The People Bulletin

News

Employees remain proud to work in the private sector
Employees remain proud to work in the private sector

The Hays Career Outlook Survey has shown that despite rising levels of stress among employees in the private sector, over 80% of those surveyed would encourage graduates to seek a role in the private sector.

Employee who used work computer 'inappropriately' unfairly dismissed
Employee who used work computer 'inappropriately' unfairly dismissed

This unusual case highlights that employers must be consistent in how they deal with employee misconduct to avoid unfair dismissal claims.

‘Odd jobbers’ keeping the lid on unemployment
‘Odd jobbers’ keeping the lid on unemployment

A new report from the CIPD on the rise in self-employment has concluded that the bulk of those at present taking the self-employed route to work are part-time ‘odd jobbers’ trying to avoid unemployment.

Revised timetable for auto-enrolment announced
Revised timetable for auto-enrolment announced

In a written statement the DWP have announced the revised timetable for auto-enrolment.

LinkedIn 'career opportunities' commotion
LinkedIn 'career opportunities' commotion

Social media policies have been in the national media again this week as the news that John Flexman is bringing a case of constructive dismissal against BG Group following his “inappropriate” use of LinkedIn.

No-one wants to hire a 'team player'
No-one wants to hire a 'team player'

A new survey has revealed a list of words that bore people when reviewing CVs.

Shortlisting criteria results in indirect discrimination
Shortlisting criteria results in indirect discrimination

This case acts as a useful reminder to employers who use a strict experience criteria as the basis of their shortlisting to be wary of the risk of indirect sex discrimination.

Total unpaid overtime worked is equivalent to a million extra jobs
Total unpaid overtime worked is equivalent to a million extra jobs

According to recent analysis by the TUC the amount of unpaid overtime worked last year is the equivalent of a million extra jobs.

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Black Christmas for the jobs market
Black Christmas for the jobs market

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show clearly how much the labour market has deteriorated in the last 18 months, following the faltering early recovery from recession.

Feeling the benefit of Christmas
Feeling the benefit of Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching many employees will be considering their New Year’s resolutions – a change of job often tops the list. How can you combat this and retain talent?

Further auto-enrolment palaver
Further auto-enrolment palaver

With less than a year to go until the introduction of auto-enrolment is anything actually clear?

Supreme Court clarifies annual leave
Supreme Court clarifies annual leave

In a landmark ruling the Supreme Court has held that offshore oil-rig workers are not entitled to annual leave in addition to their onshore breaks.

Delays to auto-enrolment – at least for small businesses
Delays to auto-enrolment – at least for small businesses

Steve Webb has announced a delay of over a year before auto-enrolment becomes compulsory for small businesses. But what might be good news for some companies is bad news for their employees.

Female bosses more tolerant than male
Female bosses more tolerant than male

New research has shown that female bosses are more tolerant of employees doing personal chores during work hours than their male counterparts.

Health and safety but not as we know it
Health and safety but not as we know it

The Löfstedt report that was commissioned in March has now been published  and contains some interesting recommendations, with a heavy focus on easing the burden for employers, but what about the employees?

Video CVs – the future of recruitment?
Video CVs – the future of recruitment?

New research has shown that while networking has always been important when trying to grasp the next rung on the career ladder, the explosion of social media has meant that its importance has increased dramatically.

‘Grisly’ job figures
‘Grisly’ job figures

The latest ONS figures have shown that unemployment has risen again for the quarter between July-September 2011 from 2.51million to 2.62million.

Unprepared and uninformed – UK workers and statutory sick pay
Unprepared and uninformed – UK workers and statutory sick pay

New research has shown that over half of UK workers would be unable to survive for more than three months if they were off work with an illness.

Wearing a poppy in November is not a philosophical belief, according to employment judge
Wearing a poppy in November is not a philosophical belief, according to employment judge

This year’s Remembrance day was unique for a number of reasons from the date (11/11/11) to the overturned Poppy ban for England’s football players. However, as this case demonstrates strength of feeling does not necessarily equate to a philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010.

Worries over pay and benefits could leave small businesses missing out on talent
Worries over pay and benefits could leave small businesses missing out on talent

A new survey of 700 jobseekers has shown that small businesses may be missing out on the most talented employees due to concerns over pay and benefits.

