Author: Sam Allcock

Houseful, a leader in residential property software, has appointed Gordons to enhance its legal support, signifying a strategic move towards robust legal backing.Gordons will contribute to Houseful’s legal needs, focusing on commercial contracts, data protection, disputes, and transactions.Houseful’s software is pivotal to the UK housing market, used by half of all housing transactions and 18 of the top 20 lenders.Amelia Guilfoyle, Houseful’s general counsel, emphasises the collaborative nature of the partnership with Gordons.Lauren Wills-Dixon from Gordons highlighted the importance of shared expertise in driving Houseful’s commercial success.Houseful, known for leading the market with its residential property software, has strategically appointed…

Skill shortages drive the hiring of interims in HR and finance.39% of interims fill gaps left by permanent staff.67% require specific skills for their roles.82% focus on delivering tangible results.Interims adapt quickly, benefiting organisations amid shortages.Skill shortages are the main reason for hiring interims within the HR and finance sectors, with 39% of interim hires aimed at filling gaps left by permanent staff, according to a report by Wade Macdonald. The 2024 Interim Market Report surveyed over 300 professionals from various business sizes and sectors, exploring emerging trends within the gig economy.The report highlights that 67% of interim candidates are…

Mothers returning to work face unique challenges that require employer support and understanding.The difficulty in finding affordable childcare often forces mothers to choose between work and family.Employment gaps can affect job opportunities and perpetuate gender wage disparities for returning mothers.Balancing work and family responsibilities remains a major struggle, often reinforcing traditional gender roles.Postnatal depression significantly impacts mothers’ ability to reintegrate into the workplace.Mothers re-entering the workforce face notable challenges that demand concerted support from employers. Securing suitable childcare emerges as a primary hurdle, with cost and availability posing significant barriers. This challenge is exacerbated by the high demand and limited…

The UK job market is facing a turbulent 2024, as vacancies decline and unemployment rises.In March 2024, advertised vacancies fell to 862,294, marking a 0.46% monthly drop and a 17.41% decrease year-on-year.The unemployment rate rose to 4.2%, the highest in six months, increasing competition for available roles.Sectors such as PR, Advertising & Marketing and Trade & Construction experienced significant declines.Despite overall declines, Travel and Manufacturing sectors showed notable growth, partially compensating for the downturn.The UK job market is encountering significant turbulence as it navigates through 2024. In March, the number of advertised job vacancies decreased to 862,294, representing a 0.46%…

Reports of job-related fraud in the UK have spiked significantly.More than 30% of UK adults have encountered employment scams, with financial losses affecting one in five victims.Job descriptions with vague details or extravagant benefits are potential scam indicators.Unprofessional communication and unsolicited job offers are common scam tactics.Monetary transactions in job listings should be treated with caution.Job-related fraud in the United Kingdom has witnessed an alarming surge, with a significant 259% increase in reported cases from 2022 to 2023. More than 30% of adults have fallen victim to these scams, often leading to substantial financial losses averaging £2,300 per affected individual.Scrutinising…

Employers play a crucial role in supporting staff returning to work after a cancer diagnosis.King Charles’s recent visit to a cancer unit highlights the importance of awareness and support.Returning to work post-cancer treatment is challenging and requires comprehensive employer support.Legal protections under the Equality Act ensure job security for employees diagnosed with cancer.Employers must facilitate a supportive and adaptable workplace for recovering employees.King Charles returned to his public duties after his cancer diagnosis, marking his first appearance since February at the University College Hospital in London. His undertaking aligns with his new role as a patron for Cancer Research UK,…

The UK government’s new welfare reforms aim to encourage workforce participation.Proposed changes focus on reducing long-term sickness benefits.Flexible and remote working plans are at the core of these reforms.Social prescribing is promoted as a method to support mental health and community involvement.Jamie McAnsh discusses the pros and cons from an EDI viewpoint.The United Kingdom government, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has recently proposed reforms targeting the welfare system. The primary goal of these changes is to reduce reliance on long-term sickness benefits and encourage individuals who are deemed capable to rejoin the workforce. Central to these reforms is the emphasis…

Ward Hadaway is setting significant growth targets under its new managing partner, Steven Petrie.Steven Petrie took over as managing partner on 1 April 2024, aiming for expansion.The firm plans to increase its turnover by 50% in five years and 100% in ten years.Petrie maintains a focus on independence and a supportive internal culture.Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives are a key commitment.Steven Petrie has assumed the role of managing partner at Ward Hadaway as of April 1, 2024, succeeding Martin Hulls. His leadership marks the beginning of a new era with a focus on substantial growth across the firm’s Leeds,…

Milners Solicitors is initiating a free legal clinic at Wetherby Library, aiming to provide accessible legal advice to the community.Starting May 2024, the clinic will be hosted monthly on the second Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.No appointments are necessary, and the service is open to all members of the public.A wide range of legal matters, including family law and company law, will be covered in these sessions.The initiative is intended to bridge the gap between legal services and the community, making legal aid more approachable.Milners Solicitors, a law firm with a storied 125-year history, is set to inaugurate a…

Mental health in the workplace is an ever-growing concern, especially as new challenges continue to emerge.Stress at work has surpassed financial stress as the leading wellbeing issue affecting employees across generations.The staggering cost of work-related stress, anxiety, and depression in the UK highlights the need for critical discussions and effective solutions.A significant percentage of employees feel unsupported by their organisations in preventing burnout.Implementing proactive and supportive strategies is essential for improving mental health and sustaining productivity.Mental health issues within the workplace continue to escalate, with stress now overtaking financial concerns as the primary wellbeing challenge among various generations of staff.…