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
UK job market struggles as vacancies drop and unemployment rises
The UK job market sees a significant downturn with a continual drop in vacancies and a rise in unemployment.
Generative AI reshapes workforce needs, says NTUC LearningHub report
A new report by NTUC LearningHub reveals that 87% of business leaders are integrating Generative AI technologies, highlighting a critical need for GenAI skills such as data analytics and digital marketing.
Navigating ADHD: Breaking down assumptions
Frith Connold discusses her experiences navigating ADHD in the workplace.
NHS sickness data shows average nurse took entire week off sick last year due to stress-related illness
NHS data shows UK nurses are taking significant time off due to stress, with the RCN calling for urgent governmental and leadership action to address the deepening workforce and mental health crises in the nursing profession.
Health and wellbeing increasingly pivotal in UK employment landscape
Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Towergate Health & Protection, emphasised the changing dynamics: “The research confirms something of which we have long since been aware: that salary alone is no longer enough to attract and retain the best talent."
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.
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.