Over half of businesses suspect AI is behind employee complaints, survey finds
The survey of 200 HR professionals by Irwin Mitchell found that 60% of UK businesses have recently handled grievances they suspect were generated by AI tools.
Latest
National Audit Office highlights challenges in new early years entitlements rollout
The National Audit Office reports challenges in the rollout of new early years entitlements, noting significant uncertainties in sector capacity and the need for substantial increases in staffing to meet ambitious government targets.
Unite criticises government’s delay of the Fair Tips Act
Unite criticises the government's postponement of the Fair Tips Act to October 2024, highlighting a pattern of delays and urging hospitality workers to actively organize for their rights.
KPMG UK pioneers employment of prison leavers in crime reduction effort
KPMG UK partners with the government to employ prison leavers, aiming to reduce reoffending and address labor shortages, setting an example for other major businesses in the UK.
OneAdvanced reports significant reduction in gender pay gap
OneAdvanced reports a reduction in its gender pay gap from 11.4% to 6.2%, highlighting effective diversity initiatives.
Automatic enrolment success risks people “sleepwalking into retirement” – Hargreaves Lansdown
More people are saving into pensions as a result of the scheme, but only 39% of people were found to be on track for a moderately comfortable retirement, according to Hargreaves Lansdown’s research.
Up to £6000 available for teachers of key subjects in new government initiative
The UK government announces a £6000 incentive for teachers of STEM, construction, engineering, and early years, backed by a £200 million investment, .
Compensation & Benefits
Health and wellbeing support helps 59% of employers meet ESG goals – GRiD
40% said benefits were extended to family members, and 35% said supporting staff wellbeing helped reduce the strain on the state.
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.
Recruitment & HR
Searches for “work bullying” surge as employees seek support outside workplace channels
YuLife reported that UK Google searches for the term increased by 114% month-on-month, with more than 12,000 searches during the period.
Perceptions of stress deterring people from financial services careers, research reveals
The independent survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by MFS, found that 55% of people would not consider a career in financial services.
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.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Two in five film and TV workers faced bullying last year, research reveals
The Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass 2024 Deep Dive found 32% of people had experienced bullying or harassment in the past year, and 19% faced discrimination.
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.”
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
Half of managers’ ideas never put into action – YouGov
Just 43% saw ideas implemented, even though 88% had suggestions to make work better.
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.”
One in 10 employees could quit over poor pension benefits – Scottish Widows
The research found the main reason for dissatisfaction was uncompetitive pension benefits compared with other employers, reported by 68%.
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.