Avanti West Coast unveils train wrap celebrating workforce and community diversity
The unveiling forms part of Avanti’s wider equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, which is due to launch later this year.
Latest
TUC calls for urgent action to provide better career pathways and training opportunities
Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, said employment figures highlight the damaging effects of high interest rates on employment and living standards, urging immediate action from policymakers.
Thousands of carers receiving debt letters as review of Carer’s Allowance overpayments continues
Between May 2024 and February 2025, the number of outstanding Carer’s Allowance overpayment debts increased by over 9,000, with 143,922 people now affected.
Most employers offer responsible pensions, but few use it as default option – Scottish Widows
Research revealed that 61% of employees were unsure how to make such a switch, indicating a need for more education on pension choices.
Majority view Pension Freedoms reform positively as it celebrates 10 year anniversary – Standard Life
Ten years after the introduction of Pension Freedoms on April 6, 2015, research from Standard Life revealed that the vast majority of those who have accessed their savings view the reforms positively.
AI-related stocks drive growth for younger generations in DC default investment strategies
Hymans Robertson found that younger DC scheme members who are around 30 years from retirement have benefited from their higher exposure to equity markets.
Employee benefits key to workplace happiness, says Unum UK
Liz Walker said: "For happiness to exist at scale, wellbeing at an individual level must be a priority."
Compensation & Benefits
90% of architecture employees work overtime, two-thirds not compensated – RIBA
Research showed that two thirds of architects worked unpaid overtime with no extra pay or compensation.
Improved paternity leave could boost economy, says JRF
Increasing Statutory Paternity Leave from two weeks to six weeks at 90% of average weekly earnings could deliver a £2.68bn boost to the wider economy.
Recruitment & HR
Private market fund managers face technology and talent challenges, research reveals
According to CSC, hiring and retaining skilled professionals was another widespread challenge, with 39% of respondents ranking it as their top concern over the next three years.
80% of cancer patients in L&G Return-to-Work Programme make successful comeback
The findings of L&G's Chief Medical Officer (CMO) report underscored the growing impact of technology-led partnerships in managing serious health-related work absences.
M&S orders staff to work from home following cyber attack
Jessica Bass, partner at Oury Clark Solicitors, said: "It is vital that M&S maintains clear and open communication with all employees during this time, so they understand what is happening and why these steps are necessary."
BT Group opens Manchester flagship office as part of ‘Better Workplace’ programme
Four New Bailey will house up to 2,000 staff and features advanced technology and a rooftop terrace.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Trustee boards lack youth and diversity, survey finds
The The Charity Commission and Pro Bono Economics survey found that there were slightly more black trustees under 60 (7%) than in the general population (5%).
IPA partners with Brixton Finishing School to widen access to advertising careers
Through the partnership, Brixton Finishing School will offer employability support and resources to schools and students that take part.
BBC to improve workplace culture as it publishes independent review
The report from Change Associates, found no evidence of a toxic culture, but it highlighted key areas for improvement.
Menopause Advisory Group formed to boost workplace support
Convened by the Government’s Menopause Employment Ambassador, Mariella Frostrup, the group discussed the impact menopause can have on workers and current efforts to support women in work.
Technology
Aegon upgrades ‘Member Insights’ tool to boost pension engagement
The latest updates give employers, trustees and advisers more scheme information when sending targeted campaigns to employees.
One in five schools use AI despite lack of staff training, warns GMB
More than 84% of school workers said they have not received training on Digital and Technology Standards.
One in four workers worry that AI will lead to job losses – Acas
Acas commissioned YouGov to ask employees in Britain what their biggest concerns about the use of AI were.
Health & Wellbeing
Failure to offer workplace flexibility risks long-term decline, says Aalto University study
New research from Aalto University shows companies that fail to adapt to employee needs risk burnout, higher turnover, and weakened organisational performance.
Growing demand for sabbaticals as UK workers seek relief from burnout, says Robert Half
New research from Robert Half reveals 42% of UK employees want sabbaticals in 2025, as concern about burnout and workload pressures rises.
Caring duties leave nearly half of over 60s without pension savings – Phoenix Insights
Research revealed that among those with pension savings, carers had 17% less than the UK average, meaning a shortfall of about £37,000.
APN launches annual World Health & Safety week
The initiative is supported by the UK's eight major pallet networks, with teams at each network hub focusing on safety best practice and employee well-being.
Employee Relations
Birmingham Council cuts bin drivers pay by £8,000
Unite has said the council’s decision shows an escalation in the dispute and the council's real plans to use workers' pay as a way to cut costs.
Over a third of female SME owners face gender bias – AXA UK
Research revealed that 53% of the female SME owners surveyed said they felt pressure to prove themselves more than male business owners.
Violence against ambulance staff hits record high, as AACE urges Government action
For the first time, annual reported incidents of violence, aggression, and abuse against ambulance personnel surged past 22,500, marking a nearly 15% increase on the previous year.
NHS staff fatigue a hidden risk to patient safety, HSSIB warns
The investigation found that the impact of staff fatigue on both patient safety and workforce wellbeing is not being addressed within current NHS systems.
Global HR
UK lags in workplace productivity ranking, finds Ricoh Europe
The UK ranked lowest for workplace productivity, with UK workers lagging 11% behind leaders Spain.
Zellis receives two nominations at Global Payroll Awards 2025
The ceremony, scheduled for 5th June in Warsaw, Poland, aims to celebrate commitment to excellence and innovation in the payroll industry.
Government urged to introduce Workplace Justice Visa amid growing reports of migrant worker exploitation
The report by WoRC, entitled 'Safeguarding Sponsored Workers: A UK Workplace Justice Visa', outlined urgent reforms based on a six-country comparative study.
Language skills now critical to workforce access as EU migration rises 63%
Research from Preply revealed that a growing number of EU nations require applicants to demonstrate formal language proficiency as part of their residency and integration policies.