Approximately 131 million working days were lost to sickness absence in 2011, a new report from the Office for National Statistics shows.

Although more than one in 10 of the British population comes from an ethnic minority group, only one in 15 (6.8%) of ethnic minority staff were in a management position in 2007.

Improved customer service could haul businesses out of recession, says Institute of Customer Service boss Jo Causon. And it's a great chance for HR to make its mark on staff training.

As businesses of all stripes seek to widen their diversity of talent, apprenticeships are proving a useful and practical means of bringing those with disabilities into the workforce.

CIPD chief executive Peter Cheese (pictured) yesterday set out his vision of a "new framework" for the future of HR.

You won’t achieve much through your managers if you don’t sharpen their soft skills