Human Resources
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HR still sidelined in transformation programmes, finds LACE Partners
More than half of C-suite leaders involve HR too late. New research from LACE Partners finds that delayed engagement risks undermining transformation success, as 53% of executives say HR only joins once implementation begins and 41% admit people workstreams fail through lack of early funding and prioritisation.
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Hiring migrants to cost employers more
UK employers face higher fees for hiring skilled migrant workers. The Home Office will enforce new English language requirements and increase employer fees by 32% to fund local training. Immigration rules aim to reduce net migration and improve integration.
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Government invests £50m in mental health research
The UK government announces £50 million for mental health research. The funding aims to accelerate the development of treatments by involving those with lived experience in the innovation process, ultimately enhancing mental health outcomes across the NHS.
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How supportive workplace cultures are really built
Businesses are moving beyond tick-box wellbeing policies. For World Mental Health Day, Business Quarter speaks with leaders embedding psychological safety, inclusion, and empathy into the fabric of daily work — from wellbeing hubs and mentoring schemes to inclusive language and sensory-friendly design.
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Job vacancies decline at record post-pandemic rate
UK job market struggles amid rising job seekers and minimal salary growth. The latest survey data indicates an increase in job seekers, attributed to redundancies and non-replacement of staff, while starting salary growth remains negligible, reflecting ongoing economic challenges.
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Leadership on trial: the new reality of independent workplace investigations
Independent workplace investigations are now central to leadership accountability. Daniel Stander, an international employment lawyer in the London office of Vedder Price LLP, explains why UK employers must prepare for NDA reforms and ensure credible, well-scoped probes to safeguard reputation, culture, and compliance when allegations arise.
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Google UK reduces workforce by 400 positions amidst £3bn revenue
Google UK cut 400 jobs despite nearly £3bn in revenue. The company reduced headcount to 7,029 in 2024 while pre-tax profits rose above £400m. The cuts coincide with a £5bn UK investment plan, a new Waltham Cross data centre, and a £25bn lawsuit over online advertising practices.
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Survey: one in seven women face workplace harassment
Over a quarter of women face workplace harassment in the UK. WalkSafe’s data highlights persistent harassment issues, with 27% of women and 16% of men affected. Many employees believe companies should enhance safety measures, valuing anonymous reporting systems.
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UK workers demand flexibility as hybrid rules shift
UK employees want flexibility at work, rejecting rigid office rules. A new report from Owl Labs shows 86% demand flexible hours, with a four-day week and work-to-rule tactics becoming mainstream. The findings highlight the growing expectation for autonomy, fluid schedules, and supportive technology.
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C-Suite misalignment hampers HR-led transformation
Four in ten leaders call for stronger C-Suite alignment. New research finds that CEOs back HR chiefs as equal partners in transformation, but finance and operations leaders remain sceptical of their influence.
