While considerable progress has been made to address gender inequality in the workplace, research suggests we need to be doing more. A recent report produced by the Young Women’s Trust found that more than half (53%) of women between the ages of 18 and 30 claimed they were discriminated against at work, up from 42% in 2022. I’m sure you’ll agree discrimination can have a very real impact on female progression, especially when it occurs during the early stages of an individual’s career. It can…
Do you feel like a detective trying to verify your candidates’ backgrounds? Non-stop calls, vague references and a wall of paperwork... It’s probably time for a change. This July, we’re bringing a new tool to your recruitment process: our background checking service. Designed to streamline and simplify, it’s set to transform how you screen your potential hires. A better start Your candidates deserve a positive experience, who knows how many long and clunky checks they’ve had to go through already? Show them you care and…
When there is no pressure or consequences on employees, it's more likely they will be honest. That's why exit interviews can provide raw and detailed accounts of an employees experience that they otherwise wouldn't talk about. Understanding these insights is crucial for HR professionals aiming to enhance retention strategies. Here's what UK employees commonly express after resigning: Lack of career progression You might have heard or read this recently; Jumping job every 2-3 years is the best way to advance in your career and get…
…is a slogan first used by LGBTQIA+ activists back in the 1990s which continues to be used today. It’s an expression used to express frustration and disappointment in the way the people from the queer community continue to be discriminated against and poorly treated today. One of the main challenges when suffering from discrimination is the impact on the person's mental health. This includes the impact on the LGBTQIA+ community which we discuss here, but there are of course mental health consequences for those who have…
If you give the minimum holiday entitlement – 28 days (which may or may not include bank holidays, depending upon your industry) – employees are normally expected to use all of their holiday in the current holiday year. If they don’t use all of their 28 days of holiday entitlement within the current holiday year, they would normally lose whatever they haven’t taken. What are the exceptions? Yes. There are some instances where holiday can be carried forward, even though they only have 28 days.…
Your top fee-earner, salesperson, tech guru, brilliant marketing manager, etc. hands in their notice. You’ll miss their expertise. They’ve been integral to your success. But, other than best wishes, what else may they take when they leave? Your thoughts turn to sensitive and confidential information. Their great relationship with key clients. Their intimate knowledge of operating procedures, secret formulae, the five-year development plan they constructed. And you breathe again because their employment contract contains restrictive covenants. Well, should you? What are restrictive covenants? These are…
Whether you call it induction or onboarding, it is so important to ensure that new starters are given the best possible introduction to your organisation. Onboarding is more than just compliance While there will always be a requirement for new starters to complete forms and training, a well-designed and structured onboarding process is far more than just that. Why is a well-structured onboarding process essential? It can improve Employee Retention – Employee turnover costs money. Effective onboarding can assist in retaining new employees ensuring that…
Many workplaces are currently grappling with significant talent shortages across various sectors. The rapid pace of technological advancement often outstrips the education system, leading to a mismatch between the skills taught in schools and those required in the modern workplace. According to a recent World Economic Forum report, workers can expect 39% of their current skill sets to be transformed or become obsolete within the next five years. In today's fast-evolving job market, traditional recruitment practices often fail to identify candidates with the necessary skills…
In a landmark judgment, the UK Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of “woman” should be based on biological sex under the Equality Act 2010. While this decision might appear clear-cut on the surface, it raises complex and sensitive questions for employers – especially those striving to create inclusive and respectful workplaces. As HR professionals, we’re now tasked with navigating the implications of this ruling, while continuing to support all employees, including those who are transgender or non-binary. And the reality is, this…
Whistleblowing protection in the UK is intended to safeguard individuals who disclose workplace wrongdoing in the public interest. Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, workers making a protected disclosure – reporting concerns like health and safety violations, criminal activity, or environmental harm – are protected from retaliation such as dismissal or workplace detriment. What do I have to consider? The establishment of the new Office of the Whistleblower, as proposed in the Protection for Whistleblowing Bill, has significant implications for HR departments. Here are some…
