41% of workers admit pulling ‘sickies’ to make the most of hot weather, research reveals
According to Virgin Media O2’s broadband network analysis, traffic dips have emerged during the period warmest weather.
Latest
Civil Service launches learning and development programme for economists
Tom Aldred, head of the GES team, said: “The Priority Skills initiative provides new opportunities for economists to keep learning and demonstrates our commitment to a positive learning culture in the GES.
Benefits Guru reveals ‘standalone open finance ratings’ for workplace pension providers
Aviva, Intelliflo, Mercer, Scottish Widows and Standard Life received gold ratings, while True Potential received silver.
Train driver age cut to 18, opening thousands of jobs to school leavers
The Government announced that thousands of jobs and apprenticeships will be made available to those between 18 and 20 years old as early as December 2025, offering experience and long-term career opportunities.
Lenovo UK & Ireland achieves Menopause Friendly Accreditation
Adrian Criddle said: “This recognition reflects our dedication to creating a workplace where all employees feel supported and valued."
Broadstone appoints Bill Pedersen as non-executive director
Pedersen said: “I am delighted to join the business as it looks to develop its proposition and establish itself as a leader in the insurance market."
GMB urges council and school workers to reject 3.2% pay offer
Kevin Brandstatter said: “GMB’s committees were unanimous; this offer isn’t enough and it's shocking this full and final pay offer was made without any negotiation."
Compensation & Benefits
Marsden Building Society launches ‘Workplace Savings Scheme’
The scheme is only open to employees at businesses with 50 or more staff, with Marsden offering interest rates of up to 3.00% p.a./AER variable.
Grant Thornton sets up EBT to share equity with senior staff
This EBT will hold a chunk of the firm’s equity to reward senior staff below partner grade, with allocations going to employees at manager level and above.
Recruitment & HR
IAAF signs Armed Forces Covenant
The IAAF signed the covenant at the Automechanika Birmingham Motorvate event earlier this month.
HiBob launches tailored SMB HR platform for UK firms
The bundles, designed for SMBs, focus on payroll and talent management, following feedback and market research.
Culture of conflict avoidance on the rise for UK businesses, research reveals
A survey by WorkNest found that 43% of employers and HR professionals said fear of confrontation or escalation is the single biggest barrier to resolving disputes early.
Work-life balance expectations drives staff turnover in events sector – MIA
53% of those surveyed saw an increase in burnout, stress or wellbeing issues in the last year, with high workloads and tight deadlines named as the main reasons.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Babcock and BAE systems tops ‘Employers of Veterans 2025’ list
The list recognised organisations offering clear and supportive pathways for veterans, reservists and military families.
Lamborghini highlights inclusive culture in first Sustainability Report
With more than 70 indicators and a focus on internal culture, the report included a participatory process involving more than 50 employees and 100 cross-functional sessions.
Thousands recognised for diversity efforts in 2025 National Diversity Awards shortlist
The winners will be announced at an event at Liverpool’s Anglican cathedral on 19th September, hosted by Clare Balding CBE.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service awarded Menopause Friendly Accreditation
Deborah Garlick said: “They are not only supporting their own colleagues – they are helping shape the future of menopause support across the emergency services.”
Technology
Pearson and Google partner to bring AI-powered learning tools to UK schools
The new tools aim to give teachers more data on pupils’ progress and help them target lessons to meet curriculum standards.
Mitie launches AI apprenticeship to boost digital skills across workforce
The 12-month course will teach practical AI and data skills aimed at helping staff use tools like Microsoft Copilot in their day-to-day work.
69% of financial services staff want AI use monitored – Smarsh UK
29% said they were worried they did not know where potentially sensitive information was going when AI agents were used.
Health & Wellbeing
MPs face same sleep struggles as night shift workers, survey finds
The survey, carried out by Night Club and the universities of East Anglia and Oxford found over 40% of MPs said they were rarely happy with their sleep quality.
Coventry Building Society recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Wellbeing
The organisation ranked 20th out of 50 in the ‘super large’ category.
65% of workers say psychological safety is overlooked – Dräger UK
63% of workers thought too much responsibility was being placed on employees when it came to workplace safety and wellbeing.
SME leaders face longer hours and rising stress as workforce shrinks – Virgin Media O2
The research found 76% reported a negative impact on wellbeing and 51% said they were more stressed now compared to when they started their business.
Employee Relations
BMA backs protections for doctors involved in climate activism, citing employment concerns
At the BMA's Annual Representative Meeting, delegates passed key elements of a motion that underscores the ethical responsibility of doctors to act on the climate crisis and urged for further protections within employment and regulatory frameworks.
BTTJ urges employers to focus on employment law basics over speculation on changes
Kerry Hudson said: “Rather than reacting to headlines, employers should see this as an opportunity to strengthen their foundations.”
Deputy partners with Predelo to support shift-based businesses
The collaboration aims to transform how shift-based companies manage their employees.
One in 12 employees experienced threats in the workplace in the past year, research reveals
Data revealed that workplace violence was found in all industries examined, from finance to construction to the arts.
Global HR
British Safety Council celebrates winners of International Safety Awards 2025
The awards recognised 789 organisations from 45 countries for their efforts in preventing workplace injuries and work-related ill health in 2024.
Government targets global experts with £54m fund to fill UK skills gap
The Global Talent Taskforce is set up to focus on bringing in researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, managers, engineers and creatives.
Deputy appoints Ciaran Hale as chief technology officer
Hale will work with the product, data and platform teams to strengthen technology foundations and develop solutions for shift-based businesses.
infinitSpace to open second Berlin workspace in partnership with PATRIZIA
Flexible workspace provider infinitSpace is expanding in Berlin with a second site, opening in August 2025, in collaboration with global real asset manager PATRIZIA.