UKAEA and MTC Training launch apprenticeships to tackle nuclear skills shortage
The courses have been set up in response to a recognised national shortage in health physics technicians and decommissioning operatives.
Latest
UK pension pot sizes see significant growth, PensionBee study shows
PensionBee's latest analysis shows a 16% increase in average UK pension pot sizes, with notable regional variations and persistent gender disparities in retirement savings.
Unite criticises TSB for job cuts and branch closures
Unite the union criticizes TSB's decision to cut 250 jobs and close 36 branches, citing major concerns over customer service and local support needs.
The ‘lazy job’ trend may impact retirement savings, Standard Life warns
Standard Life warns that the growing trend of 'lazy jobs' could significantly reduce retirement savings, urging consideration of long-term financial security alongside current job satisfaction.
UK employers slow to adapt to new holiday pay rules, survey finds
A recent survey reveals that 69% of UK employers have not yet adapted to the new holiday pay regulations that began in April 2024, with many seeking further guidance on the changes affecting 'irregular hours' and 'part-year' workers.
UK businesses slow to increase pay despite less pressure, survey shows
A recent survey from the Work Foundation reveals a significant gap between UK businesses' recognition of their responsibility to support employees financially and their actions, with only 30% planning pay rises above inflation despite eased business pressures.
Labour’s draft New Deal for Workers criticised as ‘unrecognisable’ by Unite leader
Unite leader Sharon Graham criticises the Labour Party’s revised New Deal for Workers as a significant retreat from initial promises, urging unions to demand a return to the original proposals.
Compensation & Benefits
UK payrolled employees fall as unemployment rises – ONS
Estimates showed that payrolled employment fell by 117,000 (0.4%) between September 2024 and September 2025.
Private medical insurance most wanted employee benefit, research reveals
Data from Epassi UK found that 25% of employees picked private medical insurance as the single most important benefit, but only 43% employers offered it.
Recruitment & HR
Connect to Work scheme to launch across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
Devon County Council is leading the scheme in partnership with Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council.
Yeovil Town appoints Jamie Hedges as head of recruitment
His responsibilities include scouting new talent, refining recruitment processes and making sure signings fit with Yeovil Town’s style and budget.
Fife Council backs Scottish Careers Week to boost skills and job opportunities
The event promotes career development and lifelong learning across Scotland under the banner ‘Shape the Future’.
NI Infrastructure Minister welcomes launch of recruitment campaign for planners
The scheme will let recruits work while studying for a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in planning.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Sodexo joins Bright Future Co-op to help survivors of modern slavery into work
Bill Buchan said: “Joining Bright Future is a proud moment for us and a powerful step forward in our commitment to social justice."
EHRC extends agreement with McDonald’s to protect staff from sexual harassment
Baroness Kishwer Falkner, chairwoman of the EHRC, said: “We’re pleased with the significant steps McDonald’s has agreed to take towards a safer working environment for its staff.”
Care UK celebrates success of SEN supported placements in care sector
Christian Woolley, regional director for Berkshire at Care UK, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what our homes have achieved, and I look forward to seeing this initiative grow across more of our regions in the future.”
Ciphr eLearning launches new microlearning suite for businesses
Meg Shona Halpin-Webster said: “By delivering focused, bite-sized content, our refreshed microlearning suite is helping to make learning accessible and immediately actionable."
Technology
More than a third of tech scale-ups have no women on their boards, study finds
The study from Think & Grow showed that women hold just 18% of board seats across high-growth tech companies.
Civica partners with Talos360 to deliver hiring and HR system for public sector
The new platform brings together Civica’s People Hub software and Talos360’s ATS, aiming to make it easier for organisations to attract, hire, onboard and retain staff.
AI job fears driving knowledge hoarding in workplaces, report finds
The report from Adaptavist found that 35% of workers are actively gatekeeping knowledge to protect their job security.
Health & Wellbeing
Harper James welcomes proposed Government bereavement leave changes
Claire Cole, senior solicitor in Harper James' employment team, said: “It is a very welcome step towards recognising the reality of loss in the workplace."
Orbit Homes hosts mental health awareness events for construction workers
Workers gathered at Levett View in Hastings, Micklewell Park in Daventry and Mill View in Dereham for sessions aimed at encouraging open conversations about wellbeing.
St Andrews University and trade union agree deal for staff cancer support
UNISON representative Alex Duncan said the key change was extending the phased return to work from eight weeks to 12 weeks, all on full pay.
Epassi UK partners with Qured to boost employee health checks
The partnership aims to improve employee wellbeing and help businesses cut costs, reduce sickness, and boost productivity.
Employee Relations
82% of professionals say ‘culture rot’ is harming workplaces – Robert Walters
Limited incentives or rewards were flagged by 41% of professionals as a symptom.
PSNI and PwC launch campaign to help employers tackle violence against women
Caitroina McCusker, Northern Ireland market senior partner at PwC UK, said: “Together, we can create safer, more inclusive workplaces and contribute to a Northern Ireland where everyone can thrive.”
Employers team up with Government to tackle ill-health and keep people in work
The three-year Keep Britain Working partnership, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, will focus on prevention, early support and helping people get back to work.
Background still seen as a major barrier to career progression, Co-op finds
Two-thirds (68%) of Brits said their background still affects their career progression.
Global HR
TUC urges TikTok to “come clean” as MPs investigate AI-driven job cuts
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, chaired by Chi Onwurah MP, has written to TikTok demanding answers about the redundancies within its London-based Trust and Safety Team.
HiBob launches global network for people-first leaders to tackle HR challenges
The aim is to give practical tools, insights and a platform for real conversations on challenges HR and business leaders face.
International SOS and Sancroft support sustainability goals in global workforce mobility
International SOS has joined forces with sustainability consultancy Sancroft to help organisations embed sustainability into their global mobility and travel policies.
Only one in six HR teams confident their practices would stand up in tribunal – WorkNest
The findings suggested that many HR professionals felt uncertain about their organisation’s legal readiness at a time when businesses are preparing for vast reforms.