OU launches toolkits to break down barriers for mothers returning to work
The university will work with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to train career coaches across its 600 Jobcentres.
Latest
Workforce grows by 72,000 from November to January – ONS
Unemployment remained steady at 4.4%, in line with both the previous quarter and market expectations. Economic inactivity also remained unchanged at 21.5% over the same period.
89% of SMEs enact redundancies post-Autumn Budget – GPA
The Budget increased the national living wage and employer national insurance contributions, putting pressure on businesses.
Young people with mental health conditions more likely to be out of work, finds Keep Britain Working Review
Statistics in Keep Britain Working Review also showed around a quarter of those who are economically inactive due to ill-health are under the age of 35.
Nearly half of graduates consider social media presence when choosing workplaces, survey finds
RateMyPlacement asked 2,000 graduates about their job search experiences, including how influential a company’s online presence was in their decision.
Nearly half the employees now view their job as “just about the money”, says CIPD
The professional body for HR and people development found that in 2024, 47% of employees viewed their job in transactional terms, compared to 38% in 2019.
Coffee machine or photocopier? Office dynamics will always need a focal point
Dan Lyon of FreshGround shares how the office coffee machine has become the new hub for workplace collaboration.
Compensation & Benefits
Scotrail workers secure two-year pay rise – Unite
Sharon Graham said: “We are pleased to have successfully negotiated this deal which helps to drive up jobs, pay and conditions in Scotland’s rail industry.”
One in 10 pension credit claimants miss out on entitlement due to inaccuracies – DWP
Around £100m went unclaimed, up from £80m the previous year.
Recruitment & HR
Q Branch Consulting implements ‘DISC’ system to help improve staff retention
Jenny Jarvis said: “We advocate sensitive use of the system to help leaders forge good relationships with staff rather than create negativity."
Org Group acquires Venturi to boost global digital talent offering
Org Group has acquired Manchester-based technology recruitment firm Venturi, expanding its presence in the UK, Germany and the US and strengthening its capabilities in the digital talent space.
Cybersecurity industry set for 12% annual growth as retailers face up to rising threats
Demand for cybersecurity talent is growing by up to 12% each year, with recent high-profile cyberattacks prompting a surge in hiring across retail and e-commerce sectors.
Employers risk staff burnout as rising employment costs drive tougher performance demands
Robert Half warns that rising National Insurance and wage costs are leading employers to increase pressure on staff, risking widespread burnout.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Louise Minchin to host ‘Inclusive Awards’ in London
Minchin said: “It will be an honour to host the Inclusive Awards and play my part in celebrating the amazing EDI work being done and showcase its impact.”
Menopause Friendly awards organisations with honours for menopause support in the workplace
Louise Minchin was given the ‘Menopause Friendly Inspirational Voice Honour’ for her work in raising the profile of menopause support.
Network Rail Academy opens pathway for NEET youth
The initiative is designed to give NEET youth practical skills and job opportunities, helping to secure the future workforce for the rail sector.
CNC supports staff during Mental Health Awareness Week
The event aims to encourage conversation and reduce stigma around mental health, with this year’s theme being ‘community’.
Technology
Employees lack AI training and risk falling behind, says Rydoo
Seb Vanhecke said: “AI is not going away, so it’s vital for senior leadership to ensure that teams are properly trained and supported to use it effectively."
NHS SBS and ImproveWell partner to deliver workforce transformation across NHS
Lara Mott said: “Together, we offer the tools and expertise needed to drive measurable impact on workforce retention, wellbeing and system-wide transformation."
Most students use AI for studies but fear job losses and weaker social skills – Yugo
78% of students were worried AI would lead to job losses, echoing concerns felt by students in the USA (79%), Ireland (78%) and Portugal (75%).
Health & Wellbeing
Amberley Labels employees mark 4,000 days injury-free with charity donation
To celebrate, employees donated £1,000 to Cystic Fibrosis Dream Holidays, a charity that gives free holidays to families with children who have cystic fibrosis.
LFB welcomes wellbeing dogs to boost staff support after traumatic incidents
The dogs are part of the staff wellbeing support on offer, especially following traumatic incidents.
11% of workers took mental health sick leave in 2024 – Simplyhealth
Younger workers aged 18 to 34 were most likely to take time off, at 16%, compared to 10% among 35 to 54-year-olds.
Lovell partners with Signposted Cymru to boost mental health support
Gemma Clissett said: “We care deeply about our employees and contractors, and hope they feel reassured knowing they can turn to our mental health first aiders."
Employee Relations
Colleague recognition helps staff handle tough workdays, research reveals
The study showed that workers felt embittered on days when they were given more unreasonable tasks, and this feeling often followed them home.
University of Greenwich set to cut a quarter of workforce – UCU
The university also plans to bring in a bank of academics on zero-hour contracts, with no guaranteed hours.
London bosses rated best in UK for employee satisfaction, new study finds
London managers have topped a national ranking for employee satisfaction, with staff in the capital reporting the highest levels of approval for their bosses.
Rise in working from home could be negatively impacting UK economy
A 10 month research project led by Southampton University looked into the economic impact of the work from home revolution that was sparked by the pandemic,
Global HR
Coats publishes global wellbeing whitepaper in partnership with Great Place To Work
Coats has launched a wellbeing whitepaper with Great Place To Work, highlighting over 500 global initiatives and tangible improvements in staff engagement.
Mindtools acquires Kineo to expand global learning and development services
The move brings the two companies together under the ownership of CIG, and aims to expand their learning solutions to more customers globally.
Gen Z now makes up largest share of hourly workforce, Deputy report reveals
Deputy has released its annual report The Big Shift: How Gen Z is Rewriting the Rules of Hourly Work, offering a comprehensive look at the changing dynamics of the hourly labour market.
Skillvue secures $6.3m to expand AI-powered skills and assessment platform
The HR platform, which initially focused on recruitment, has evolved into a broader tool for organisations to develop employee capabilities in response to rising demand for reskilling.