Feature Articles

Homeworking has its pros and cons, for both employees and employers. Cost savings in particular are high on the reasons for wanting to work from home, as employees cut out (or reduce) their commuting expenses and consider moving to a cheaper area, further from the office.

The wellbeing of employees has never been more important than it is now. After the difficulties of the pandemic, which is still not entirely behind us, many employees have been left feeling drained — mentally, physically and financially. Employers are recognising the impact of this on the performance of their workforce, and targeting policies, benefits and working practices at helping employees to recover and thrive.

Everyone ages and as the UK’s population becomes proportionally older, so too will the workforce. Laura King looks at inclusive policies that support an older workforce.

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.

Philosophical belief is protected by the Equality Act 2010 (EqA). However, what constitutes such a belief is not clear cut. Following recent case law that identified factors that can limit a belief “qualifying” for this protection, we ask what can limit a belief from being one worthy of protection? And what if that belief includes an obligation to break the law?

Following a vote, members of the RMT union will go on strike on 21, 23 and 25 June. Disruption is also expected on non-strike days because of too few staff working overnight. A special timetable from 20–26 June will be in effect. The RMT union includes drivers, guards, catering staff, signallers and track maintenance workers, and the action will effectively shut down the national railway network. It is anticipated that the service across Great Britain will be reduced to a fifth of its normal levels.

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.