Operational Efficiency

The cost of living crisis has returned: HR must be ready

The cost of living may again become a problem this year, representing yet another challenge for employers.

White accountant who complained of race discrimination was victimised, tribunal rules

A white accountancy firm executive was awarded more than £40,000 for victimisation at tribunal after she was dismissed following an internal complaint of race discrimination.

Don’t shut down conversation about divisive issues

Though it's tempting to try and shut down workplace conversations about divisive issues, stifling conversation is unlikely to be successful.

Not providing private breastfeeding area was sex discrimination, tribunal rules

A Cardiff-based NHS board discriminated against a healthcare support worker on the basis of sex, a tribunal has ruled, after it failed to provide a private area for the worker to express breast milk.

UK employees feel less appreciated than those in Australia and US

The UK falls behind the US and Australia when looking at employee appreciation, according to the findings of a survey published today (16 January) by employee engagement company Reward Gateway...

HR reacts: MPs call for paid miscarriage leave

Women who have had a miscarriage should get two weeks of paid bereavement leave from work, according to a group of MPs who are members of the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC).

Middle management is the crucial communication link

Despite their important role in translating strategy into action, middle managers are frequently the weakest link in communication.

Workers fear burnout as employers tighten resources

Two thirds of workers (62%) are worried about being overworked this year, a survey by recruitment firm Robert Half, has shown.

Long-term sickness will be the toughest challenge of 2025

The UK is facing a growing crisis of long-term sickness. A rise in chronic health conditions have led to 2.8 million people being economically inactive.

Workers unprepared for care costs after retirement

Fewer than one in five (17%) employees have factored the cost of long-term care into their retirement planning, research by professional services consultancy firm Barnett Waddingham has revealed.

“Clear” culture of racism at Al Fayed’s Harrods, ex-staff say

Former staff employed during Mohamed Al Fayed’s ownership of Harrods have claimed there was a culture of racism, BBC News reported on 9 January.

Men in 1970s paedophile campaign worked with minors

Men who were a part of a 1970s campaign group for the legalisation of paedophilia were employed in roles where they came into contact with minors, BBC News reported on 8 January.