Sainsbury’s launches graduate programme to support next generation of retail leaders
The FutureMaker programme will run for 24 months and is split into three parts, with graduates rotating every eight months in their chosen SSC specialism.
Latest
TUC warns of record work-related stress across UK workplaces
The TUC’s 15th biennial survey of more than 2,700 union safety representatives found that almost eight in 10 (79%) cited stress as a major concern in their workplace.
Towergate Employee Benefits rebrands as Everywhen
Towergate Employee Benefits has rebranded as Everywhen, aligning with its parent group’s unifying brand strategy and bringing health and employee benefits support together under a single name.
Disciplinary cases routinely drag on for weeks, research finds
A WorkNest poll of HR professionals found that 53% of disciplinary cases exceed four weeks, with over a third (34%) typically lasting between four and eight weeks.
Side hustle searches surge as workers seek extra income for 2026, finds YuLife
Research found that in December 2025 alone, searches for “side hustle” and “second job” were made a combined 56,000 times.
Later-life divorce forces more than 200,000 to delay retirement, L&G research finds
With fewer working years left to rebuild finances, many over-50s are finding their long-term plans significantly altered.
Women feel unsafe and embarrassed at work due to ill-fitting PPE, GMB warns
More than 70% of women surveyed by GMB say ill-fitting PPE designed for men’s bodies is leaving them unsafe, uncomfortable or unable to do their jobs, prompting renewed calls for legal reform and inclusive standards.
Compensation & Benefits
Side hustle searches jump 90% as UK workers look to boost incomes, research reveals
CV-Library revealed that searches for “best side hustle 2026” are up 90% since the start of January.
Abode recognised as a Great Place to Work across UK, Ireland and South Africa
Abode has been certified as a Great Place to Work in three regions, reflecting its long-standing focus on workplace culture, inclusivity and employee wellbeing.
Recruitment & HR
UKG tops Computerworld rankings for tech workers
The company, which provides an AI-driven platform for HR, pay and workforce management, was recognised with seven workplace awards in total.
Laing O’Rourke appoints chief people officer
Wayne Davies will work with leadership and people teams to help Laing O’Rourke stay attractive to new talent in the industry.
Macclesfield FC appoints Jimmy Holmes as head of recruitment
His contacts in the game are expected to help as Macclesfield FC look to move up the Enterprise National League North.
Government launches drive to recruit thousands of new magistrates in 2026
Ministers want to boost the magistracy by a further 2,000 within the next financial year.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
GMB secures more than £1bn in equal pay victories for women workers
The union said women employed by councils have historically been underpaid in roles dominated by women, including care, cleaning and catering.
ITV launches Green Room pilot to support freelancers between roles
The pilot will bring 20 experienced freelancers together to form a peer network, with access to ITV colleagues as mentors.
Women in Tech Taskforce launched to tackle barriers to employment and progression
The taskforce, convened this week by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, aims to address long-standing barriers that prevent women from accessing tech jobs, remaining in the sector and reaching leadership roles.
Using AI to evolve people processes without compromising culture
Lauren Dudley, chief human resources officer at People 2.0, discusses how HR can harness AI without losing the personal touch.
Technology
AI therapy and preventive healthcare set to redefine workplace wellbeing
Vicky Walker, CPO at Westfield Health, discusses the transformative wellbeing trends set to redefine the UK workplace by 2026.
Most businesses now run by solo founders using AI to boost output, data finds
According to Photoroom data, AI is replacing many repeatable, labour-intensive jobs, with founders turning to software instead of extra staff.
Half of SMEs set to cut entry-level jobs as AI adoption rises – Rathbones
Among those already using AI, 33% said they had reduced hiring of graduates or entry-level staff, while 62% said AI had made no difference to hiring so far.
Health & Wellbeing
NatWest and Lombard partner with the FCN to support farmers’ wellbeing
The partnership will see agricultural specialist managers at NatWest and Lombard trained by FCN to spot early signs of stress in farming communities.
Employers urged to support employee health as exercise levels drop over Christmas, Towergate
Towergate Employee Benefits says workplace wellbeing support can help counter a sharp seasonal fall in physical activity and rising health risks over the festive period.
The hidden cost of domestic abuse to UK businesses
Cheryl Sharp, Workplace Domestic Abuse Expert, discusses how domestic abuse victims can be supported by workplace culture.
Most founders underestimate financial risks of scaling up, finds Shawbrook
Three in 10 (28%) leaders said they felt isolated at times during the process, and a similar number reported higher stress as things got busier.
Employee Relations
Report urges urgent Government action to protect UK ceramics sector
A new worker-led report warns that without swift intervention on energy costs and regulation, the UK ceramics industry risks long-term decline.
Avanti West Coast rolls out scheme for employees ideas
The ‘Ignite a Change’ programme lets staff put forward suggestions to solve business challenges.
TikTok faces legal action over unlawful union-busting in London
The company said it was restructuring and would stop all content moderation work in London, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.
One in 15 small business owners plan to work on Christmas Day, research finds
Research from MoneySuperMarket found 51% plan to close for the festive break, while one in five (20%) said they feel guilty taking time off.
Global HR
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.
Arsenal selects Deel to manage global HR operations
Arsenal will use Deel’s HR platform to manage its workforce and operations.
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.