St Andrews University and trade union agree deal for staff cancer support
UNISON representative Alex Duncan said the key change was extending the phased return to work from eight weeks to 12 weeks, all on full pay.
Latest
CMA launches investigation into Apple and Google’s mobile ecosystems
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating Apple and Google’s dominance in mobile operating systems, app stores, and browsers.
Trump administration orders federal employees to report DEI initiatives or face consequences
The BBC reports that the Trump administration has instructed federal employees to report diversity initiatives within their agencies, prompting concerns among staff.
now:pensions highlights the importance of financial education on International Day of Education
now:pensions stresses the need for financial education to promote better money management and reduce the gender pensions gap.
Epassi data highlights the role of workplace benefits in encouraging women to exercise
Epassi data shows nearly half of its 2024 customers were women, demonstrating how workplace gym benefits can help address physical activity gaps.
40% workers expect a return to full-time office post-pandemic, survey shows
Workers anticipate a shift back to full-time office attendance showing 40% expecting a return to the pre-pandemic 5-day office weeks.
Almost 70% employers expect rapid retreat from DEI projects, survey reveals
A survey revealed employers expect the rapid retreat from DEI projects in the United States to have an impact on the British workplaces
Compensation & Benefits
One in 10 employees could quit over poor pension benefits – Scottish Widows
The research found the main reason for dissatisfaction was uncompetitive pension benefits compared with other employers, reported by 68%.
The Electric Car Scheme adds PHEVs to salary sacrifice offering
Market testing showed that 89% of businesses wanted hybrid options in order to support employees who are not yet ready for EVs.
Recruitment & HR
Logistics hub to bring 300 new jobs to Little Hulton
Councillor Teresa Pepper, Lead Member for Skills and Work and Business Support at Salford City Council, said: “Bolt330 will generate fantastic employment opportunities for people in Little Hulton and the surrounding area."
North East Lincolnshire Council launches employment support scheme for care leavers
The Family Enterprise programme targets care leavers who often face barriers to employment, including a lack of support networks and stable role models.
Civica partners with Talos360 to deliver hiring and HR system for public sector
The new platform brings together Civica’s People Hub software and Talos360’s ATS, aiming to make it easier for organisations to attract, hire, onboard and retain staff.
AI job fears driving knowledge hoarding in workplaces, report finds
The report from Adaptavist found that 35% of workers are actively gatekeeping knowledge to protect their job security.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
PSNI and PwC launch campaign to help employers tackle violence against women
Caitroina McCusker, Northern Ireland market senior partner at PwC UK, said: “Together, we can create safer, more inclusive workplaces and contribute to a Northern Ireland where everyone can thrive.”
Employers team up with Government to tackle ill-health and keep people in work
The three-year Keep Britain Working partnership, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, will focus on prevention, early support and helping people get back to work.
Background still seen as a major barrier to career progression, Co-op finds
Two-thirds (68%) of Brits said their background still affects their career progression.
Workplace support for learning disabilities falls short, study finds
Research from Hilton found 57% of people with learning disabilities said the company they worked for was not equipped to support them.
Technology
TUC urges TikTok to “come clean” as MPs investigate AI-driven job cuts
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, chaired by Chi Onwurah MP, has written to TikTok demanding answers about the redundancies within its London-based Trust and Safety Team.
Businesses face £400bn growth loss without urgent AI skills boost – Skills England
Three new tools have been launched to help fill the gap and unlock up to £400bn of growth by 2030.
Electricians and plumbers named among roles set to withstand automation in 2026, research finds
The findings from MyPerfectCV highlighted a growing divide between routine, task-based roles and those requiring manual skill, judgement, and human connection.
Health & Wellbeing
RPS launches 2025 Workforce Wellbeing Survey
The student survey covers wellbeing, study experiences and expectations of workplace support.
Bus drivers face heightened safety risks ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night, says Unite
Reports of fireworks being thrown at or into buses, and other forms of anti-social behaviour such as road blockages and vandalism, have surged in previous years.
West Yorkshire Police signs pledge to support disabled staff
Assistant Chief Constable for People Richard Close, said: “Signing this pledge is more than a statement, it’s a promise to our people."
British Safety Council and HSE launch new award to tackle work-related health issues
The ‘Innovation in Health Award’ will be part of the British Safety Council’s International Safety Awards in 2026 and is free to enter.
Employee Relations
BRC urges MPs to support amendments to Employment Rights Bill
Helen Dickinson said: "The Government must ensure that any delay to the Bill’s Royal Assent does not result in less consultation or a compressed implementation Roadmap."
Incomplete workforce reporting leaves investors in the dark, study finds
The Future of Workforce Reporting report from the CIPD and Railpen found that patchy workforce data is still stopping businesses from showing how they create value and manage risks tied to their people.
jmarchitects becomes employee-owned across all studios
The transition will not affect clients, and the firm will continue to focus on staff retention and development.
Acas appoints Joanna Nunn as chief conciliator
Nunn, who has worked at Acas since 2006, previously served as assistant chief conciliator and brings extensive experience in mediation and dispute resolution.
Global HR
HiBob launches global network for people-first leaders to tackle HR challenges
The aim is to give practical tools, insights and a platform for real conversations on challenges HR and business leaders face.
International SOS and Sancroft support sustainability goals in global workforce mobility
International SOS has joined forces with sustainability consultancy Sancroft to help organisations embed sustainability into their global mobility and travel policies.
Only one in six HR teams confident their practices would stand up in tribunal – WorkNest
The findings suggested that many HR professionals felt uncertain about their organisation’s legal readiness at a time when businesses are preparing for vast reforms.
Most businesses now allow employees to work abroad – Grant Thornton UK
The survey found 77% of mid-market firms had a policy for international remote working in 2025, up from 59% in 2023.