New contract deal delivers pay uplift for Welsh GPs
The deal, announced today, 12th December, covers the 2025–26 financial year and elements of 2026–27.
Latest
Central Arbitration Committee refuses collective bargaining at Veolia Sheffield operations
Unite applied to represent refuse workers employed on the Sheffield City Council contract at the Lumley Street depot.
Quilter acquires MediFintech to enhance NHS pension support
This acquisition aims to strengthen Quilter’s support for healthcare workers.
45% of over 65s do not trust AI for financial advice – PensionBee
The survey revealed that 22% of over-65s said there were no benefits of AI, while 10% of under-65s and 5% of 18 to 34 year olds agreed.
28% workers denied flexible working due to employers’ productivity fears
Research from Phoenix Group revealed that while more workers are taking advantage of flexible arrangements, many still face significant barriers.
Pensioners receive £470 boost to State Pension
The Triple Lock now means the basic and new State Pensions are increasing by 4.1%.
Thames Valley Police urged to rebuild trust after losing employment tribunal
An independent review found the tribunal loss had a significant impact on leadership, trust, transparency, and consistency in the force’s approach to equality.
Compensation & Benefits
Perkbox acquires loveelectric to offer salary sacrifice
This follows the launch of Perkbox’s unified employee experience platform in early September.
Small businesses return to hiring, but jobs recovery remains uneven – Employment Hero
The report revealed that employment in UK small businesses rose by 1.7% month-on-month in November.
Recruitment & HR
Arsenal selects Deel to manage global HR operations
Arsenal will use Deel’s HR platform to manage its workforce and operations.
Recruitment drive launched for local plan inspectors
As demand for local plan examinations increases, the Planning Inspectorate has said it needs additional inspectors to ensure plans are examined rigorously and independently.
Stonewater launches revamped graduate scheme
The housing provider welcomed five new graduates to its programme, which offers an 18-month rotation through various departments.
68% of workers save annual leave for Christmas, research reveals
According to data from Robert Walters, one in four workers said they now “struggle to find days” to book off in December due to demand.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
North East Ambulance Service secures funding for Neurodivergent Wellbeing Project
Kevin Scollay said: “By investing in tailored support for neurodiverse staff, we are not only improving individual wellbeing but also strengthening our teams."
Allianz UK launches Domestic Abuse policy to support employees
Matt Cox said: “We want to help and support our employees as much as we can during the times that really matter, whatever the situation."
Airlines adapt operational practices to manage increasingly diverse pilot workforces
Franco Narcisi, chief pilot at Avion Express, has outlined how carriers are responding to multilingual crews.
Mitie achieves Good Business Charter accreditation
Jason Towse said: “As a top ten UK employer and the largest to be accredited, Mitie is leading the way in championing fairness, sustainability, and integrity."
Technology
New MedTech qualifications launched to address NHS workforce gaps
The qualifications are designed to support entry into roles including technicians working on AI-enabled health devices such as wearable technology, imaging and diagnostic tools, as well as regulatory advisers.
UK–Google DeepMind deal to accelerate AI innovation and reshape workforce demand
The agreement gives UK scientists priority access to some of the world’s most powerful AI research tools and will see DeepMind open its first automated research lab in the UK next year.
Most businesses lack confidence in payroll data security, research finds
The latest data from CloudPay found that only 37% of midsize businesses said they were very confident in protecting payroll data from cyber threats.
Health & Wellbeing
Nurses and doctors warn of safety risks as Welsh Parliament prepares to debate corridor care
Representatives from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the British Medical Association (BMA) gathered at the Senedd on Wednesday to highlight growing concerns about corridor care.
Simplyhealth launches digital workplace dental benefit for employees
Marc Singh-Jones said: “We have developed Simply Dental to be affordable and flexible to meet the needs of different businesses and their diverse workforces.”
Bereavement benefits now a top priority for workers, research finds
Research from Empathy found 48% of respondents said they would leave their job if support after a loss was inadequate, rising to 57% for Millennials and 74% for Gen Z.
Social connection drives better mental health for 25 to 34 year old workers, Aviva finds
Dr Subashi M said: “The workplace should be a space of psychological safety, where people feel seen, heard, and valued."
Employee Relations
53% of job applicants experience ghosting from employers, finds iHire
Dmitrii Anikin, co-founder of SalaryGuide, said: “Being left without a response isn’t just poor etiquette, it reflects outdated hiring practices in a modern job market."
Lords defeat risks delaying Employment Rights Bill
The Lords’ decision means ministers must now review compensation caps for unfair dismissal, creating uncertainty over timing and the impact on businesses.
Gen Z emerges as feedback-driven talent cohort, insights show
Ben Wright, global head of partnerships at Instant Offices, said employers should rethink assumptions about how Gen Z responds to feedback.
London NQ solicitor pay nearly 40% higher than rest of UK, research finds
London firms paid nearly 40% more than those outside the capital, with the London average at £124,000.
Global HR
Equiom and Ledgy partner to expand global equity plan services
The integration of Ledgy lets Equiom’s teams support clients with complex share plans and gives employees access to manage their equity through one platform.
Employers continue move away from traditional CVs, study finds
Willo found that four-in-10 employers said they are actively moving away from CV-first hiring, and 10% have replaced CVs with skills-based and scenario-driven assessments.
AI-driven defences could strengthen cloud HR systems against ransomware, research reveals
A new academic study by Jay Barach, IEEE senior member and expert technologist, has examined how cloud-based HR systems could better withstand rising ransomware threats.
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.