Operational Efficiency

Retail sector cuts employee benefits in half

Employers in the retail sector are cutting back on employee benefits by as much as 60% ahead of the national minimum wage increase in April, new research has revealed.

White House security breach raises workplace social media concerns

Amid the furore around the US government's data leak, in which a journalist was added to a social media group chat between senior officials discussing military plans, we asked HR whether employers...

Gender-critical scientist wins tribunal

A scientist has won his claim for constructive dismissal after experiencing hostility at work for his gender critical views, The Times has reported.

The devil is in the data: How HR can reduce fraud risk

Ahead of the new 'failure to prevent fraud' (FTP) law, HR must have reasonable training, policies and processes for preventing fraud.

Broadcasters fined for illegally sharing pay details with competitors

A watchdog has fined four broadcasters – the BBC, ITV, IMG and BT – £4.2million for illegally sharing pay information about freelance workers. We asked HR commentators how employers can effectively...

HMRC worker wins £25k for harassment after manager sent unwanted birthday card

A HMRC worker has won £25,000 in compensation at an employment tribunal, after a manager's contact – sending a birthday card – was ruled ‘unwanted conduct’.

Relationship building tops LinkedIn's fastest growing skills list

Relationship building is the most in-demand skill in today's workplace, according to LinkedIn's latest research, despite growing concerns that AI will replace human skills.

Visible difference: the invisible protected characteristic

To encourage an inclusive working environment, employers and HR professionals must make sure that they, and their employees, are educated about visible difference.

Google agrees to pay $28m in alleged discrimination case

Google agreed on Tuesday (18 March) to pay $28 million (£21.5 million) to settle a lawsuit alleging the company gave white and Asian employees better pay and career opportunities than employees of...

Corporate espionage lawsuit raises questions over safeguarding information

Leaders of HR software platform Rippling have sued a rival business, Deel, for alleged corporate espionage. The case raises questions around safeguarding company information.

Sports pundit must pay £300,000 after losing IR35 appeal

A former Liverpool footballer and Sky Sports commentator has lost an IR35 appeal at the upper-tier tribunal and consequently received a tax bill of almost £300,000.

P11D changes: HR must avoid HMRC hazards

Payrolling benefits-in-kind (BIKs) will become mandatory for all UK employers from April 2026, replacing the current manual system – which uses P11D forms – with real-time information.