World hit by WannaCry cyber attack
In May a ransomware cyber attack infected more than 230,000 computers in over 150 countries. Affected organisations included the NHS, Nissan, FedEx, and Honda, among others. Thankfully, the spread of the worm was halted by quick-thinking security researcher, Marcus Hutchins, who managed to activate a so-called 'kill switch' encoded into the software. But does this fall into HR's purview? And what is HR’s role in preventing cyber disasters?
Median basic pay expectations fall
Employers anticipated awarding median pay rises of just 1% in the year ahead from May, according to the CIPD and Adecco Group’s Labour Market Outlook. The survey of more than 1,000 employers found that their median basic pay expectations in the 12 months to March 2018 have fallen to 1%, compared to 1.5% at the start of 2016. This is lower than at any time during the past three and a half years.
The best bits of HR magazine in May:
The five key collaboration challenges
In May’s cover story, we outlined the five key challenges to collaboration for businesses in today's world of work, and how best to overcome them. Challenges covered include busting silos, collaborating globally and encouraging open innovation.
Legal-ease: Committing gross misconduct by inaction
It is possible to summarily dismiss for an act of negligence so serious that it results in a loss of trust and confidence, but the facts of the particular situation must be closely examined, says Nina Robinson, a director at ESP Law, which provides HR magazine's HR Legal Service. She looks at the Adesokan v Sainsbury’s case to explain.
"Stop calling me brave": Alastair Campbell on redefining mental health
Campbell talks exclusively about his mission to de-stigmatise mental health, and how it can boost resilience. “I think we shouldn’t confuse being content all the time with a good day at work,” he says. “The best days at work I’ve had have been a real struggle. The Good Friday Agreement was the highlight of my career and it was mind-blowingly difficult. But at the end of it we were so proud. We shouldn’t be too touchy-feely about this idea of a good day at work."
Could 'barista visas' solve the post-Brexit hospitality challenge?
How can the UK’s hospitality and tourism industries remain competitive when there aren’t enough staff? David Starr, a solicitor in the immigration team at SA Law, discusses a special proposed visa that will allow EU citizens to come to the UK for two years in order to work in the hospitality, retail or other related industries.
