Unions ballot council workers over potential nationwide strike

Some of the biggest unions in the country are balloting their members to assess the appetite for industrial action, due to ongoing anger over the 1% pay offer for workers in the public sector.

Unclear drug and alcohol policies can be problematic, warn experts

A lack of clarity in drug and alcohol policies can spell trouble for employers, especially in tribunals, a panel of experts agreed yesterday.

Minimum wage 'crooks' named by HMRC

The Government has released its latest report into employers who owe staff money after failing to pay them the national minimum wage over the past 12 months.

Number of private sector union members recovers after decline

The number of private sector employees in unions rose between 2010 and 2013 after a gradual decline over 15 years, according to figures released by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills.

Dorchester Collection to protect staff from Brunei boycott

The Dorchester Collection has promised to protect jobs, wages and benefits in spite of a potentially harmful boycott due to the company’s links to Brunei.

Employee dishonesty: do you know your staff?

Important lessons can be learnt from the “Employee Fraudscape” report recently published by CIFAS, the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service.

Post Office workers secure long-term pay increase

The Post Office and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) have agreed a pay deal, following negotiations lasting over 12 months.

Dean Royles calls for union talks over impending strikes

NHS Employers chief executive Dean Royles has urged unions to engage in talks over employee pay as UNISON and Unite consider industrial action.

KPMG supports living wage event Fair Play Fortnight

KPMG is supporting a TUC initiative to raise awareness about the living wage. The Fair Play Fortnight is a series of events across the UK from 24 March to 6 April.

Royal Mail to axe 1,600 staff

The Royal Mail has announced 1,600 workers are to lose their jobs in cost-saving measures. Talks with its unions, Unite and the Communication Workers Union (CWU), start today.

NHS will be tested by 1% pay rise, says Dean Royles

NHS chief executive Dean Royles says that a 1% public sector pay rise will affect staffing levels at the organisation.

Guide to managing young people published

Employers hiring young members of staff should manage colleagues’ expectations of what they can do and consider giving them a mentor, new guidelines suggest.