Why do we need improv practice?
We hold “Pop Up” shows every now and then. The shows are free 45-minute shows that take place in the basement bar of a local pub (Valhalla, at 7:30 pm on April 24, 2025 for Basel residents). These shows are where we practice our new material before incorporating it into paid shows. As improv is […]
Senior HR roles are paying more than junior roles
A new study shows that the pay of HR directors has increased faster than other HR roles over the last year. Incomes Data Research found that most HR directors experienced a substantial salary increase. Their median salary rose by 20,9%, from PS111.982 in 2020 to PS135,381 for 2025. IDR’s study also revealed that the pay […]
Dundee University to investigate reasons behind job losses
A probe has been launched to investigate the PS35m surplus that led Dundee University earlier this week to announce that 632 jobs at the institution were at risk. The Scottish Funding Council’s (SFC) investigation will look at the reasons behind the “deterioration of the institution’s financial situation” and try to understand why this was a […]
Trump closes US Mediation Body in Industrial Disputs
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has effectively shut down a key federal government agency in the US that mediates industrial disputes. Doge took action in response to a presidential decree signed by Donald Trump on 14 March, which directed federal agencies to eliminate non-statutory components and reduce the performance of statutory functions and the […]
British Steel to cut 2,700 jobs from Scunthorpe Plant
British Steel will consult about the closure of its Scunthorpe steelmaking operation and two blast furnaces. This would put 2,700 of a 3,500-strong workforce at risk. The company stated that the Jingye Group, which is the largest shareholder in British Steel, has invested over PS1.2bn since 2020 to maintain the operations at the Lincolnshire facility […]
University of Sussex challenges Kathleen Stock’s right to freedom of expression
After being fined PS585,000 for failing to respect freedom of expression, the University of Sussex accused the Office for Students of mounting an ‘unreasonable and vindictive campaign’ against them. In 2021, after Kathleen Stock resigned from her position as a philosophy professor following allegations of transphobia, the OfS began an investigation into the case. Professor […]
The Spring Statement: What HR should know
In her Spring Statement yesterday, the Chancellor didn’t make any major changes or announcements. The Chancellor instead stood firm in her commitment to economic stability and growth. The news was welcomed by employers who are still dealing with the fallout of last year’s autumn budget. These changes include increases in employers’ National Insurance contributions, parts […]
Face-to face learning – unmatched value
Face-to-face interaction is often overlooked in an age dominated by digital interactions. Its value should not be undervalued. Firebrand Training is one of the top 20 IT Training providers in the world. We have had the pleasure of hosting them at Wyboston for more than 15 years. Their success in delivering face-to-face or hybrid models […]
British politeness gets in the way of salary transparency as many ‘won’t discuss pay’
The majority of UK job adverts (71%) now include pay information – the highest rate in Europe. But according to research there is something that is still getting in the way of salary transparency: the widespread reluctance among UK employees to discuss earnings. The survey, by hiring platform Indeed, found that while 81 percent of […]
Spring Statement: wage increases confirmed as welfare cuts spark criticism
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the Spring Statement on Wednesday, unveiling a £14 billion package aimed at supporting the UK economy. Key measures include increases to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage, alongside a £1 billion investment to help people return to work. However, further cuts to welfare have drawn criticism, with concerns that […]