More than half of retired women rely on state pension, research finds
Aegon’s latest research revealed that 54% of retired women rely on the State Pension compared to just 28% of retired men.
Latest
38% of UK workers hesitant to request pay rises, finds survey
A survey reveals 38% of UK employees avoid asking for salary increases, highlighting April as a key month for negotiation due to financial year changes.
Half of UK workers feel neglected by employers amid cost of living crisis
Research by Health Shield Friendly Society indicates health and wellbeing benefits are key for employee retention, but many feel neglected on cost of living issues.
Taiwan to introduce Indian migrant workers under government-to-government scheme
Taiwan and India sign MOU to facilitate the recruitment of Indian workers through a government-to-government scheme, aiming to streamline the process and expand eligible sectors.
UK’s textile and agriculture sectors lead in wage growth, study finds
Recent study shows significant wage increases in UK's textile, agriculture, and real estate sectors, with textiles leading at a 12.31% rise.
Childcare costs force UK parents to cut work hours
Phoenix Group study reveals 25% of parents with young children reduce working hours due to childcare expenses.
71% of HR professionals report lack of adequate training, survey reveals
A survey finds 71% of HR professionals feel undertrained, highlighting challenges such as increased responsibilities, the importance of neurodiversity understanding, and the impact of hybrid work patterns on team management.
Compensation & Benefits
Gen Z generation most open about earnings – Saltus
Saltus asked 2,000 UK adults about how open they are about what they earn and found Generation Z is much more likely to discuss money.
Low pay and housing costs drive debt among 18 to 24-year-olds – StepChange
Research by StepChange Debt Charity revealed low pay, unemployment and high housing costs are driving debt problems among 18-24 year olds.
Recruitment & HR
61% of employees believe AI will increase employment, research finds
71% of employees across the US, UK, Germany, and Australia felt that AI has positively impacted their job.
Employment up for low income families, research finds
Employment rates among mothers in low-to-middle income families increased most sharply – from 46% in 1996-97 to 58% by 2022-23.
UK unemployment rate rises to 4.3% – ONS
Payrolled employees fell by 5,000 in October 2024 on the month but increased by 95,000 (0.3%) over the year, reaching 30.4 million.
More support from employers could help unpaid carers continue working in Northern Ireland – Carer Poverty Commission
The CPC estimated that a combination of flexible working and paid carer’s leave could increase the number in employment in Northern Ireland by more than 6,000.
Inclusivity, Equality & Diversity
Sellafield partnership listed among UK’s most inclusive employers
The Programme and Project Partners at Sellafield have been listed as one of the UK’s top inclusive employers.
30% of recruiters are aware of women being discriminated against at work, research finds
A survey of young women found rising levels of discrimination, reaching a three year high in 2024.
65% of companies reduce gender pay gaps, women still dominate low-paid roles – Isio
The report stressed that simply publishing pay gap data was not enough, and that employers must go further.
Midlife caregiving widens gender pay gap – Hargreaves Lansdown
Sarah Coles explains how the gender pay gap reflects deeper systemic issues that emerge as women progress through their careers.
Technology
Geary’s opts for Elementsuite for scheduling and pay software
Geary’s Bakery produces the Jason’s Sourdough range, and has more than 500 employees working across three sites.
Senior staff less likely to report cybersecurity threats than entry-level – Skillcast
Nearly half of UK workers (48%) would not immediately report a phishing email, with 41% delaying the reporting of compromised work passwords.
Pension annuity comparison quotes continue to hit new highs in 2024, says iPipeline
In the first six months of 2024, quotes for annuities were up 12%, compared to the same period in the previous year.
Health & Wellbeing
Perci Health reports that 88% of cancer survivors supported return to work in six months
100% of these participants reported that their return was faster due to the support they received.
BRC reports 1,300 incidents of violence against retail workers daily
The BRC and its retail members called for swift Government action to introduce a standalone offence.
Majority of unpaid carers say dedicated leave policies would help balance work and responsibilities – Carers UK
Unpaid carers provide care worth £184.3bn annually, nearly equivalent to the NHS budget of £189bn for 2021/22.
42% of organisations see rise in workplace incidents during festive season – EcoOnline
67% of respondents identified an increase in spending on environment, health and safety (EHS) protocols.
Employee Relations
NHS manager proposals provide added protection for whistle-blowers
NHS managers who silence whistle-blowers or endanger patients through misconduct could be barred from working, under new proposals.
73% of over-50s feel overlooked by employers, research finds
59% of professionals over 50 in the UK believed their age prevented them from being considered for training or upskilling opportunities.
Millennials and Gen Z more likely to pursue careers in sustainability and social impact
A senior lecturer in behavioural science at Aston University has highlighted the evolving perceptions of work.
BTC launches inquiry into Employment Rights Bill
The BTC described the bill as “the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.”
Global HR
Hays reports 17% decline in net fees amid global hiring slowdown
Hays faces a challenging market with a 17% decline in net fees due to reduced hiring confidence globally, but maintains financial stability through cost savings.
Apploi announces partnership with Empeon HR + payroll provider
Apploi, a workforce system for healthcare employers, has announced a new strategic partnership with Empeon, a healthcare-focused Payroll and HR platform.
Dstny wins Employee Wellbeing Award at ZoHRo Awards
Dstny wins Employee Wellbeing Award at ZoHRo Awards for its innovative approach to employee well-being, combining data-driven strategies and core values.
HR Acuity’s empowER community reaches 5,000 members
HR Acuity's empowER community reaches 5,000 members, highlighting its rapid growth and collaboration among employee relations leaders.