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
Argent Energy to close Scottish biodiesel plant, risking 75 jobs
Unite calls for Scottish government action as Argent Energy plans to close its Newarthill biodiesel plant by the end of May, putting 75 jobs at risk and challenging Scotland's green jobs strategy.
UK experiences notable rise in retirement age, outpacing the USA
A new study reveals the UK has seen a greater increase in retirement age than the USA over the last two decades, ranking 22nd globally according to OECD data analyzed by AgeCalculator.com.
MPs call for work rights for asylum seekers after six months
A new cross-party report recommends allowing asylum seekers in the UK to work six months after arrival and criticises government policies for pushing migrants into poverty.
Pension shortfall looms for workers leaving the workforce early
Exiting the workforce early could reduce one’s pension by up to £150,000, warns Standard Life.
Survey reveals employers struggle with young workforce’s evolving priorities
A new survey by The Open University reveals significant challenges in hiring and retaining young employees, with changes in their work values and priorities attributed largely to the pandemic's impact on work experience.
Workers at Glasgow Airport secure major wage deal
The new deal includes a 10.9% wage increase to £12.20 per hour, which is 20 pence above the real living wage.
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.