Author: Sam Allcock

Recent analysis reveals significant pay disparities between men and women in the UK workforce.Only 43% of women received a pay rise or bonus in the last six months, compared to 50% of men.The disparity is wider than the average international gap, highlighting persistent gender biases.Many women are taking action, such as negotiating or leaving jobs, to address pay inequities.The UK’s mandatory gender pay gap reporting aims to drive transparency and change.The recent study by Randstad has highlighted that less than half of the women in the UK, specifically 43%, received a pay rise or bonus in the last six months.…

As the UK pushes forward with its net zero goals, tradespeople face uncertainty from sustainability initiatives.20% of tradespeople fear the effect of sustainability measures on their business operations.Key areas of concern include tools (39%), transport (23%), and materials (20%).Building surveyors, maintenance providers, and heating engineers express significant worry over tool impacts.Immediate action and upskilling are advised to meet forthcoming government standards like the Further Homes and Building Standard.The United Kingdom’s drive towards net zero emissions is causing concern among tradespeople about the potential impact on their businesses. According to research conducted by experts at BigChange, one in five tradespeople are…

Delve into the transformative role of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) in modern organisations.SHRM is redefining the Human Resource Management landscape as an integral and strategic driver of business success.The core philosophy of SHRM aligns HR practices with business strategies, ensuring organisational growth and competitiveness.By focusing on recruitment, retention, and development, SHRM optimises talent management to meet dynamic market demands.Discover how notable corporations employ SHRM strategies to foster innovation and maintain a competitive edge.Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) is reshaping the field by integrating strategic foresight into traditional HR practices. This approach views employees not merely as resources but as…

Modern businesses must integrate data-driven strategies or risk obsolescence in a rapidly evolving market.Company datasets are crucial for businesses to create competitive advantages and drive operational excellence.Reliable datasets can come from both external and internal company sources, each serving unique needs.Examples like Amazon and Google highlight the transformative power of effectively leveraged company data.Advancements in AI and blockchain signal a promising future for data utilisation.Modern businesses must integrate data-driven strategies or risk obsolescence in a rapidly evolving market. In the contemporary business environment, utilising data is no longer optional. Companies that fail to leverage these insights effectively may find themselves…

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…