CIPD Festival of Work 2025: Day-one round-up

The CIPD Festival of Work 2025 began at the Excel centre in London on Wednesday (11 June). Here are some of the highlights from day one of the conference programme.

Pay it safe: Reducing risk in global payroll

As foreign exchange volatility introduces a further layer of complexity, payroll accuracy is essential for responsible business practice.

Former HS2 whistleblower wins £320k

A former worker on the railway project HS2 has won £319,070.95 after being unfairly dismissed for accusing his bosses of disguising the true price of the delayed railway project, according to a...

Manager engagement is falling fast. How can HR help?

Disengaged managers are leading disengaged teams. Rebuilding starts through leadership, coaching and motivation.

Comment

Easing the mental load of single parents at work

How often do we really stop to consider what it’s like to balance work, parenting, and life’s unpredictability without a partner to share the weight?

BA employee goes viral: How to manage reputational risk

A British Airways cabin crew member has gone viral after being discovered dancing naked in a business class toilet mid-shift, according to The Independent’s report of the incident yesterday (2 June).

When good roles go bad: How HR can design Smart jobs (part three)

By embracing Smart work design, HR leaders can proactively create roles that people thrive in. Here’s why it matters.

Workplace surveillance unfairly targets black employees, research suggests

Black employees in the UK may face a higher risk of workplace surveillance, according to research published today (30 May).

Make psychological safety a year-round stress reduction imperative

If we are serious about tackling the blight of workplace stress, we must look beyond wellbeing initiatives and address one of its most overlooked root causes: a lack of psychological safety.

Enhance preparations for business travel to the US, experts warn

HR professionals should more intensely prepare staff for travel to the US, according to HR commentators, in response to reports of stricter immigration enforcement and more aggressive border screening...

News

Thames Water pauses bonuses: how can HR set executive pay fairly?

Thames Water has paused its scheme to pay out bonuses to executives linked to securing its £3bn loan rescue deal, national news outlets reported yesterday (21 May).

News

Weathering workplace storms: How to protect people during organisational change

What evidence-based strategies can help build organisational resilience during waves of change?