BPEC invests £15,000 to modernise Scotland’s Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship combines on-site work and training across plumbing and heating including water, gas and low-carbon technology.
Latest
State of real estate experience 2024 report highlights workspace quality challenges
The 2024 State of REX report by HqO highlights challenges in workspace quality, with a focus on the importance of high-quality, sustainable office spaces to boost productivity and employee engagement.
UK workers seek more employer support in pension planning
My Pension Expert's survey reveals that less than half of UK workers believe their financial wellbeing is a priority for their employers, spotlighting a call for enhanced support in pension planning and contributions.
Office workers prefer limited days in office amid privacy concerns
A survey by BW: Workplace Experts finds UK office workers prefer a hybrid model, with 2.25 ideal office days. Privacy concerns challenge current open-plan designs, highlighting a need for workspace evolution.
Sainsbury’s Birmingham and Essex lorry strikes off as Unite secures driver win
Strikes by around 500 Sainsbury’s lorry drivers based in Essex and Birmingham will not go ahead after an improved deal was secured by Unite, the UK’s leading union.
UK workers demand pay rises amid rising burnout and low morale
A survey by Reward Gateway reveals 63% of UK workers seek pay rises amid the cost-of-living crisis, with high levels of burnout and low morale underscoring the need for comprehensive employer support.
Survey reveals high stress levels among UK employees
A new survey by Oak Engage shows 47% of UK employees report feeling stressed at work, with 75% experiencing toxic workplace environments.
Compensation & Benefits
Carrow Insurance launches accident and health cover for UK employers
The specialist MGA introduced products for corporate personal accident and business travel, group personal accident, and tailored corporate illness benefits.
Shawbrook warns self-employed still face barriers to mortgages despite improving approval rates
Shawbrook’s latest Home A-Loan report finds that while mortgage rejection rates for self-employed borrowers are falling, many continue to face obstacles despite strong credit histories.
Recruitment & HR
TUI launches Cabin Crew Apprenticeship programme
The scheme is open to up to 16 external candidates aged 18 or over, who meet standard cabin crew qualifications and pass all checks.
Contract roles hit 2025 high as UK recruitment market strengthens in September
The UK recruitment market recorded its strongest performance of 2025 so far in September, with contract roles up 10% year-on-year and permanent hiring showing signs of recovery, according to APSCo.
Public health workforce will face shortages without action, RSPH warns
Nick Harding said: “Proper workforce planning, meaningful monitoring of the state of the workforce, and investment in vital training are the minimum that should be on offer.”
NI Communities Minister launches Disability and Work strategy
The aim is to see 50,000 more people with disabilities join the workforce over the next decade.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Sizewell C funds Suffolk scheme to boost youth career chances
The scheme, Beyond Boundaries, aims to get young people ready for apprenticeships, further education, and jobs.
Devon County Council launches ‘Brighter Futures’ plan to support young people
The plan focuses on young people, those with special educational needs and disabilities, and others struggling to find their way into training or work.
LIBF and The Mortgage Mum launch scholarship to boost mortgage industry talent
Under the scheme, LIBF will fully fund three places on its CeMAP qualification, and successful applicants will receive mentoring and career support from The Mortgage Mum.
More UK companies meet gender equity standards, data finds
Data from Women in Work (WiW) and LinkedIn showed 121 of the UK’s top 400 firms met gender equity standards in 2025, up 19% on last year.
Technology
Coventry University calls for action to address AI skills gap in automotive sector
The report found widespread shortages in software, AI and embedded systems, along with gaps in mechanical, electrical and power electronics engineering.
City of London Corporation sets rules for staff use of generative AI
James Tumbridge, chairman of digital services for the City of London Corporation, said: “We want people to use AI with thought, and that is what this policy is all about.”
AI job cuts damage service quality and trust, warns Reboot Online
Shai Ahrony, CEO at Reboot Online, said: “These poor AI experiences can not only result in lost revenues, but longer-term brand damage, crisis management costs and reputational risk.”
Health & Wellbeing
Workplace drinking pressures drive up sick days for young workers, finds IPPR
24% of workers said they sometimes felt pressured to drink, rising to 38% among 18 to 24-year-olds.
RedArc urges early intervention as modern life drives rise in mental health challenges
RedArc has highlighted the growing strain on mental health caused by modern-day pressures such as heavy workloads, family demands, social media, and global uncertainty.
Healix Health launches precision cancer service to improve outcomes and cut costs
Healix Health has launched a new Precision Cancer Service in partnership with Further, offering genomic testing and expert clinical support to improve employee outcomes and reduce treatment costs.
Most employees say employer wellbeing support drives retention – Reward Gateway
Partners and spouses were seen as the most responsible, with 41% of employees saying they were in charge of their wellbeing.
Employee Relations
BSI warns of AI-driven decline in entry-level jobs as businesses prioritise automation over skills investment
Research by BSI reveals that nearly half of global business leaders are using AI to cut headcount, with entry-level roles most at risk and SMEs expected to play a key role in future skills development.
70% of Gen Z say multiple income streams are essential for financial security – Fiverr
More than half (57%) believed the old way of working in one job would soon be out of date.
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.
Most managers underestimate impact of emotions on decisions, research reveals
Mindtools and Kineo found four out of five managers said they made decisions without being influenced by feelings.
Global HR
TMF Group launches payroll platform to streamline HR administration
TMF Optix uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide intelligent analytics, global reporting, AI-powered dashboards and optimised data management.
MAN Truck & Bus partners with TUM Venture Labs to boost mobility innovation
MAN Truck & Bus has formed a strategic partnership with TUM Venture Labs to strengthen collaboration with deep tech start-ups and advance mobility innovation.
Linklaters appoints Lynne Burns as CPO
Burns will lead the people function globally from London and work closely with Aedamar Comiskey and Paul Lewis.
UK records sharp decline in hiring plans – ManpowerGroup
The UK recorded the sharpest drop in planned hiring globally, down 17 percentage points year-on-year and 8 points on the quarter.