What the Autumn Statement means for employers
With changes to national insurance thresholds to a rise in the national living wage, Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement contained several important changes that employers need to prepare for. Rise in national living wage From April 2017, the national living wage for over-25s will rise 4.2%. This will mean an increase from £7.20 to £7.50 per […]
One in seven care workers on zero- hours contracts
The latest Office for National Statistics figures show a steep rise in the number of care workers on zero-hours contracts. In 2015, the number stood at roughly one in ten. It is now one in seven. Unemployment steady but employment insecure These figures follow the news that in the three months up to August, UK […]
£1.9bn fines under GDPR for bank breach
If the recent security breach of Tesco Bank accounts had happened under General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), Tesco would be facing fines of over £1.9bn. Supermarket chain Tesco, owners of Tesco Bank, admitted to a serious security breach following complaints of discrepancies in customers’ accounts. Criminals hacked 40,000 accounts and stole money from 20,000. Tesco […]
Government invests £1.9 billion to fight cyber-crime
The Government is investing £1.9 billion to protect the UK from cyber-crime as part of its new National Cyber Security Strategy. The strategy outlines measures to protect the UK from cyber threats and to make it one of the safest places to do business. It will support specialist police units to tackle organised online crime […]
Amazon drivers admit breaking speed limit to stay on schedule
Amazon drivers have revealed that they have to break speed limits in order to keep to their strict delivery schedule. The online retailer has also been accused of allowing drivers to work illegal hours and paying them less than minimum wage. As part of a BBC investigation, an undercover reporter worked for AHC Services who […]
Huge drop in unfair dismissal cases after tribunal fees introduced
The number of people taking their employers to tribunals has fallen by 73% since tribunal fees of £1,200 were brought in. A study by the TUC has found that discrimination cases on the grounds of gender have dropped by 71%, race by 58% and disability by 54%, since the new charges were introduced. The TUC […]
Deloitte announces a 16-week family leave package for staff
Deloitte has announced a family leave program, which comes into effect immediately, and aims to support staff who have care responsibilities – whether that is looking after a new baby, or caring for an elderly parent during the later stages of their life. Both male and female members of staff will be entitled to anything […]
Volunteering is a great way to boost your career prospects
In the past decade, it has become harder than ever to get that perfect job in the sector that you want. Thanks to a lack of jobs available, alongside more qualified individuals than ever before, it is clear why there may be a struggle to gain jobs. But there are things you can do to […]
Back to school
How to manage staff with child care responsibilities, when their children go back to school. When you are running a company, it is important that you are able to get the most out of not only your staff, but your team as a whole. This means that the company will thrive and hit as many […]
Working when ill – Hillary Clinton
There are many issues surrounding taking sick days away from work. Recently, Hillary Clinton cancelled a trip to California which has highlighted that often people work when they are sick. Hillary Clinton, who is 68-years old had to leave a 9/11 memorial service early after reportedly overheating, and recent reports have suggested that she may […]
The effects of Brexit on UK job creation
Brexit has been right at the front of everyone’s mind for a number of months since the results of the UK referendum were announced. There are many ways in which the decision for the UK to leave the EU is likely to have an impact on the country as a whole in the near and […]
Deliveroo will not force workers to take on new contracts
Following protests by its workers, takeaway delivery company Deliveroo has announced it will withdraw plans to make staff take on new contracts, which would have seen them earning less than the National Living Wage. Many workers said that the new deal could mean that they would earn less money and lose the security of an […]
Dress codes at work
There is a golden rule regarding dress codes if you want to work in the financial sector – do not wear loud ties or brown shoes. Candidates who turn up for interviews wearing brown shoes, ‘loud’ ties or suits that don’t fit properly, are being rejected for investment bank jobs, for falling foul of these […]
MPs call on Government to protect employment rights
A group of MPs, made up of pro-remain supporters, are calling on Theresa May and the Government to provide commitments to workers and employers, that employment rights provided under the EU, would be still be protected following Brexit. There is serious concern that some of these rights would end after the UK leaves the EU, unless […]
BHS closes its doors for last time
After 88 years of being on the high street, BHS has finally closed its doors for the last time. BHS announced it was going into liquidation back in April this year, putting which would lead to around 11,000 people losing their jobs and 22,000 pensions being put at risk. It also saw previous owner Sir Philip […]
Amazon to trial 30-hour working week
Amazon is planning a trial that will see some of its staff working only 30 hours a week. Instead of working the usual 40-hour week, a number of Amazon staff from the company’s human resources department will be allowed to reduce their hours to just 30. This will mean that they will earn 75% of […]
Are men more likely to be promoted into management
Women are less likely to be promoted at work and more likely to earn less than their male colleagues, according to data gathered by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Men also occupy more management jobs than women the higher up the business they go. In 2015 it was 40% more likely that men would be […]
Sports Direct to pay staff £1m in back pay
The sportswear firm, Sports Direct, has agreed to pay its workers around £1m in wage arrears. Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley admitted that his company broke the law, by paying staff less than the minimum wage. Trade Unions have said that they expect the back pay could be anything up to £1,000 for some workers […]
Ministers urged to tackle Muslim unemployment inequality in the UK
A House of Commons report has revealed that Muslim unemployment is the highest of all the ethnic and religious groups in the UK. The report by the Women and Equalities Committee, found that the average unemployment figure is 5.4%, but the figure among Muslims is 12.8%. The Employment Opportunities for Muslims in the UK report, […]
Prime Minister refuses to back down on National Living Wage plans
Prime Minister Theresa May has said that she will not back down on the Government’s plans to increase the national living wage over the next few years. Mrs May has dismissed calls from top business leaders to drop its 2012 target and restore the powers of the Low Pay Commission. The minimum pay rate for over […]