Author: Sam Allcock

International Women’s Day spotlights the need for increased female representation in engineering, with women constituting only 16.5% of the engineering workforce in 2021.Diversity within the workplace enhances productivity and creates a more inclusive environment, benefiting both employees and businesses.Despite female applicants for engineering fields increasing, significant gender disparity remains, particularly in STEM subjects.Organisations are urged to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusive workplace cultures to attract diverse talent.Key strategies include fair hiring practices, diversity officers, and robust DEI initiatives to encourage a more balanced workforce.International Women’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the need to increase female representation in engineering.…

Ahead of International Women’s Day, professionals were surveyed on the barriers women face and the benefits of gender balance in the workplace.38% of professionals identified gender bias and discrimination as significant barriers to women’s workplace inclusion.Inflexible work arrangements and unequal pay were also highlighted as key obstacles to gender equality.44% believe achieving gender balance promotes inclusive growth within organisations, supporting employee retention and resilience.The importance of acknowledging systemic barriers and striving for a diverse workforce is emphasised by DE&I leaders.Ahead of International Women’s Day, Hays conducted a comprehensive survey among professionals to discern the barriers to women’s inclusion in the…

Decathlon has appointed Gordons LLP to provide regulatory advice amidst increasing sales in the UK market.The UK subsidiary of the global retailer operates 50 stores and employs over 1,500 people, emphasizing the importance of regulatory compliance.In a significant milestone, Decathlon UK’s revenue reached £300 million for the first time, underscoring its growth trajectory.Gordons LLP, renowned for its expertise, will focus on product stewardship and consumer protection laws for Decathlon.With Gordons’ established client base in retail, their appointment marks a strategic move for both parties.Decathlon UK has turned to Gordons LLP for regulatory counsel to navigate an evolving legal landscape. The…

UK hiring strategies are evolving due to economic pressures and changing candidate expectations, as highlighted in a recent report.Nearly half of UK hiring professionals, 47%, have reduced budgets in response to financial challenges.In contrast, 30% of these professionals are increasing their investments in technology to cut costs and streamline recruitment.The focus is shifting towards skills-based assessments, with 72% of organisations using them to predict candidates’ potential.Mature workers and internal mobility are becoming key solutions to talent shortages identified by 46% of respondents.UK hiring strategies are undergoing significant changes, driven by economic pressures and evolving candidate expectations. HireVue’s Global Trends Report…

New research highlights the persistent gender disparity in trade roles.Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters show the largest gender gaps.15.8% female representation in construction is not reflected in these roles.Electrians top the list with a deficit of nearly 30,000 female workers.Efforts are needed to improve gender equality in these trades.In recent findings, the gender disparity within the UK construction industry has been markedly highlighted, especially in the trade roles of electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Despite female representation in the sector reaching a record 15.8%, these specific roles continue to lag significantly behind.The analysis, conducted by a leading metal supplier in the UK,…

An increasing number of students are eager to integrate AI into their education, yet UK schools significantly lag in implementing these technologies.A recent report highlights that 56% of students are keen to learn with AI, while only 20% have classroom access.The attraction to AI stems from its rapid incorporation into educational tools, contrasting with a declining interest in the Metaverse.Parents recognise AI’s educational benefits, but practical application at home is minimal.The disparity in AI accessibility may impact future job market preparedness.A growing enthusiasm for artificial intelligence among students is highlighted in a recent survey, where 56% of respondents express a…

Yorkshire Legal Jobs has marked a significant milestone by celebrating its 50th job placement.This platform, launched in January, has swiftly become a pivotal resource for legal career opportunities in Yorkshire.Employers such as Eaton Smith LLP and Switalskis Solicitors are actively listing vacancies on the site.Private client and residential property law positions are among the most sought-after roles, but the platform caters to a wide range of specialisations.Legal roles cover the entire Yorkshire region, with listings in major cities like Leeds and Sheffield.Yorkshire Legal Jobs has reached a remarkable milestone by achieving its 50th job placement, reflecting its vital role in…

Switalskis has reinforced its family law team, enhancing its capacity to address increasing client demands in West Yorkshire.The firm welcomes Sumaiyah Mohammad, a qualified family solicitor, to its Wakefield office.Sumaiyah brings four years of paralegal experience and a Masters of Law from the University of Manchester.Taylor McDonald joins the Huddersfield office as a family paralegal, lending support to the firm’s solicitors.Both appointments demonstrate Switalskis’ commitment to delivering high-quality legal services.Switalskis has made strategic additions to its family law team, positioning itself to better manage the rising demands within West Yorkshire. The appointments of a new solicitor and paralegal in the…

In light of recent workforce challenges, businesses must focus on supporting women to retain top talent and ensure workplace equality.During the ‘Great Resignation’, 29% of women considered leaving their jobs or reducing hours, highlighting a critical need for support.Caroline Gleeson emphasises the importance of International Women’s Day as a springboard for year-long inclusive practices.Research from Lean In and McKinsey reveals significant gender disparity in employee resignations, necessitating action.Businesses are advised to promote pay equity, inclusive culture, mentorship, and flexible working to support female employees.In the wake of the ‘Great Resignation’, a significant 29% of women reported contemplating leaving their current…

A recent survey reveals a significant divide between UK professionals and employers regarding office attendance.53% of professionals would search for a new job if required to increase office days, opposing 27% of employers wanting more in-office work.Despite predictions of a return to full office work by 2026, hybrid arrangements remain highly valued.Leaders face challenges as employees resist abandoning flexible schedules strengthened during the pandemic.Efforts to encourage office attendance include cost subsidies and enhanced in-office experiences.A recent poll conducted among 2,000 UK professionals and employers has highlighted a crucial divide regarding workplace preferences. The data shows that 53% of professionals would…