Pension withdrawals surge by 36% to £70.9bn as more savers access pots – FCA
The number of pension plans accessed for the first time increased by 8.6% to 961,575, compared to 885,455 in 2023/24.
Latest
47% of adults unaware how their pension is performing – Hargreaves Lansdown
Research found that men were more likely to know than women, at 58% compared to 36%.
CATCH hosts welding taster day for female students considering manufacturing careers
Caitlin Brewitt said: “That’s why it’s so powerful for these students to connect with women who are thriving in these careers – it makes the future feel achievable.”
Young women face highest career barriers and health stigma, research reveals
A survey from Superdrug Online Doctor found women aged 16 to 24 reported more negative behaviour from male colleagues and fewer chances to move up.
The University of Sunderland secures over £1m funding to upskill local workforce
The SSIP will deliver £1,188,252 of funded training aimed at upskilling organisations and employees in the city.
Police officers to receive 4.2% pay rise
The increase will apply to all ranks up to and including chief superintendents.
Places for London celebrates training 10,000 Londoners for construction roles
Jon Howlin said: "We're not just helping people into work — we're building a more inclusive, skilled and sustainable workforce for London."
Compensation & Benefits
60% of adults rank PMI as top workplace benefit – Howden Life and Health
Howden’s research found that 27% of adults have paid for private treatment themselves in the past five years.
EZOO calls on EV community to champion electrification for World EV Day
Salary sacrifice provider EZOO is urging staff, customers and EV drivers to share positive experiences and challenge misconceptions as part of World EV Day.
Recruitment & HR
NI Economy Minister launches Assured Skills Academy with EY
The academy will focus on practical experience in a strategy and transactions role, giving participants key business and technical skills.
Hounslow Youth Council launches recruitment drive for young people
Samia Chaudhary said: “The HYC is a powerful example of what can happen when we listen to young voices and empower them to deliver."
Gloucestershire County Council launches Connect to Work scheme
Linda Cohen said: “By supporting those who face barriers to getting into or getting back to work we are fostering a more inclusive and supportive community."
78% of Gen Z would join employers that prioritise mental health, research finds
Research by CERIPH and ERIC found 49% said they preferred a hybrid work model.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Benefit Cosmetics named among 2025 Best Workplaces in Retail, Hospitality & Leisure
Other large and super large firms listed were Encore, Hilton, Hugo Boss, Savers Health and Beauty, Shake Shack UK and Specsavers.
Blake Morgan and Suzy Lamplugh Trust partner on workplace safety
The partnership will see a series of online and in-person sessions designed to help employers understand their legal duties around harassment.
Money stress remains top barrier to workplace inclusion – moneyappi
Ray Law said: “Employers who address this gap head-on will help build a fairer, more inclusive workplace where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
NHBC launches 30 trainee roles to address house building skills shortage
The roles are open to applicants of all ages and backgrounds to help increase diversity in house building.
Technology
Public sector trails private sector in AI investment and strategy, report reveals
A survey from Access PaySuite found 58% of public sector bodies are investing in AI, but only 10% have significant strategies in place.
Tesco partners with Peoplesafe to offer safety app for 300,000 employees
The move came after staff said in listening sessions that they sometimes felt unsafe travelling to and from work.
Ciphr launches real-time HR and payroll integration
The cloud-based system lets users work in real time in both HR and payroll, even at busy payroll times, without affecting pay run data.
Health & Wellbeing
National at-work health service would cut absences and boost workforce, report finds
The Fabian Society said a national service would give everyone access to good quality support from both public and private sectors.
27% say working past retirement could help them live longer – Bupa
Over one in four employees over 55 said they did not feel supported to stay in work.
Automotive charity Ben expands support amid job losses
With UK automotive suppliers announcing thousands of redundancies, Ben is raising awareness about its 'Work, health and wellbeing' support.
Most employers base wellbeing strategies on health and safety, study reveals
87% of employers said their wellbeing strategies were grounded in health and safety.
Employee Relations
Most UK firms miss fraud law training, leaving them at risk – VinciWorks
Over a third (35%) of those surveyed said they still use spreadsheets for anti-money laundering onboarding, while 23% have no formal system at all.
S&A Academy urges employers to enrol staff before senior leadership funding ends
Jemma Perks said: “The government’s decision to withdraw funding has a direct impact on both employers and employees across the financial services sectors."
ABM Alliance relocates to refurbished Jubilee Hall workspace in Bristol
Jack Thompson and Gabriel Pike said: “The most important thing was having a space where ABM could grow and flourish as a company."
Rygor Group secures Great Place to Work recognition for fourth year
Rygor Group has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the fourth consecutive year, with employees praising its values, rewards and culture.
Global HR
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.
Teesside University Online expands global reach through FutureLearn partnership
The deal will see TU Online’s undergraduate, postgraduate and certificate programmes promoted and available through FutureLearn.