Employees want more flexibility and alternative benefits
Employees want more flexibility and alternative benefits

New research has shown that employees would prefer greater flexibility and alternative benefits, such as student debt loans, over traditional benefits.

Proposals to remove unfair dismissal rights causes uproar – but is it all a storm in a tea cup?
Proposals to remove unfair dismissal rights causes uproar – but is it all a storm in a tea cup?

The recent leaked report proposing to empower employers to ‘sack the slackers’ without further ramifications has promoted a huge response from unions and organisations alike.

Stress still the top cause of long-term absence
Stress still the top cause of long-term absence

New research has shown that stress is a bigger problem for businesses in terms of absence than acute medical conditions such as cancer.

Chocolate ‘thief’ unfairly dismissed
Chocolate ‘thief’ unfairly dismissed

The recent case of Vladutu v NYK Logistics (UK) Ltd t/a Logistics & Mega Carrier demonstrate to employers that even when faced with what seems to be watertight evidence of misconduct they must look at all other explanations for an employee’s behaviour.

New starters oblivious to pension benefits
New starters oblivious to pension benefits

A new survey has revealed that one in three new starters have accepted the position with no knowledge of the pension benefits that come with it.

Policing social media
Policing social media

A new study by DLA Piper which addresses the problems employers face in trying to keep up with social media has shown that only 25% of companies surveyed have a social media policy in place, leaving the remainder open to the potential risks of employees engaging with these online platforms.

Young people shun key growth industries
Young people shun key growth industries

As youth unemployment reaches new highs, a new study has revealed young people’s career aspirations don’t match requirements for economic growth.

Nearly half of working parents unaware of childcare vouchers
Nearly half of working parents unaware of childcare vouchers

A new survey has revealed that many working parents are oblivious to childcare vouchers.

Qualifying period for unfair dismissal to double
Qualifying period for unfair dismissal to double

George Osbourne’s announcement that the qualifying period for unfair dismissal is set to double has been met with a mixed response.

‘Sorry I’m late, my pet fish had heatstroke’
‘Sorry I’m late, my pet fish had heatstroke’

From the mundane to the fantastical, excuses for being late are an everyday occurrence for most organisations. However, habitual lateness can cause greater problems for an organisation in the long run.

Teenager unfairly dismissed
Teenager unfairly dismissed

In the case of Greer v Coulter (t/a Alphreso Cafe) a teenage employee was unfairly dismissed and discriminated against for requesting the minimum wage.

New agency worker regulations could cost £1.3billion per year
New agency worker regulations could cost £1.3billion per year

With the new agency worker rules due to come in to force on 1st October, a new report has warned that the regulations could cost businesses over £1billion per year.

Employee who let off steam on Facebook unfairly dismissed
Employee who let off steam on Facebook unfairly dismissed

The recent case Whitham v Club 24 Ltd t/a Ventura acts as a reminder to employers that whilst it is important to have a policy on employees’ use of social media, it is also important to exercise some common sense when dealing with comments made on these sites.

Global analysis reveals tougher stance on strike law does not suppress industrial action
Global analysis reveals tougher stance on strike law does not suppress industrial action

Toughening up strike laws may not lead to a reduction in industrial action according to new analysis from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer.

Labour market downturn gathers momentum
Labour market downturn gathers momentum

The latest figures released by the Office of National Statistics show that unemployment is still on the rise.

Gender pay gap disappears – at least at some levels
Gender pay gap disappears – at least at some levels

 A new survey from the CMI has revealed the breakdown in the gender pay gap.

Drunk worker unfairly dismissed
Drunk worker unfairly dismissed

The recent employment tribunal case of Ricketts v Parson Cross Domestic Abuse Project has emphasised to employers the importance of dealing with disciplinary matters consistently.

Employee nutrition suffers as one in three fail to take a lunch break
Employee nutrition suffers as one in three fail to take a lunch break

 A new survey has shown that employees’ health and nutrition is under threat as a third of staff continue to not take a proper break.

Employees still unaware of pensions reforms
Employees still unaware of pensions reforms

The CIPD quarterly employee survey has shown that over half of UK workers are still unaware of the upcoming pensions reforms.

