Author: Dave Antrobus

Conducting an interview is crucial in finding the right candidate.Understanding non-verbal cues can indicate confidence and engagement.Diverse team dynamics can benefit from unique candidate qualities.Avoid rehearsed responses by asking unconventional questions.Assess candidates’ interest in a career, not just a job.Conducting an interview is a critical step in the recruitment process, offering an invaluable opportunity to genuinely assess a candidate’s skills and personality. The interaction allows employers to discern if a potential candidate aligns with company values and team dynamics, beyond the surface of prepared answers.Observing non-verbal behaviours, such as posture and attentiveness, provides insight into a candidate’s confidence and engagement…

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A solicitor’s professional conduct has come under scrutiny after a disciplinary tribunal concluded that his court submissions were influenced by a personal relationship with a client.Nigel George Walshe, an associate solicitor at a Doncaster law firm since 1978, faced disciplinary action for misleading the court, attributed to his personal involvement with a client, Ms X. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) observed that entering into personal relationships with clients can present numerous challenges, even when approached with awareness of these challenges.Walshe’s involvement with Ms X began in February 2012, focusing on clinical negligence claims concerning an alleged delayed diagnosis. Their relationship…

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National Stress Awareness Day highlights the growing concern of workplace stress in the UK.A survey by CV-Library reveals over 60% of UK workers feel overworked.A significant number of employees resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms to manage stress.Fear of stigma prevents many workers from discussing stress with their employers.The need for proactive stress management in workplaces becomes increasingly urgent.National Stress Awareness Day serves as a crucial reminder of the intensifying issue of workplace stress, as highlighted by a recent survey conducted by CV-Library. This survey, which engaged over 1,100 UK workers, found that an overwhelming 60.9% feel overworked. This statistic underscores…

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Dianah Worman of the CIPD and key business leaders gathered at 10 Downing Street to discuss enhancing workplace diversity and opportunities.The event, led by the Prime Minister, examined recruitment and retention strategies to boost diversity at senior levels.Name-blind recruitment emerged as a focal discussion point to eliminate biases in hiring processes.Various organisations employing over 1.8 million people pledged to adopt anonymous CV practices.CIPD aims to actively promote these initiatives to build diverse workforces in the future.Today, an exclusive event was held at 10 Downing Street where Dianah Worman, a seasoned diversity adviser for the CIPD, joined the Prime Minister and…

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The recent APSCo Awards for Excellence showcased outstanding achievements in recruitment.APSCo, a key body for staffing professionals, highlighted high standards in the industry.Sphere Digital Recruitment won the coveted Recruitment Company of the Year under £5m turnover award.This accolade recognised Sphere’s growth and strategic vision in a competitive field.The awards highlighted ongoing challenges in talent acquisition and retention.The APSCo Awards for Excellence celebrate significant accomplishments within the recruitment industry, reflecting the high professional standards expected in this sector. APSCo, known for its rigorous assessment processes, offers these awards as a mark of distinction among staffing companies.Marilyn Davidson, Director of APSCo, emphasised…

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Wales’ oldest cinema orchestrated a remarkable event that combined philanthropy with entertainment.The Market Hall in Brynmawr raised over £1000 for the Welsh charity Tŷ Hafan.A world record was attempted with a marathon screening of the film ‘Groundhog Day’.Cameron Eynon was one of the few who lasted the entire event, earning a certificate.The event highlighted the deep community support for Tŷ Hafan and its vital work.Wales’ historic Market Hall cinema in Brynmawr accomplished a noteworthy feat by raising significant funds for the renowned Welsh charity, Tŷ Hafan, while simultaneously setting its sights on a world record. The cinema hosted an extraordinary…

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In a significant move to bolster staff morale following recent layoffs, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has pledged a substantial portion of his own shares to remaining employees.Dorsey announced the layoff of 8% of the workforce, affecting 336 employees, mainly from the engineering division.Faced with a cumulative loss of nearly $2 billion, these layoffs were deemed necessary to stabilise the company’s finances.Dorsey is offering one-third of his Twitter shares, valued at approximately £130 million, to the employee equity pool.The response to this decision has been mixed, with reactions ranging from scepticism to appreciation expressed on social media.Following the dismissal of 8%…

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New figures reveal a rise in sickness absence across British workplaces.Public sector sickness absence averages 6.9 days per worker, up from 6.6.Absence levels in the public sector are reportedly 50% higher than in the private sector.Stress is among the top causes of absence in public sector employees.Solutions for better absence management are being actively discussed.Recent statistics from the CIPD 2015 Absence Management Report indicate a concerning trend regarding sickness absence within the public sector. The report highlights that, although the average sickness absence among British workers increased slightly to 6.9 days per worker, the figures remain below those from 2013.…

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A significant study highlights the commonality of ‘fake emergencies’ used by Britons for taking sick leave.Over three-quarters of full-time employed Britons admitted to taking at least one day off under false pretences in a year.The majority cited self-inflicted hangovers and the desire for a ‘duvet day’ as primary motivations.Common excuses among employees include diarrhoea, sick pets, and urgent hospital visits.Industry experts discuss the economic impact of such absenteeism and potential solutions.The results of a comprehensive study have disclosed that a substantial 77% of Britons in full-time employment have taken a day off work using a ‘fake emergency’ excuse. This research…

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Employee absenteeism significantly impacts organisational finances and productivity.UK employers face staggering costs of approximately £29 billion annually due to sickness-related absences.Many businesses lack proper absence tracking, leading to unrecognised and uncontrolled absenteeism issues.Engaging employees through wellness programs and reward systems can significantly reduce absenteeism rates.Employers are advised to implement policies that address stress and improve work-life balance for better attendance.Employers in the UK are facing the substantial financial burden of absenteeism, with an estimated cost of £29 billion annually attributed to sickness absence. This mounting issue necessitates immediate attention as the pressure on the National Health Service intensifies. The responsibility…

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