Employment

Rail strike could be combatted with agency workers following legal change

Government is considering using agency workers to replace striking staff during one of the largest rail strikes in history, set to take place next week.

Underrepresented groups consistently trapped in insecure work

Women, disabled workers, ethnic minorities and young workers have been disproportionately affected by insecure employment over the last 20 years.

Hiring demand increases as unemployment rates fall

Companies are hiring more frequently than ever, at a time when job vacancies are exceeding the rate of unemployment.

What should HR expect from government's future of work review?

HR software

The UK government has announced plans to conduct a review into the future of work led by MP Matt Warman.

Employment Bill snub in Queen's speech leaves workers' rights in limbo

The long-awaited Employment Bill will not form part of the Queen's Speech, leaving working standards at a crossroads.

Extra bank holiday could give HR contract conundrum

The addition of an extra bank holiday to the calendar could create a sticking point between employers and employees.

Redundancies on horizon for nearly a fifth of employers

Almost one in five (18%) employers plan to let staff go in the next year according to new research from Acas.

Rise in redundancies could have long-lasting consequences, HR warned

Planned redundancies increased by 103% at the start of 2022, posing a risk to company reputation.

Employment Bill delay detrimental to worker's rights

The government’s rumoured decision to scrap the Employment Bill from the Queen’s Speech in May has been met with derision by the HR community.

Freelancers plugging skills gaps rather than permanent hires

HR directors across the UK are looking to plug the skills gap with freelancers and contractors rather than permanent hires.

P&O scandal adds new fire to Employment Bill demand

A collection of unions headed by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have urged business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng to say when the update to the UK's Employment Bill, first promised in 2019, will be put on...

Labour market stays strong, but concerns rise over growing inactivity

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Labour Force Survey data for August to October this year shows that the labour market remains tight as employment increased and unemployment decreased over the...