Human Resources
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Government under pressure to fix parental leave
MPs and the Government respond after cross-party committee labels system “broken”. The Government has pledged to review all parental leave and pay entitlements, confirming scope across the board and promising day-one rights from 2026. Campaigners say that urgent action is still needed to extend and raise paternity leave.
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The productivity paradox of presenteeism costs UK billions
Presenteeism is costing UK businesses far more than absenteeism. A growing body of research shows that while sickness absence is tightly monitored and managed, the hidden cost of employees working while unwell is vastly greater. Experts warn that companies may be measuring the wrong thing.
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Hybrid work as a health lever
Hybrid working is proving to be more than a perk. CIPD and ONS data show flexible models cut absence, aid retention, and support productivity — but also risk digital presenteeism and deepening workforce divides if not well managed.
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UK workplace absence rises to record levels
UK employees missed nearly ten days of work last year. The CIPD’s 2025 Health and wellbeing at work report finds sickness absence rising to its highest level in over a decade, with mental ill health and musculoskeletal issues among the leading causes.
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UK pay settlements fall to lowest since December 2021
UK employers are tightening pay offers amid growing fiscal pressure. Median pay settlements fell to 3.0 per cent in the three months to July — the lowest since December 2021 — with just 9 per cent of employers awarding 4 per cent or more. Labour market cooling and tax concerns are driving caution ahead of…
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Managing political polarisation in the workplace
Political debate is spilling into the workplace more than ever. Conference season highlights how reputational risk shapes external corporate behaviour, while managers and HR leaders face the internal challenge of navigating political polarisation without undermining cohesion, inclusivity, or professionalism.
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Youth Guarantee trailblazer scheme extended with funding boost
The Youth Guarantee trailblazer scheme has been extended by £45m. Ministers say the latest ONS figures — nearly one million young people classified as NEET — underscore the urgency. The extension supports eight regional pilots delivering personalised interventions, though critics warn that stronger action is still needed.
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Whistleblowing in the wind
Whistleblowing reform in the UK remains a slow process. Francesca Titus examines the gaps in the Office of the Whistleblower Bill, from insufficient protections to missing financial incentives, and asks what companies should be doing now to prepare for a new era of corporate accountability.
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Gen Z turns to side hustles as cost pressures mount
Most young UK workers now weigh up second jobs for survival. More than half of Gen Z and 71% of Millennials are considering side hustles as the cost-of-living crisis drives up financial anxiety among the UK’s youngest employees, according to new research by Boostworks.
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Labour revives pensions body over savings fears
The UK government revives the Pensions Commission to address retirement poverty. Ministers are concerned that future retirees may face greater financial challenges than current pensioners. The commission will explore solutions to improve savings and retirement conditions for today’s workforce.