer lives reshape work patterns – Canada Life
The research showed that 24% of Brits had switched industries, 20% had changed professions, 11% had gone back to education to support a career shift.
Global HR
Teesside University Online expands global reach through FutureLearn partnership
The deal will see TU Online’s undergraduate, postgraduate and certificate programmes promoted and available through FutureLearn.
Workday targeted in cyber attack but says customer data not affected
The company said the incident formed part of a wider social engineering campaign affecting “many large organisations,” in which attackers posed as HR or IT staff.
Deel launches AI Workforce to support HR and payroll teams
The move comes as industry surveys highlight growing strain on HR teams, with SHRM’s latest Workforce Report finding that more than half of HR professionals believe their teams are understaffed.
Talent shortages driving company location decisions, survey finds
Savills and CoreNet Global found that 73% of respondents in the technology sector reported a drop in skilled staff.