Cancer drives more long-term absences among younger workers, finds Unum UK
Cancer claims among employees under 40 went up by 36% between 2024 and 2025.
Latest
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.
Nearly 300,000 file self assessment returns in first week of new tax year
Almost 300,000 taxpayers filed their self assessment tax returns in the first week of the new tax year, taking advantage of the benefits of early filing, as HMRC encourages more to follow suit to avoid end-of-year rush and manage financial planning better
Compensation & Benefits
EXCLUSIVE: Demand for benefits technology drives 350% growth at Mattioli Woods
The UK wealth management and employee benefits firm said the number of clients implementing its technology platforms had more than tripled by the end of 2025.
One in three UK workers fear they will never retire comfortably, research finds
The Barnett Waddingham survey found 32% of workers lack confidence in their retirement income, with concerns particularly pronounced among those nearing retirement.
Recruitment & HR
Employers urged to address gender attitudes as Gen Z enters workforce
Biscuit Recruitment warned that some traditional or regressive attitudes towards gender roles may be resurfacing among younger generations.
Majority of employers unprepared for Employment Rights Act, survey finds
A survey by UKG of more than 2,000 UK employees found that 64% of frontline workers still receive shift updates through informal channels.
‘Sandwich generation’ driving surge in stress and burnout consultations, data shows
Adults aged 40 to 60 are driving the highest levels of stress, burnout and mental health consultations on Teladoc Health UK’s platform.
Hounslow Council launches £7.5bn Golden Mile London regeneration with 25,000 jobs planned
The programme will provide new homes, jobs, workspace, greener streets, better transport and new community facilities.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
35% of workers say employers fail to train managers on neurodiversity – Acas
The survey showed only 32% said their employer effectively trained managers to make reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent staff.
NHS England reports drop in staff engagement and morale in 2025 survey
Morale dropped to 5.35 from 5.73, with more staff considering leaving and negative stress indicators up.
Government brings in new measures to boost women’s participation in tech industry
The new plan includes a jobs programme for 300 women to take up paid placements in tech roles across the UK, funded by a £4m TechFirst Women’s Programme.
The Access Group named ‘Human Company of The Year’
The Access Group was recognised for keeping a strong focus on employees during growth in artificial intelligence (AI).
Technology
Cybersecurity fears and skills gaps slowing small business digital transformation, survey finds
The SME Digitalisation Report found that while more than half of SMEs (55%) see digitalising their processes as a key growth priority for 2026, a vast majority (93%) held concerns about implementing
59% of leaders believe employees use AI daily, finds Multiverse
23% of CEOs said staff were already handing whole tasks to AI, but only 8% of employees reported doing this.
Half of SMEs plan to replace staff roles with AI – Paragon Bank
24% of SME leaders said they had no plans to reduce headcount via AI, while the rest were unsure.
Health & Wellbeing
Coventry University research highlights need for stronger NHS support after workplace violence
New research urges NHS organisations to focus on the period after violent incidents to better protect staff wellbeing and improve retention.
Young workers demand stronger wellbeing support from employers
Nearly six in ten workers aged 18–34 say wellbeing benefits are essential, with many calling for medical cover, wellbeing allowances and mental health leave.
Aviva launches financial wellbeing tool for pension savers
Simon Ellis, workplace pensions director at Aviva, said: “Our aim is to make financial wellbeing support easier, smarter, and more impactful.”
Business Disability Forum reveals Disability Smart Impact Awards 2026 finalist list
This year’s finalists include a range of HR and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) employers and professionals.
Employee Relations
Tandem Bank named among UK’s Best Workplaces 2026
Tandem Bank has been recognised in the UK’s Best Workplaces 2026 list by Great Place To Work, ranking 99th in the Large Companies category.
Raven Housing Trust retains Investors in People Gold accreditation
Raven Housing Trust has been reaccredited with Investors in People Gold, reflecting strong colleague engagement and a continued focus on culture and leadership.
44% of staff feel they cannot be themselves at work, finds MHFA England
39% said not being themselves at work held back their productivity and 16% had held back ideas or suggestions for the same reason.
Two-thirds would give up people management if pay stayed the same – YouGov
Younger managers were the least keen, with nearly three-quarters of generation Z and millennials (73%) saying they would opt out of managing.
Global HR
UK now top global hub for startup hiring – Deel
Of nearly 100 startups that each raised over $100m (£79m) in funding, 12.2% of cross-border hires were in the UK – the highest share worldwide.
Chartered status offers vital career boost in the age of AI, says CISI
CISI said the designation helps maintain standards of professionalism and trust as financial services become more global and AI use increases.
Formula E selects HiBob to boost global HR management
HiBob’s HR platform will be used throughout Formula E’s operations to centralise people management and support its international workforce.
CISI launches jobs board to boost global financial services careers
The platform features real-time job postings, smart search and filtering tools, and career guidance from CISI experts.