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B&M reports stronger sales following its ongoing operational turnaround programme. UK like-for-like sales increased 3.2% during the second quarter, while improved margins and cash generation supported higher first-half profits.
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Poundland has secured more time to negotiate a rescue deal. The retailer has gained ten additional working days of creditor protection while its owner considers potential buyers and provides funding for continued trading.
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Employers face pressure to publish clearer salary information in recruitment. IRIS research finds only 43% of surveyed HR leaders have pay ranges ready for disclosure, despite broad confidence in organisational preparedness.
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AI-generated workplace complaints are creating fresh challenges for HR teams. Cezanne HR research and new ICO guidance highlight the importance of distinguishing legitimate concerns from inaccurate automated legal arguments.
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Employers face updated requirements covering trade union representatives’ workplace rights. Acas has clarified provisions concerning paid time off, equality representatives, workplace facilities, and the handling of requests.
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Talkdesk is extending AI automation beyond individual customer service interactions. Voyager coordinates longer customer journeys across enterprise systems, with a limited preview scheduled to begin on 16 November.
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Employers face persistent shortages of experienced staff across UK businesses. Hays research identifies difficulties recruiting mid-level professionals, limited career progression opportunities, and changing expectations around pay and flexibility.
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Artificial intelligence is influencing workplace decisions about promotion and pay. HiBob research finds AI-assisted reviews are prompting HR professionals to reconsider overlooked talent, while raising questions about fairness and accountability.
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Motorpoint’s stronger interim earnings accompany record sales and expansion plans. Pre-tax profit increased 81% to £6.5m as higher vehicle volumes and improved margins supported the retailer’s financial performance.
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Cavendish has consolidated its leadership following weaker interim financial results. Julian Morse becomes sole chief executive as the investment bank targets more than £3m in annualised savings after reporting a statutory pre-tax loss.