Digital distractions to blame for disrespect amongst colleagues
Digital distractions to blame for disrespect amongst colleagues

New research has shown that the abundance of tools, software and gadgets intended to make employees more productive is leading to poor etiquette.

Frozen pay
Frozen pay

A new survey from the CIPD has shown that 58% of employees have received a pay freeze since January.

Olympic planning – are you prepared?
Olympic planning – are you prepared?

With the Olympics only a year away employers need to plan now to avoid disruption.

A warning for all employers – follow flexible working procedures or face the consequences
A warning for all employers – follow flexible working procedures or face the consequences

The recent employment tribunal case of Bryan v Corporate Advertising Ltd. has emphasised to employers the importance of following the correct procedure when faced with a flexible working request from an employee.

Catching a plane to the office?
Catching a plane to the office?

With the rise in cheap airlines and Eurostar tickets, The People Bulletin looks at commuting to work from a different country.

Flexible working put in danger by over-regulation
Flexible working put in danger by over-regulation

The CBI and EEF have both warned that by further regulating flexible working legislation, the government could be endangering the progress already made by employers.

One step closer to breaking through the glass ceiling
One step closer to breaking through the glass ceiling

A new voluntary code has been introduced to encourage recruiters to reach the targets set by Lord Davies’ report.

Supreme Court judgement clarifies the need for contractual terms to reflect the reality of the working relationship
Supreme Court judgement clarifies the need for contractual terms to reflect the reality of the working relationship

The Supreme Court have upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal that despite clauses in their contracts stating that valeters working for Autoclenz were self-employed they should have been classed as employees.

IT problems prompt screaming fits and walk-outs at work
IT problems prompt screaming fits and walk-outs at work

It’s official, faulty IT causes workplace rage.

Government calls for evidence on prospective tax and NI merger
Government calls for evidence on prospective tax and NI merger

The prospect of income tax and national insurance contributions being merged was raised in George Osborne’s 2011 Budget.

Phone-hacking scandal prompts employment litigation
Phone-hacking scandal prompts employment litigation

News of the World staring at a possible £14m unfair dismissal claim.

Police resignation highlights negative effect of organisation gossip
Police resignation highlights negative effect of organisation gossip

The recent resignation of Assistant Commissioner John Yates as a result of the phone hacking scandal came about partly as a result of the building tide of gossip about him.

Can you find your inner hedgehog?
Can you find your inner hedgehog?

The three circles of the Hedgehog Concept is a management tool to help people and organisations morph from ‘good’ to ‘great’. So what is your organisation really good at that it could be even better at?

Someone has to keep the home fires burning
Someone has to keep the home fires burning

Women who expect to hold down ‘high octane, difficult jobs’ need their partner’s support at home if they want children as well, says Helen Morrissey, a top City CEO.

Careless email about an ex-employee is ‘negligent’
Careless email about an ex-employee is ‘negligent’

Employers do need to take the utmost care in making any communications about an employee, whether they are currently on the payroll or have left the organisation.

The strike pendulum
The strike pendulum

A week on from the largest walk-out faced by the coalition government, the the rebalancing of industrial relations law has come under the spotlight again.

Diabetes sufferer told to inject in the toilet
Diabetes sufferer told to inject in the toilet

Insufficient awareness of diabetes sufferers need supporting in the workplace was shockingly demonstrated in a recent Employment Tribunal case.

Over 50? Take a pay cut
Over 50? Take a pay cut

The prospects of finding another job at the same salary as the one you lost diminishes rapidly if you are over 50. 

Pampered pensioners? Or betrayed public servants?
Pampered pensioners? Or betrayed public servants?

The latest round of strikes over public sector pension reform could be the first of many as the government looks unlikely to back down.

Unpaid overtime or flexible working?
Unpaid overtime or flexible working?

Technology is blurring the work/home boundaries.  But is taking work home the thin end of the wedge in a culture that already has some of the longest working hours in Europe?

Exploitation or access to work?
Exploitation or access to work?

The debate on how interns should be treated in the workplace and whether they should be paid or not has intensified as more graduates chase few jobs.

Trial by Facebook – the wider implications
Trial by Facebook – the wider implications

Employees and public servants need to understand the appropriate professional use of social networking tools.

