Human Resources
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UK unemployment hits 5 per cent as labour market cools
The UK’s unemployment rate has reached 5 per cent — its highest level in four years. Labour-market data from the Office for National Statistics suggest hiring has slowed sharply, raising pressure on the government’s forthcoming Autumn Budget and signalling a broader shift from worker shortages to labour-market slack.
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From nice-to-have to non-negotiable: Wellbeing is a boardroom issue
Workplace wellbeing is no longer a peripheral concern. Sarah McIntosh, CEO of Mental Health First Aid England, argues that supporting employee mental health is both a moral and business imperative. As poor wellbeing drives record economic inactivity, new standards aim to make mental health a boardroom priority.
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Keep Britain Working Review calls for ‘new deal’ on health and work
Britain faces a quiet but urgent crisis, says the new Keep Britain Working Review. One in five adults is out of work due to ill-health. The government’s review calls for a shared-responsibility model — with employers, employees, and government working together to make work healthier and more inclusive.
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Executives under pressure as Stress Awareness Day highlights hidden risks
Stress among business leaders is rising fast. National Stress Awareness Day 2025 places a spotlight on how strategic stress management and leadership culture can mitigate risk.
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Labour considers fines for blocking union access
Labour considers granting unions weekly workplace access, facing criticism. The proposed Employment Rights Bill could fine employers up to £75,000 for denying union access. Critics argue it empowers unions excessively, while supporters claim it benefits workers in insecure jobs.
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AI may deepen workplace undervaluation, Perkonomics Report finds
AI is widening the value gap at work. A new Perkbox study of 5,000 UK participants finds employees increasingly feel less recognised as AI tools spread. While most employers see the technology as positive, many workers report it diminishes personal credit and sense of accomplishment.
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Behavioural Risk Index launches to map executive vulnerabilities
A new psychometric tool measures behavioural risk in leadership teams. Behavioural Risk Index applies psychology and data science to identify how collective decision-making traits influence resilience, performance, and organisational outcomes.
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Labour urged to keep youth wage rates
Labour urged to rethink youth wage policy amid rising Neet numbers. A report warns nearly one million young people are out of education, employment or training, as Labour considers scrapping lower minimum wage rates for young workers.
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One billion women prompt call for menopause-friendly workplaces
One billion women experience menopause around the world today. The International Menopause Society (IMS) has urged employers to take action ahead of World Menopause Day 2025, calling for stronger workplace awareness, practical support measures, and integration of menopause into global wellbeing and HR strategies.
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World Menopause Month: Why we need to address the workplace taboo
Many women still feel isolated in their menopause experience. In a World Menopause Month piece, Kerri Mee, Clinical Lead at Onebright, outlines why workplace action plans must go beyond policy and actively support women’s health, wellbeing, and retention — ensuring menopause is no longer a workplace taboo.