Unite urges Government to end defence investment delays and protect jobs
The union said uncertainty over key procurement decisions is leaving workers and employers in limbo.
Latest
HR director pay surges by almost 21% over the past year, finds latest study
HR director pay has surged by 20.9% over the past year - far outpacing both the rest of the HR function and the wider economy - according to Incomes Data Research.
Government introduces AI bootcamp to upskill Whitehall coders
The AI Accelerator Programme will train up 25 Machine Learning Engineers through hackathons, where the coders will help tackle live Government challenges.
Pension participation booms under auto-enrolment but gaps remain
According to the DWP, the proportion of employees enrolled in a pension scheme has climbed from 53% in 2013–14 to 79% in 2023–24, an increase of 26%.
Government backs next wave of semiconductor start-ups to scale up growth
Announced by the Chancellor during a visit to South Wales this investment will strengthen the UK’s domestic semiconductor supply chain.
Government funds mental health support for Welsh steelworkers
Chairing the latest meeting of the Tata Steel Port Talbot Transition Board Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens announced £3.27m to fund mental health support services in Neath Port Talbot for those affected by Tata Steel’s transition to greener steelmaking.
Barnet faces bill of tens of millions in London’s first council equal pay claim, says GMB
GMB Union has begun proceedings on behalf of around 400 women working as school support staff at the council.
Compensation & Benefits
Most employees not expecting a Christmas bonus this year, research finds
62% of employees said they were not expecting a Christmas bonus at all, according to research from Epassi UK.
Welsh resident doctors approve landmark contract reform
The agreement delivers a 4% additional investment in the resident doctor workforce and is designed to support progress towards pay restoration.
Recruitment & HR
DM Hall celebrates record graduate intake
The firm’s 2025 graduate intake saw 15 new graduates join, its highest intake for decades.
Government provides additional £22m to support Port Talbot steelworkers and local jobs
The funding boost increases the resources available through the Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board, which was established to protect jobs during the transition to greener steelmaking.
Mid Cheshire Hospitals appoints Alfredo Thompson as CPO
He brings experience in strategic HR leadership and organisational development, shaped by frontline NHS work.
Grangemouth jobs secured as Government strikes £150m deal with INEOS
Under the deal, the Government will provide more than £120m as part of a £150m joint investment package with INEOS.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
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.
Inclusive policies drive career confidence and wellbeing at E.ON, report reveals
The report set out how inclusion and colleague wellbeing have helped deliver better outcomes for customers and communities.
Stonewater launches revamped graduate scheme
The housing provider welcomed five new graduates to its programme, which offers an 18-month rotation through various departments.
Technology
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.
Circles UK launches Hospitality Operating System to improve service and employee experience
It is available on tablets, phones and desktops, giving on-site teams real-time data to manage service delivery and understand how employees use the workplace.
Health & Wellbeing
Phoebus Software launches new wellbeing measures for staff
The company launched an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering confidential support 24/7 for workers and their families.
Most employers unprepared for overseas assignment risks, research finds
Towergate Employee Benefits found that only 32% of UK employers said staff relocating abroad were fully prepared for changes in climate.
Festive work pressures disrupting sleep for frontline staff, experts warn
Research from MattressNextDay highlighted how prolonged standing, repetitive lifting and long periods of driving are affecting workers’ bodies across different sectors.
Uber offers NHS staff discounted rides and meals for Christmas Day
Uber said the offer recognises healthcare workers who spend Christmas caring for patients instead of celebrating at home.
Employee Relations
Only 9% of organisations personalise compliance training, finds VinciWorks
Most still used general training for all staff, with 32% providing the same material to most employees and 40% tailoring it by department or role.
Leaders are using AI as an excuse for outdated decision-making
Ronni Zehavi, CEO and co-founder at HiBob, challenges the myth that AI is forcing layoffs, arguing these decisions stem from leadership choices, not technological inevitability.
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."
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."
Global HR
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.
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.