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.
Latest
1,000 British jobs supported by deal to bolster fleet of sub-hunting helicopters
It will sustain 200 jobs at Leonardo’s helicopters facility in Yeovil, Somerset, and 800 more across the wider UK supply chain, and covers the fleet of 30 Merlin Mk2 maritime patrol helicopters and 24 Merlin Mk4 amphibious and battlefield lift aircraft.
Moore Barlow recognised as top law firm for women in latest gender diversity report
According to The Lawyer’s latest market report on gender diversity, the firm leads the way with women making up 77% of its lawyers.
28% of HR practitioners believe NI hikes will pose a significant challenge, GRiD finds
This is as employers brace themselves for hikes in National Insurance contributions (NICs) on 6th April 2025 and the reduction in the threshold at which they are due.
Millions set for payslip boost as new minimum wage rates take effect
The changes include a record cash increase to the National Minimum Wage for younger workers and apprentices.
Under half of employers offer salary sacrifice on pensions, research finds
Towergate Employee Benefits found that just 48% of UK businesses offer salary sacrifice for pension contributions, meaning many are losing out on a straightforward way to offset rising employment costs.
Effectiveness of menopause support for NHS staff to be reviewed
The University of Exeter has appointed Dr Fatma Sabet to undertake a review into the effectiveness of menopause support for NHS staff.
Compensation & Benefits
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.
New Defence Housing Service to overhaul military housing as Armed Forces Bill is introduced
The legislation forms part of a broader package of reforms aimed at improving conditions, support and retention across the armed forces as the Government seeks to modernise defence infrastructure and policy.
Recruitment & HR
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.
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.
FMB calls for clarity on Scottish construction sector after Budget statement
Gordon Nelson, director at FMB Scotland, said: “With a shortfall of 100,000 homes and ambitious net zero targets, we urgently need to boost our building industry."
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
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.
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.
Government overhauls Disability Confident scheme to boost workplace standards
The Government said changes will provide more tailored support for SMEs and boost peer-to-peer support for employers.
Technology
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.
Parents back teaching staff to lead AI decisions in schools, unions say
The polling from the TUC revealed that 80% of parents with a child in school or college trust educators to make decisions about AI in their children’s learning.
Health & Wellbeing
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.
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.
High stress and lack of support drives workers into sick leave, report finds
The latest Burnout Report from Mental Health UK found one in five (20%) workers took sick leave due to poor mental health caused by stress.
Amazon UK and ABB among 100 organisations named as 2026 Top Employers in the UK
Lidl GB, ScottishPower, Bentley Motors, Mitie, Primark and McLaren Racing were among the 100 organisations named as 2025 Top Employers in the UK.
Employee Relations
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.
Employers must embrace flexible careers to retain Gen Z talent, says expert
Lucy Kemp said lily padding is the future of work and warned that employers who do not adapt risk losing talent.
Bentley recognised as Top Employer by the Top Employers organisation
Active in 131 countries, the institute is the global authority in HR certification, benchmarking and advisory.
HubGem Marketing named world’s happiest workplace – WorkL
Other UK companies in the top 10 included ServiceNow UK, PCI Pal, Auth0 and VIOOH, all in technology.
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.