David Spear Commercials transfers 60% of the business to an EOT
Transferring to a partial EOT model has enabled David Spear Commercials to remain independent, locally rooted and people led.
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Compensation & Benefits
40% of employers admit take-up of employee benefits is left for employees to initiate
In the same research, GRiD found that 71% of employers anticipated that they will struggle with recruitment this year.
UK unemployment rises to 4.7% as payrolled employees fall for tenth month in a year
ONS data shows a drop of 149,000 payrolled employees in the year to June 2025, with vacancies down for the 37th consecutive period and unemployment edging higher.
Recruitment & HR
Pertemps Network Group launches video series to inspire young people in careers
Created alongside three major UK employers – Boots UK, My Policy and the William Mitchell Group – the series brings real-world workplace insights directly into classrooms.
Action needed to support youth employment as labour market continues to cool – CIPD
The warning comes as new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a continued drop in job vacancies, now at levels last recorded in early 2015.
Places for People launches new benchmark qualification for housing managers
PfP’s new Service in Housing Pathway will combine housing and customer service training.
Thrive acquires Huler to create AI-powered employee experience platform
By combining Huler’s UX-first smart intranet, Thrive’s AI-powered learning tools, and mentoring expertise from Guider, the companies aim to deliver a “truly AI-first employee experience."
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Gender pay gap in transport sector remains above national average – WIT
This figure is higher than the UK average, and 65% of organisations had no plan in place to address it.
First Bus, LNER, and Steer among sector leaders in 2025 Women in Transport Equity Index
Other sector winners included Wm Armstrong, Mintra, Campaign for Better Transport, Sustrans, and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Neurodiversity-related employment tribunal claims see sharp rise since 2020
Analysis from Irwin Mitchell revealed that the number of tribunal decisions citing ADHD rose from just six in the first half of 2020 to 51 in the first half of 2025.
Finance and property firms dominate 2025 UK Social Mobility Awards shortlist
Lloyds, Knight Frank, and Coventry Building Society are among the financial and property firms shortlisted for this year’s UK Social Mobility Awards.
Technology
SMEs risk losing ground as AI adoption accelerates among larger firms
According to Joe Phelan, business savings expert at money.co.uk, while AI is transforming how organisations work many smaller firms remain held back by skills shortages, unclear strategies and doubts over investment.
Budget and technical barriers top list of challenges in accessing external data, Decodo research finds
Decodo.com’s survey of 1,000 decision-makers reveals budget constraints, anti-bot technology, and infrastructure gaps are the main obstacles for businesses collecting or accessing external data.
West Midlands Mayor sets out ambitions to boost AI skills and job prospects
The scheme aims to help local people use AI in daily life and work, as well as prepare thousands for jobs in technology.
Health & Wellbeing
NHS to overhaul recruitment for newly qualified nurses and midwives
Under the new plan, NHS providers will begin hiring staff before vacancies formally arise, with recruitment based on projected need rather than current headcount.
Vitality’s Champion Programme boosts workforce activity and productivity
An extra 750 employees signed up as champions, bringing the total to 2,139 across more than 1,200 companies.
University of Bedfordshire awarded Mental Health Charter for wellbeing commitment
Rebecca Bunting said: “This award reflects the commitment of our entire community to creating a supportive, inclusive environment for all."
Half of workers miss out on essential HSE training – Astutis
The survey showed just 28% are currently using AI tools in their work, with over 80% not using wearable technology such as smart PPE or monitoring devices.
Employee Relations
Most Brits back equal minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds – YouGov
One in five (22%) said there should be a lower minimum wage for people under 21 and 67% said the same minimum wage should apply to everyone over 18.
Scrapping age bands for minimum wage will mean major change for employers, says expert
Claire Cole said: “While many employers already pay above the minimum, this increase, alongside the move to a single adult rate, will have a real impact on payroll.”
Thousands in Greater Manchester to get free support through ‘Work Progression’ service
The service aims to help people move into better jobs, boost their skills and confidence, and break down barriers to getting ahead at work.
40% of doctors struggle to provide patient care due to staffing shortages – GMC
Inadequate staffing was the main barrier, with 72% saying it was a problem, down from 79% in 2023.
Global 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.
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."
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.