Defence dividend delivers £1.4bn investment and thousands of UK jobs
More than 1,700 new jobs are being created across the UK as the defence sector secures record levels of foreign investment.
Latest
Gartner survey finds 38% of HR leaders reported they are piloting, planning implementation, or have already implemented generative AI
A Gartner, Inc. survey of 179 HR leaders on January 31, 2024, revealed that 38% of HR leaders are piloting, planning implementation, or have already implemented generative AI (GenAI), up from 19% in June 2023.
First pay settlements of 2024 see median award fall to 5.1% as UK falls into recession, finds XpertHR
The latest pay settlement data from XpertHR shows that the median basic pay award for the three months to the end of January 2024 is 5.1%, down from 6% in the previous rolling quarter.
Adecco targets employment and training for 85,000 refugees by 2027
Adecco reaffirms its pledge to support refugees, aiming to secure employment for 85,000 and provide training for 17,000 by the end of 2027.
Workers demand fair pay amidst cost of living crisis, Totaljobs report reveals
Totaljobs' 2024 report outlines UK workers' expectations for pay rises against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis.
Office workers sceptical about AI benefits, reveals Ivanti report
A new Ivanti report shows office workers are six times more likely to view generative AI as benefiting employers over employees, with many concerned about job security and the real impact on productivity.
Unhappy employees take significantly more sick days, impacting UK economy
A report by WPI Economics, commissioned by Unum UK, highlights the economic impact of unhappy employees taking additional sick days, costing the UK economy an estimated £11 billion annually in lost productivity.
Compensation & Benefits
Senior doctors in England prepared to take industrial action, BMA warns
The BMA’s survey found that 67% of consultants who took part said they would be willing to strike, rising to 82% among SAS doctors.
Half of businesses report rising staffing costs in August – ONS
Around 17% of businesses said hourly wages increased in July compared to June, which was a sharp drop from April but in line with July 2024.
Recruitment & HR
Matrix appoints Neil Jones as CEO
Richard MacMillan said: “Neil’s proven track record and leadership will strengthen the services we provide to both existing and new customers."
La Fosse to launch female mentorship programme to support future leaders in tech
The scheme, unveiled following the company’s UNBOUND initiative launched in July, will pair experienced leaders with rising female talent to provide skills, confidence, and guidance for career progression.
CIPD welcomes £338m investment in Connect to Work employment programme
The CIPD has welcomed the Government’s £338m investment in the Connect to Work programme, describing it as a positive step towards tackling economic inactivity and helping more people into sustainable employment. Rachel Suff, senior wellbeing adviser at the CIPD, said the funding recognises the importance of linking work, health and skills to support those facing barriers into jobs. She added: “We’re pleased to see additional investment for employment support to help more people access and stay in work.” She noted that individualised placement support is a proven model in helping
55% of recruiters expect rise in job vacancies – ERF
The research found that only 12% expected vacancies to fall.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Robert Half and Pegasus named among Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services for 2025
Other large and super large firms listed were AlphaSights, Baringa, Gleeds LLP, Gowling WLG, Leyton, PKF Francis Clark, ResultsCX, Saffery LLP and Slalom.
Aviva, MetLife and Capital One among 2025 UK’s Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance
Other organisations recognised in the Large and Super Large category include AJ Bell, Coventry Building Society, HTB plc and Secure Trust Bank Group.
Major investment set to help sick and disabled into work – DWP
Funding worth £338m will go to 15 areas as part of the Connect to Work programme.
Fleet Alliance ranks among Best Places to Work for second year
It was also certified as a Best Workplace for Women for the fourth time.
Technology
QA launches BLX to address workplace training issues
Ben Sweetman said: “Organisations need more ways to learn; that’s a critical aspect of the value we offer. BLX is built to solve that."
Somerset Council rolls out AI to cut admin for social workers
The pilot found that report writing and assessments were submitted 65% faster and weekly admin time dropped by 46%.
ICAEW launches Next Generation ACA with focus on technology and sustainability
The update brings technology, sustainability and ethics into the syllabus, and lets students tailor their learning to their own needs.
Health & Wellbeing
Backup Tech launches Workplace Wellness programme
The programme was developed by Gemma Fletcher and aims to give crew simple self-help tools for use in their daily routines.
Half of unpaid carers say NHS support is not enough – Carers UK
65% of unpaid carers felt overwhelmed because they could not take a break, while 66% needed more support with their own health and wellbeing.
Study reveals workplace discrimination against women experiencing menopause
Research from Astellas shows women going through menopause face career setbacks, with many reporting discrimination, reduced productivity and lack of workplace support.
36% of employers fund illness and injury support case by case – GRiD
When asked about when support is offered, 26% of employers said they provided it after a set number of weeks’ absence, as written in company policy.
Employee Relations
Manchester Building Society reveals team for new King Street flagship branch
Manchester Building Society has unveiled the team for its new King Street branch, which will offer face-to-face financial services and free community space when it opens later this year.
Derby technician named Nissan UK’s top customer-focused employee
Krystian Duda of Vertu Nissan Derby has been recognised as Nissan UK’s Dealer Ambassador of the Year for his commitment to customer service and teamwork.
Finalists announced for 2025 Menopause and Menstruation Friendly Employer Awards
Now in their fourth year, the awards aim to highlight employers who are taking practical steps to normalise menopause and menstruation in the workplace.
31% of SME employees quit after colleague leaves, research reveals
Data from HiBob found 52% of UK staff in these businesses said they were thinking about leaving in the next year, with 10% already looking for another job.
Global HR
Teesside University Online expands global reach through FutureLearn partnership
The deal will see TU Online’s undergraduate, postgraduate and certificate programmes promoted and available through FutureLearn.
Workday targeted in cyber attack but says customer data not affected
The company said the incident formed part of a wider social engineering campaign affecting “many large organisations,” in which attackers posed as HR or IT staff.
Deel launches AI Workforce to support HR and payroll teams
The move comes as industry surveys highlight growing strain on HR teams, with SHRM’s latest Workforce Report finding that more than half of HR professionals believe their teams are understaffed.
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.