CIPD and Acas collaborate to support HR professionals
As part of the agreement, CIPD members will gain access to a new jointly developed learning programme, 'Working effectively with trade unions: Acas in collaboration with the CIPD'.
Latest
80% of cancer patients in L&G Return-to-Work Programme make successful comeback
The findings of L&G's Chief Medical Officer (CMO) report underscored the growing impact of technology-led partnerships in managing serious health-related work absences.
Benefits Guru releases 2025 Financial Wellness Ratings for workplace pension providers
Gold rating providers for financial wellness without open finance included Aviva, Fidelity, Hargreaves Lansdown, Scottish Widows, Standard Life and Mercer Master Trust.
Birmingham Council cuts bin drivers pay by £8,000
Unite has said the council’s decision shows an escalation in the dispute and the council's real plans to use workers' pay as a way to cut costs.
Government launches UK Resilience Academy to provide workers with emergency crisis training
The academy will run courses for 4,000 people each year, covering topics like business continuity, crowd management, and crisis communications.
M&S orders staff to work from home following cyber attack
Jessica Bass, partner at Oury Clark Solicitors, said: "It is vital that M&S maintains clear and open communication with all employees during this time, so they understand what is happening and why these steps are necessary."
Unite calls for more action to prevent fatal workplace accidents
Research found that 138 workers were killed in fatal accidents at work in 2023/24.
Compensation & Benefits
Payrolls drop by 0.5% as unemployment rises to 5.1% – ONS
Employment rate for people aged 16 to 64 was estimated at 75.1% from September to November 2025.
GRiD urges employers to use benefits to support staff New Year’s resolutions
The industry body for the group risk sector said many employees lose motivation by mid-January, which can affect mental health.
Recruitment & HR
Cundall strengthens global growth with head of DEI appointment
Based in Manchester, Bryant's appointment reflects the firm's commitment to expanding inclusivity strategies.
Government to roll out WorkWell scheme to help thousands of people back into work
The Government said the service will support up to 250,000 more people over the next three years, following a pilot that supported over 25,000 people in 15 areas.
73% of hiring managers say skills shortages hold back entry-level appointments – CV Genius
30% valued portfolio projects as a signal of employability, compared to 16% for internships and 19% for part-time jobs.
One in four workers apply for jobs that don’t exist, finds Employment Hero
A quarter (24%) of UK workers said they had applied for a ‘ghost job’ - a role advertised but not actually being recruited for.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Mayor of London launches rent-capped homes scheme for key workers
The scheme is set to provide long-term rental options for workers like teachers, nurses, carers and bus drivers, offering rents below private market rates.
Greater Essex Connect to Work programme mobilised with three new providers
The providers confirmed are Shaw Trust, Essex Cares Limited (ECL) and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).
Government unveils £200m SEND teacher training programme
The new courses will be made available to all teaching staff to improve their knowledge in adapting lessons for a range of needs.
Lifeways launches recruitment drive to attract diverse candidates
The campaign, called You’re Not Just Anyone, highlights the work of frontline teams supporting more than 4,000 people across the UK.
Technology
Workers’ AI confidence falls as training fails to keep pace – ManpowerGroup
While 44% of workers now use AI regularly, confidence fell from 81% to 63% over the past year.
University of Manchester gives all students and staff access to Microsoft 365 Copilot
The aim is to give all students workplace-ready skills, support teaching and research, and close the digital divide with access to advanced AI tools.
Corpay warns UK CFOs face ‘automation deficit’ as manual finance processes persist
UK finance leaders are struggling to turn automation ambition into reality, with integration issues and fragmented systems holding back efficiency and real-time visibility, according to new research from Corpay.
Health & Wellbeing
McLaughlin & Harvey sees record uptake for Health and Wellbeing Roadshow
In 2025, occupational health practitioners saw 876 people, up from 707 in 2024 and 438 in 2023.
One in five delay GP appointments due to work pressure, report finds
Bupa and YuLife’s ‘HealthTech at Work’ report found 27% of 18 to 34-year-olds delayed mental health support like counselling or therapy.
Three UK and Samaritans call for ‘Tea Leave’ wellbeing breaks for British workers
Research found 35% of British workers rarely left the office during the day, and 49% said only a loo break pulled them away from their desk.
Half of workers have taken extended sick leave, finds The Exeter
The report found that absences were most common among men, with 49% saying they had taken extended time off, and 18% of those in the past year.
Employee Relations
Employee engagement holds steady at 79% despite workload concerns, report finds
People Insight's report on Employee Experience Trends 2026 found that one in five employees reported feeling lonely at work.
Majority of professionals call for ‘microshifting’ to boost flexibility – Robert Walters
Research found interest in microshifting has grown as only 35% of UK workers believed their company’s flexible working policy was fit for purpose.
Managers reluctant to discuss mental health in the workplace, finds Unum UK
Of the SMEs surveyed, 45% said mental health was a key reason for staff absence.
New and expectant parents face high levels of unfair treatment at work, TUC warns
More than one in seven women (14%) who have children or are expecting a child have lost their job, or felt forced to leave their role.
Global HR
Pearson and Deloitte partner to deliver AI-powered workforce training
The partnership will use both companies’ experience to deliver AI learning, leadership development and training solutions.
Retention and productivity top benefits of health support for overseas workers – Everywhen
32% of employers said retention rates were the main reason for offering health and wellbeing support, with 31% choosing productivity as the biggest advantage.
Morgan Lewis appoints London Labour and employment team partner
Katherine Gibson brings extensive experience in employment litigation, transactional support, business protection matters, and workplace data privacy.
Majority of European workers plan to move jobs in 2026, research reveals
According to MyPerfectCV, 37% of workers wanted to reduce stress, while 34% said they are focused on achieving a better work–life balance.