Global talent summit explores new frontiers
Global talent summit explores new frontiers

Employers need to boldly go where no man has gone before when it comes to developing future talent, according to global hiring chiefs.

Shark attack given as ‘sickie’ – along with other tall tales
Shark attack given as ‘sickie’ – along with other tall tales

When it comes to sickness absence, employers have taken a distinctly jaundiced approach to what employees tell them.

Families need parents and carers but will employers support this?
Just not enough vacancies
How do you spot a porkie? Fibbing at work revealed
How do you spot a porkie? Fibbing at work revealed

Hand on heart, have there been times when an interviewee’s CV doesn’t quite ring true? Or when that explanation for lateness sounds a bit fanciful?

Balls-up over Shoesmith sacking likely to cost £1m in compensation
After the horse has bolted…how to get your leavers back
Bosses from hell - are jobseekers that desperate?
Hire and fire protection in danger?
Workers terrified of admitting to stress
Leadership training – from the horse's mouth
The Royal Wedding - can you sustain the feel-good factor?
When is snitching ‘whistleblowing’?
Work-sick or work-shy?
How much email embarrassment can your organisation take?
Male solicitor unlawfully discriminated against, rules EAT
Spring PAYE alert
Recent survey supports Ulrich HR partnership model
Budget 2011 – Implications from a payroll perspective
Hutton report recommends new framework for senior public sector pay
Long-term sickness takes emotional toll on employers too, says new report
Does Roland Rat work for you?
What a difference a day makes – enter the ‘daycation’!
Dying to go to work – how safe are your employees?
Employment law changes from April 2011 – your ready reckoner
Giant leap for tax simplification - the Budget highlights
HMRC softens on disguised remuneration schemes but employers still need to watch out
Religion at work – how tolerant is your organisation?
Sleepy employees – the saga continues, reveals recent survey
Employees should not expect training handouts, says survey
Volunteers unable to claim disability discrimination
Just what the doctor ordered – employee engagement
Glass ceiling stubbornly intact according to new research
Sleepy employees – an accident waiting to happen?
Crying in the workplace – how should you respond?
Minister promises ‘fair play’ in Work Programme contractor negotiations
Prison officer wins six-figure payout in landmark workplace stress case
In search of simpler tax penalties
Government seeks views on employability of disabled workers
The jobseeker’s tale
EAT dismisses claims of poor references
Are premises an expensive luxury?
Employment tribunal system “broken”, says CBI – but it doesn’t need to be
Record fraud levels assault public purse and highlight management holes
Are your employees heading for a stroke?
Rest breaks not the same as ‘on call’ and not payable, says appeal court
Snow chaos returns with a vengeance immobilising UK workers
The twelve days of Christmas - according to The People Bulletin
Tidings of new jobs in 2011 but skills thin on the ground according to new survey
Fewer companies going bust despite recession
Is your workforce prepared for the winter Norovirus?
Employee theft – do you have a problem?
Will there be enough jobs for the welfare that works workers?
Comfort breaks – the bottom line
Dads on track to take more time out with junior under new rules
Acceptance of gifts and inducements good reason to dismiss, says employment tribunal
Long-term benefit claimants face forced internships
Post-pandemic company flu jabs not to be sniffed at
Public sector workers not realistic about move to private sector
‘Donate don’t dump’ comes to the workplace courtesy of Oxfam Collects
Tax relief on pensions chopped to save £4bn a year
Apprentices get NMW, but child benefit axed for higher-rate taxpayers
Is lunchtime still on the menu?
UK overtaken by Europe and US when it comes to employee retention
More private sector jobs but claimant count still five million
How many of your vacancies are ‘hidden’ to prospective applicants?
Workplace stress claims prompt new guidance for employers
Can you spot a fraudster in your workforce?
Appeal success unlikely for victims of HMRC tax code blunder
London tube strike against progress was always on the cards
Who cares about employee health?
Autocratic leaders who don’t listen are bad for business
Lovely holiday – but too sick to return to work
Remote working on holiday increases data security – and workplace stress risks
‘Spaghetti bowl of tax exemptions and reliefs’ gets overhaul
