McDonald’s: Zero-hour culture fuels sexual harassment claims
In 2023, allegations of sexual harassment at the fast-food giant were brought to light. Emma Cocker argues that insecure employment is a factor in power imbalances, which can create a toxic work culture. McDonald’s, celebrating its 50th anniversary of operation in the UK announced plans to open more than 200 new restaurants over the next […]
M&S boss supports call for employers’ NIC to be phased in
Marks and Spencer’s chief executive has called on the government again to implement the increases in employers’ contributions to national insurance announced in the October Budget. Stuart Machin stated that he “wholeheartedly” supports an amendment to legislation proposed by Lord Simon Wolfson. Next, a rival retailer and a Conservative peer, has proposed phasing out the […]
Background checks for remote and hybrid workers – a new standard
Over the last few years, remote and hybrid models of work have gone from being experimental to becoming mainstream. The benefits of this new work era are unquestionable – access to a global pool of talent, reduced operating costs and an increase in employee satisfaction – but it also comes with its challenges. Background checks […]
Amanda Arrowsmith: A day in the life of an HR professional
A Day in the life of a HR Professional Amanda Arrowsmith, Director of People and Transformation at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in Wimbledon (London), is a woman. She lives in Stroud with her husband and is a CIPD employee who works on transformation, organisational development and people. She joined the association of […]
How will AI-employees shape the future of employment?
AI employees have become a reality. The coworkers you interact with regularly at work are no longer just humans. Now, they include digital and agentic robots that can perform tasks with a speed and accuracy unmatched by their human counterparts. HR professionals already use a digital worker. 25 percent of employers use AI in their […]
UK firms continue to invest in DEI despite budgetary pressures
Despite financial constraints, the majority of UK organisations prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), according to a recent workplace survey conducted by Culture Amp. Although some global companies have reduced their DEI investments, UK firms seem to be continuing their investment in workplace equality. 26 percent of UK firms increased their DEI budgets while 33 […]
CIPD urges urgent action during National Apprenticeship Week
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has issued a warning to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week. It warns that the UK’s growth strategy will fail if it does not prioritize skills development. The CIPD argues in its submission to the Spending Review that current policies do not adequately address the declining number of apprenticeship […]
Government reveals shorter and more flexible apprenticeships
The Government has announced plans to reduce red tape and allow up to 10,000 apprentices to qualify every year. The move was announced during National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February) and will result in shorter, more flexible apprenticeships. Employers will have more flexibility in determining the English and Maths requirements under the new measures. The organisations […]
Met Police can’t dismiss by vetting withdrawal
According to the High Court, The Metropolitan Police can’t dismiss officers and staff they deem unsuitable because their vetting clearance has been removed. Sir Mark Rowley said that the Met Police commissioner was “in a hopeless situation” with the ruling and the service will seek permission to appeal. Sadiq Khan said in a statement that […]
The government is urged to stop exploiting migrant caregivers
Unison urges the government to take action to stop employers from exploiting migrant workers in care. The union’s call came after the latest research revealed that many workers in the care sector are forced to share beds or sleep on the streets, and pay thousands of dollars in illegal fees. The Its Care at a […]