(PR in) HR Pulse | HR News Round-up: 31st – 4th November 2022

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Lack of Career Progression for Many

A survey from Just Eat for Business reveals that 66% of employees do not feel that they are given the opportunities to progress within their current roles. Moreover, 27% have considered leaving their current positions if offered a better position and salary. Salary is a key sticking point for many as almost a third (29%) feel their wage is not representative of their skill level, and that they are undervalued.

Cost of Living Concerns Continue

Research from Ciphr reveals the drastic increase in the cost of living related searches from Google as concerns of inflation, energy bills, and more rise. To combat this, trade union Unison is calling on the government to raise the fuel allowance to allow employees in the public sector to sufficiently carry out their roles. Our client, AdviserPlus, says in this HR Magazine article, that transparent conversation is key when supporting employees during times of uncertainty.

Debilitating Covid-19 Symptoms

Employees with long-term Covid symptoms could be considered as disabled under the Equality Act 2010, following the ruling of an employment tribunal in Scotland. Employers such as Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust are already assisting employees through their individual health and wellbeing needs with a 24/7 assistance programme, allowing them to recover at their own pace.

Flexible Working Bill

Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi is sponsoring the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill, allowing employees two flexible working requests a year. Also, employers would need to consult employees before rejecting the request. Marks and Spencer has already updated their flexible working policy, and as of January 2023 a trial will allow workers to compress their hours over a four-day week or nine-day fortnight. 

Increasing Fertility Support

As part of National Fertility Awareness Week (31st Oct - 4th Nov), Fertility Network UK has run a survey finding 55% of employees who grapple with fertility issues and treatment, are undersupported by their employers. Co-op seem to be tackling this with their new fertility treatment policies, offering paid leave for up to 10 appointments per cycle for up to three cycles of fertility treatment in a commitment to an inclusive workplace.

Menopause Support Policy

DWF (Davies Wallis Foyster) has launched a menopause support policy which aims to normalise discussions around the topic. This is a welcome change as MetLife UK has revealed that 65% of women who experience perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms feel uncomfortable talking about it with their employers. As a result 55% of employers have seen an increased demand for menopause support.

Tipping Bill, Allocating Tips

Virginia Crosbie MP has led the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Bill to ensure that tips and gratuity payments are allocated to all workers fairly, with no deductions. This stops employers from sharing the payments with other restaurants under them or withholding them for accidents and breakages, which are commonplace in such workplaces.