Pensions indexing adjustment ‘unfair’ on scheme providers
Low-grade chances for graduate job gains
Last-minute holidays – take a hike!
BA flies into a storm over cut-price cabin-crew hiring plans
Employers call time on lunchtime booze crews
Work ‘til you drop – unless you’re French
Talent-driven innovation key to global competitiveness
Long hours could be a killer, says new research
Portugal would win the World Cup of ‘employee team management’
MOD urges female soldiers to carry ‘protection’
iPad manufacturers forced to address flurry of workplace suicides
Work-life balance wins over bonus according to recent survey
In search of great leaders
Employer's 1% rise in national insurance has not really been abolished at all
New paternity leave rules not going down well with employers – or the dads
Language skills improves employability says new survey
Is your accounts department at risk of being infiltrated by fraud ‘temps’?
Dinner ladies win hearty pay claim as bin men bonuses found unlawful
Strike a light for the second ever UK female FTSE 100 CEO
Get a pay rise French style – kidnap the boss
More overall hires than fires – but not in the public sector
Employers need more incentives to offer apprenticeships
Main manifestos signal increased HR workload
Courts need to get tougher on safety enforcement says TUC
Under the volcano – stranded employees could face pay cuts
‘Jobs tax’ becomes election battlefield
‘Yes we do offer sickness provision but we don’t want to tell you about it’
New tax year, new employment rules
Desktop dating here to stay according to recent survey
Pregnancy does not routinely trigger an employer obligation to conduct risk assessments
Civil servants covering strike action told to be robots
100 years of public employment services
Nowhere to hide - bullying is back
Community worker caught viewing indecent images unfairly dismissed, says EAT
Religious discrimination claim grounded by EAT
New skills for old?
Are your employees a social networking liability?
New agency worker rules delayed until October 2011
Remembrance Day for workplace casualties in April – but no bank holiday
Wham bam thank you team – employers have to mean it
‘Get a haircut’ is not sex discrimination, says EAT
Cold snap or quantitative freezing – the cost of snow chaos
Spectre of 3m unemployed looks less likely in 2010
Can you force employees to take holiday over the festive season?
Festive slips, trips and tribunals – an employer’s guide
Cold comfort from the Pre-Budget Report
Bumpy ride back to work for new mums
Winter chills fuel swine flu fatalities
Age discrimination ‘to save the pension’ outlawed by courts
‘Bums on seats’ cost £15bn a year – do you have a presenteeism problem?
Pay ahead of last year despite recession, says ONS
Age discriminatory pay protection justifiable, says EAT
So what are you doing about the DRA? Please tell us, says the government
Workplace stress finds its way into suicide notes
Parental leave no excuse to reduce termination payments says ECJ
All aboard for the time off to train rules?
Will you still need me….when I’m sixty-four?
Reality of car valet relationship with cleaning company washes out self-employment status claim
First aid training arrangements at work resuscitated
RIP the default retirement age?
Giving something back engages employees
New parental leave rules look likely for April 2011
Workers entitled to reschedule annual leave if they are sick on holiday
Workplaces changes too onerous under new ‘fit notes' scheme, says ELA
Women get less PRP than men – blame testosterone levels?
Employer allowed flexibility in determining redundancy pools
Labour market conditions remain bleak
Third of UK workers just grateful to have a job
Swine flu absence rates set to reach 12% of workforce
Employers face prospect of flu pandemic litigation
Take a year off…
Hot under the collar – heatwave triggers health and safety headache
New strategy launched by HSE in a bid to reduce workplace accidents
Death of employee results in first Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act charges
RIP the default retirement age?
Industrial relations down the Tube
Uncertainty remains about holiday pay during sickness
‘But it was all her fault, Srallan – I mean Lord Sugar – I mean…Enterprise Tsar?’
Consultation begins on ‘fit notes’
New strategy launched by HSE in a bid to reduce workplace accidents
Dads miss out on sharing paternity leave – for now
‘Fit notes’ long overdue, according to latest research
Minimum wage rises to £.5.80 an hour
All penned in?
A fixed grin?
A giant step for equality?
The darling buds of April…Budget 2009 ‘highlights’
UK’s jobless figures head skyward
Can’t get no satisfaction?

PMY