Future of Work
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AI is reshaping recruitment as adoption surges
Artificial intelligence has moved from potential to practice in recruitment. Two-thirds of UK recruitment companies are now using or testing AI tools, according to APSCo UK, with automation saving up to 17 hours a week and redefining how recruiters deliver value.
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UK workers favour time off over Christmas parties
Only one in ten UK employees prioritise the office party. New research from Moonpig for Business finds that most employees would prefer time off or thoughtful gifts over festive celebrations, with one in five admitting that workplace gift swaps often lead to awkward or inappropriate moments.
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UK jobs market slows as Bank weighs rate cut
UK employment continues to falter as policymakers weigh a rate cut. The latest ONS data show unemployment rising to a four-year high, payrolled employment declining, and wage growth cooling — signs that the labour market is losing momentum as the Bank of England faces renewed pressure to loosen policy.
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Root canals over Christmas cheer: UK workers dread the office party
Nearly one in three UK workers would rather have root canal work than attend their office Christmas party. A new survey by Sunny, a charity tackling loneliness and workplace disconnection, suggests the office bash has become symbolic of a deeper malaise in employee engagement across the UK workforce.
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AI’s collaboration gap threatens enterprise transformation
Most AI tools miss where teamwork happens. Miro’s new study finds 75% of global business leaders believe current AI systems focus too much on individual tasks, hindering collaboration and slowing transformation. The findings underline a growing demand for AI that supports shared workspaces and team-level creativity.
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Work/life balance overtakes finances as UK’s biggest stressor
Balancing work and life now causes more stress than money. New research by productivity provider Avilio finds UK workers are more anxious about managing work/life balance than their financial outlook, with 32% citing it as their leading source of stress — ahead of money, job security, and even the global economy.
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CEMS warns AI could dull the edge of human leadership
New report warns AI overreliance could erode curiosity, ethics, and critical thinking.
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EV salary sacrifice should be a force for good in the autumn Budget
EV salary sacrifice delivers measurable benefits for both employees and employers. Thom Groot, CEO of The Electric Car Scheme, argues that the upcoming autumn Budget must preserve this crucial incentive — one that is helping middle-income families access affordable electric transport and driving real progress towards net zero.
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Brits seek festive work early as Christmas temp job searches soar
Searches for Christmas temp jobs hit record levels in September. New research from The Accountancy Partnership shows a 23% year-on-year rise in festive job searches, suggesting that Britons are seeking seasonal work earlier than ever amid continuing financial strain.
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Supporting employees with addictions in the workplace
Addiction is already in the workplace, often hiding in plain sight. As Professor Marcantonio Spada of Onebright writes, silence and stigma prevent many from seeking help until crisis strikes. Creating open, supportive cultures where employees can talk about addiction is both compassionate and critical for business health.