Škoda Auto deepens diversity commitment as DEI score hits 94%
In June, Škoda Auto was recognised with the Pride Business Forum’s Award in Bronze category for LGBTQ+ Friendly Employer.
Latest
NI’s unpaid carers ‘left behind’ in new UK employment law, campaigners warn
People providing unpaid care for sick or disabled family members or friends in Northern Ireland have been ‘left behind’ by a new employment law that came into force in the rest of the UK last week, campaigners have warned.
Football pundit faces £210,000 tax bill after IR35 appeal dismissed
Former footballer Neil McCann incurs a £210,000 tax bill after his IR35 appeal is dismissed.
UNISON commits to advancing the Race for Equality campaign in the NHS
UNISON is set to strengthen its Race for Equality campaign, addressing racism in the NHS and supporting Black workers, as decided in recent conference motions.
Health service urged to improve support for disabled staff and students
At UNISON's 2024 national health conference, the focus was on enhancing support for disabled NHS staff and students, with calls for reasonable adjustments and better policies.
South West health workers secure lump sum after strikes
Following strikes, South West health workers in Wiltshire and North Devon secure a minimum £1,655 lump sum bonus, with UNISON calling for equal treatment for all health workers.
IR35 reforms continue to challenge UK contractors, finds IPSE report
55% of contractors have turned down work in the past year because the roles were classified as 'inside IR35', reflecting ongoing concerns about the legislation's impact on flexible working.
Compensation & Benefits
Aermach selects Fleet Alliance for EV salary sacrifice scheme
Aermach wanted to enhance its benefits package for employees and reduce its carbon footprint.
Police officers to receive 4.2% pay rise
The increase will apply to all ranks up to and including chief superintendents.
Recruitment & HR
FMB CEO joins YouthBuild UK as trustee
Christopher Selby, general manager at YouthBuild UK, said: “Both the board of Trustees and myself are delighted to be welcoming Brian Berry as a Trustee."
HyNet expansion to create 2,800 skilled jobs in North West and North Wales
The expansion of HyNet is expected to support 2,800 direct, skilled jobs - including roles for engineers and construction workers - across its network spanning Cheshire and Flintshire.
Compass Group UK & Ireland signs Social Recruitment Covenant
Compass Group UK & Ireland, one of the UK’s largest food and support services company, has reaffirmed its commitment to social recruitment by signing the Social Recruitment Covenant.
Civil Service launches internship scheme to improve access for working-class students
The initiative has been designed to address disparities in access to the Civil Service Fast Stream, where applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds are currently less likely to secure places.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
CATCH hosts welding taster day for female students considering manufacturing careers
Caitlin Brewitt said: “That’s why it’s so powerful for these students to connect with women who are thriving in these careers – it makes the future feel achievable.”
Young women face highest career barriers and health stigma, research reveals
A survey from Superdrug Online Doctor found women aged 16 to 24 reported more negative behaviour from male colleagues and fewer chances to move up.
Push to recruit more men into nurseries as Government expands childcare offer
The latest phase of the “Do Something Big” campaign seeks to challenge entrenched gender stereotypes in childcare and improve recruitment ahead of an expansion set to save working parents up to £7,500 a year.
Carers UK relaunches project to boost physical activity among unpaid carers
With the new funding, Carers UK plans to build on links with professionals in the sport, leisure, health and care sectors.
Technology
HSI acquires HandsHQ to expand risk management and workforce training
Jamie Carruthers said: “The combined expertise of HSI and HandsHQ means our customers will have access to the best-in-class technology and industry-leading practices."
NatWest partners with Google to boost UK startups with AI tools and digital training
Google Cloud will deliver practical sessions on AI and digital marketing to businesses on NatWest’s Accelerator.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust cuts admin time with digital workers
Since starting with digital workers, over 8,000 staff hours have been saved.
Health & Wellbeing
Hundreds of Welsh doctors face unemployment amid specialty training shortfall – BMA
A survey by the BMA in Wales has revealed that 40% of resident doctors feared they will be unemployed from August 2025 due to a lack of training opportunities.
BOHS calls for action as workplace diseases kill thousands of men a year
BOHS responded to the NHS men’s health consultation, saying workplace diseases like respiratory illness claim the lives of over 8,000 men each year.
Long-term sickness now main reason for worklessness in households – YuLife
Northern Ireland had the highest proportion at 50.6%, with more than half of people not working in workless households citing sickness or disability.
HPMA reveals Excellence in People Awards shortlist for 2025
Winners will be named at the annual conference in Birmingham on 20th November.
Employee Relations
TSSA accuses train operators of “pricing workers off the railways”
Maryam Eslamdoust said: "TSSA is urging the DfT to keep ticket prices affordable so that we can get people out of their cars and onto the railways.”
22% of employers cite improving access to flexible working as biggest challenge – Ciphr
The survey found 21% of HR decision-makers were concerned about new legal protections for workers taking part in industrial action.
Over 75% of teachers in Wales remain in their role after five years – EWC
Retention rates for further education support staff and work-based learning practitioners were lower, staying below 50%.
Debt pushes millions of workers into jobs they don’t want, research reveals
The report showed 35% of British workers have thought about changing careers due to money worries.
Global HR
Pearson and HCLTech partner to deliver AI-driven upskilling for global workforce
The deal will see Pearson use HCLTech’s engineering and digital tools to create new AI-powered training, assessment and workforce analytics products.
Firms failing to use global mobility strategically, warns Vialto
Only 23% of firms said their mobility function was either 'strategic' or an 'influencer' in business matters.
Out of sight, not out of value: Unlocking global talent beyond the office
Matt Monette, country manager UK&I at Deel, shares how embracing global remote talent is essential for building stronger, more diverse teams.
Weavr teams up with Visa to bring flexible employee benefits cards to SaaS HR platforms
By working with Visa an associate member, Weavr will now allow SaaS companies to use Visa-powered financial products in their platforms.