Feature Articles

Is something seismic occurring in the world of L&D? There is some strong evidence that many organisations are taking a fresh look at their business strategies, workforce models, values and culture, often as a result of new demands from employees. As a result, L&D itself is being transformed in ways that many people have been crying out for over a number of years. In this article, Judith Christian-Carter dips into some recent research that shows that learning is currently leading the way through what is being called the “Great Reshuffle”, a period unlike anything in the history of work.

According to figures from Statista, the number of households owning a pet jumped from 41% in 2019–20 to 62% in 2021–22. The UK has always been a nation of pet lovers, and these statistics show that remains the case.

Hybrid working is everywhere at the moment. We are told it will save us money and that since the pandemic restrictions, it is one of the most wanted things by employees. So, should employers be rushing to join this trend, or is an eventual return full time to the office inevitable?

The history of governments and trade unions is a lengthy one that has often been strained and occasionally disruptive (many still remember the winter of discontent in the late 70s and the coal miners strikes in the 80s). Attempts to weaken and strengthen trade union powers by various governments have been made throughout the years. It would seem that in 2022, not much has changed, as people up and down the country are busy preparing for what Secretary of State for Transport and Welwyn Hatfield MP, Grant Shapps, has called the biggest strikes in “modern history” on 21, 23 and 25 June.

Gordon Tranter summarises what employers and employees should know about the potential hazards of working outdoors during hot weather and how to manage them.

Complaints about hot, stuffy offices are a common feature of UK summers. As the frequency of summer heatwaves increases, employers need to consider the effect of the heat on employees and take the steps necessary to protect their health and welfare. Gordon Tranter looks at the issues of a maximum office temperature, the risks of working in hot conditions indoors and the actions that should be taken to prevent heat stress.

June is Pride Month. Many employers are using this time to display their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. But employers should not see this as a month-long exercise: continuous effort is needed to create a diverse and inclusive environment.

It has recently been reported that the Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, is considering plans to amend the Employment Relations Act 1999 to give teachers the statutory right to be accompanied to grievance and disciplinary hearings by an external lawyer or representative of a body other than a trade union.

The purchase of a business as a going concern is relatively common, and the processes to follow are for the most part settled. In nearly all cases, the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employees) Regulations 2006 (“TUPE”) apply to the transfer of the employees’ contracts, rights and service over to the new employer/owner, who must honour these rights as though they were the ones to give them in the first place.

As cases of monkeypox begin to rise in the UK, there has been speculation that this will become the new coronavirus. However, this is far from the truth. Monkeypox is a rare viral infection, which is generally mild and self-limiting, and poses a very low threat to the wider public. It is not easily transmissible, full recovery is expected and treatment is available through the smallpox vaccine. This being said, it is still natural for employers to be prepared for what steps they need to take to manage this outbreak.