Most employees unaware of added-value benefits, research reveals
Data from from Towergate Employee Benefits found only 47% of employers said their managers understood these benefits well, and just 41% believed their employees did.
Latest
PIB Employee Benefits acquires YouatWork
PIB Employee Benefits, part of PIB Group, has acquired YouatWork, a leader in benefits technology.
UK recruitment activity sees further decline, KPMG and REC report finds
A recent survey by KPMG and REC indicates a continued downturn in UK recruitment activity, with notable reductions in starting pay growth and a significant rise in candidate availability.
NUS Scotland condemns unfair treatment of apprentices
NUS Scotland and the National Society of Apprentices are highlighting the challenges faced by apprentices in Scotland, following a significant delay in the rollout of Modern Apprenticeships due to budget approval setbacks.
Parcelforce drivers sue Royal Mail for workers’ rights
Parcelforce drivers, classified as self-employed, take legal action against Royal Mail, claiming they deserve workers' rights and compensation.
Public sector appeals to young talent but faces recruitment challenges
Research from Grayce has contradicted the notion that public sector jobs aren't appealing to young people.
Widespread sexual harassment reported by NHS staff
UNISON's recent survey uncovers disturbing levels of sexual harassment within the NHS, with staff reporting incidents of assault, unwanted advances, and exposure to inappropriate content.
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.
Government moves to end discriminatory age bands and unfair pay
The Government has set out new guidance for the Low Pay Commission (LPC) as it works toward delivering a genuine living wage for all adult workers.
Recruitment & HR
Talent shortages driving company location decisions, survey finds
Savills and CoreNet Global found that 73% of respondents in the technology sector reported a drop in skilled staff.
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."
SFRS to open firefighter recruitment engagement sessions
Online sessions open to everyone will be held on 7th August, from 7pm to 8pm and 11th August, from 7pm to 8pm.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Employee Relations
TUC Cymru launches ‘Twf – The Welsh Language at Work Charter’
The charter is based on four key principles and aims to support workers, trade union branches and employers to grow the use of Welsh at work.
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%.
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.