Autumn Budget 2025: Missed opportunity to support workforce wellbeing, say experts
Clare Lusted said: “At a time when employers are looking for ways to support their workforces, more supportive measures would have helped them to do so.”
Sector gap widens in employee wellbeing support among SMEs – Unum UK
71% of SMEs offer at least one wellbeing initiative, but uptake drops among smaller firms due to limits on time, resources and expertise.
Four in five small firms cautious ahead of Autumn Budget, research finds
According to research from Uswitch.com, three in five SME owners identified increasing costs for energy, rent, and materials as the biggest barrier to saving more.
SMEs cut costs and freeze hiring ahead of Budget – Rathbones
40% of SMEs have made or considered changes ahead of the Budget, with 32% already cutting costs or restructuring and 31% delaying hiring.
Most SMEs expect growth but struggle with rising workloads – Aviva
More than three quarters (77%) of SMEs said they are taking on tasks outside their main job more than once a week.
jobmate launches cloud planner to support SMEs and field operatives
The system allows users to schedule and reallocate jobs quickly using a drag-and-drop interface.
Most SMEs offer health benefits, few use top-rated services – Canada Life
The survey showed that 82% of staff provided access to at least one insurance-based health or wellbeing benefit.
Report shows data ‘gap’ holding back SME van fleets
Ford Pro research highlights that lack of expertise and privacy concerns are stopping SMEs from unlocking the benefits of connected vehicle data, despite strong potential gains.
SMEs prioritise upskilling staff as labour market tightens
Nearly half of UK SMEs plan to upskill existing staff in 2025, according to Shawbrook research, as firms adapt to recruitment challenges.
Grassroots Recruitment launches Hiring Insights Reports to improve hiring decisions
These reports use live data and Grassroots’ sector knowledge to give employers a clearer picture of the local recruitment market.
Skills shortages could hamper construction recovery despite surge in demand
The survey showed that 33% of firms found it hardest to recruit carpenters, with 32% struggling with roofers and 28% with plumbers and HVAC specialists.
75% of SME leaders say better personal wellbeing positively impacts business
The American Express Business Barometer survey revealed that over four-fifths (82%) agreed they perform better at work when they are mentally and physically healthy.
