The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
UK Edition
4th August 2023
 
THE HOT STORY
Wilko on the brink of collapse
Thousands of jobs at Wilko, one of Britain's largest discount retailers, are in danger as the company faces the possibility of collapse. The privately-owned chain, which operates 400 stores and employs around 12,000 people, has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators at the High Court. Wilko has been searching for a rescue deal and has a 10-day window to secure one while being protected from other creditors. The company received a £40m lifeline earlier this year from Hilco UK. Wilko's CEO, Mark Jackson, stated that although there has been significant interest and offers to recapitalise the business, none have provided the necessary liquidity in the available time. The retailer is working with PwC to finalise a company voluntary arrangement, which would help slash rents across its stores, while CBRE is negotiating with landlords. The GMB Union has postponed a meeting with Wilko members in anticipation of a more detailed update from the company.
WORKFORCE
Exam results must return to normal, says schools minister
Schools minister Nick Gibb says exam results in England must return to normal so they can continue to carry “weight and credibility” with employers and universities. Gibb said there was now an "expectation" that exam aids used this summer in some GCSE subjects, to acknowledge the disruption caused by the pandemic and, since February, the teachers' strikes, will not be offered next year. He said: "Every year that elapses is a year away from the disruption caused by the pandemic, and there are more years that those young people have had in school full-time." However, he said "additional protection" this year could see grade boundaries altered if senior examiners find evidence nationally of a drop in standards compared with four years ago. Dr Jo Saxton, the chief regulator of Ofqual, said: "This return to normal is an important milestone, and while overall results will be lower than last year, students can have confidence that their grades will reflect what they know and understand and will help them make the right choice about their next step, whether that's further study or moving into the world of work."
No strike at Gatwick airport as workers accept pay offer
There will be no strike action at Gatwick airport from August 4th-8th, the Unite union said, after workers for GGS who handle baggage for British Airways voted to accept an improved pay offer. Strike action planned by ground handlers at DHL Ground Handling, ASC and Menzies, had already been called off, the union said on Wednesday.
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
John Lewis trains staff to deter shoplifters
John Lewis is to train its store employees across the company to help deter shoplifters following an increase in violence against retail workers. Store employees at John Lewis and Waitrose have been given de-escalation training, which aims to make a situation less dangerous or difficult. Some employees have been given bodycams to help catch offenders, while staff are also undertaking training known as “love bombing,” which makes use of good customer service in an attempt to deter abuse. Nicki Juniper, head of security for the John Lewis Partnership, said that the retailer was “investing heavily in training” for security and shop staff. She said: “Should [staff] want to take part in some de-escalation training they’d be able to handle an incident should it arise.”  
LEGAL
Briton charged with tax fraud to remain in custody
A Briton charged with defrauding Danish tax authorities in a sham trading scheme to make double tax reclaims will remain in custody for another four weeks, a Copenhagen court has ruled. Hedge fund trader Anthony Mark Patterson was extradited from Britain to Denmark in early July and was then remanded in custody for four weeks. Patterson was charged with participating in a scheme in which the Danish state lost more than 9 billion Danish crowns ($1.3bn), and with attempted fraud for around 500 million crowns more. His charges are related to so-called “cum-ex” trading schemes in which the Danish state says it lost more than 12.7 billion crowns in total. Patterson denies any wrongdoing, his lawyer said in an email. The main suspect in the case, UK national Sanjay Shah, remains in Dubai after he was arrested there in June 2022, although authorities there agreed in April to extradite him to Denmark. Shah also denies wrongdoing.
Tesco introduces flexible working policy for all staff
Tesco has introduced a new flexible working policy, allowing all its staff to request part-time or flexible working hours from their first day at the company. Previously, employees had to wait six months before making such a request. The change comes ahead of government plans to introduce flexible working rights under law, which are expected next spring. James Goodman, Tesco UK people director, said: “We think giving people the right to start a conversation about flexible working from their first day, or even before they start work for Tesco, is the right thing to do to give colleagues the opportunity for a healthy work-life balance. We aim to create a positive culture at Tesco where managers will do as much as they can to facilitate these requests for flexibility.” 
TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft report reveals impact of digital debt on innovation
Employees face an unseen challenger at work, according to Microsoft’s 2023 Work Trend Index (WTI) Report: Will AI Fix Work. The pace of employees’ work has accelerated far faster than they can keep up with, and this is costing their organisations valuable time that could be better spent innovating. Organisations that move first to embrace AI will break the cycle — increasing creativity and productivity for everyone.  “This year’s report highlights a growing concern among both employees and employers about how maximising their productivity often leaves them with little time for more creative and innovative work,” said Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE. “The report also revealed that a large number of professionals in the workforce today are looking forward to next-generation AI helping to lift the weight of work. However, for this to happen, business leaders have to ensure that they are empowering their employees with the skills necessary to properly and responsibly leverage AI.”
Introduction of robots slows profit margins, study says
The introduction of robots into businesses initially slows profit margins, according to a new study. However, as the technology becomes better integrated, profit margins start to rise again. The study from the University of Cambridge found that when companies first adopt robots to reduce costs, competitors are able to do the same, resulting in no initial growth in profit margins. The real profits come when the robots are properly adopted and integrated into the company's processes, allowing for the development of innovative products. The study compared industry-level trends and robotics data from 25 European countries between 1995 and 2017. The researchers found a U-shaped curve, where the adoption of robots initially drove down profits but eventually led to their recovery. "Process innovation is cheap to copy, and competitors will also adopt robots if it helps them make their products more cheaply," said Professor Chander Velu from Cambridge's Institute for Manufacturing.

 
AOL
INTERNATIONAL
South Korean employers move to protect workers from heat
Ice vests and adjusted hours are being offered to workers at some of South Korea's biggest companies to protect staff from stifling heat as the nation braces for more scorching weather this month. Employees at petrochemical producer LG Chem are being offered ice vests to keep cool, while workers at the nation's biggest steelmaker Posco and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. can take extended breaks to prevent heat-related illness. South Korea raised its heat wave warning to the highest level for the first time in four years earlier this week, with some parts of the nation experiencing temperatures above 38C (100.4F). The Korea Meteorological Administration said high temperatures are expected to persist, according to its 10-day forecast released on Thursday. To cope with heat, LG Chem is also offering extended breaks if temperatures are forecast to remain above 33C for more than two days. Shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean said it would extend lunch breaks by one hour if temperatures exceed 31.5C, and Samsung said the company is complying with the nation's guidelines and constantly checking temperatures at its working areas to ensure the safety of employees.
Wells Fargo commits $60m to help workers with criminal records
US bank Wells Fargo has announced its commitment to provide $60m to Concordance, a nonprofit organisation that assists workers with criminal records to re-enter the workforce. While the bank is primarily focused on financial support, it may also consider hiring individuals with criminal records in the future, according to William Daley, Wells Fargo's vice chairman of public affairs. This initiative aligns with JPMorgan Chase's Second Chance program, which aims to hire employees with criminal records. Companies are increasingly advocating for the hiring of individuals with criminal records to provide them with opportunities and address labour force shortages. It is estimated that about a quarter of the US population is excluded from the talent pool due to criminal records. The Prison Policy Initiative reports that over 1 million people are held in state penitentiaries, with 71% being re-arrested within three to five years.
Protesters in Nigeria march against petrol subsidy removal
Protesters in Nigeria have marched through major cities in a nationwide strike to protest the removal of a petrol subsidy and demand a new minimum wage. The strike, called by labour unions, saw protesters break into Nigeria's National Assembly in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu's reforms, which include scrapping the subsidy and relaxing the foreign exchange regime, have been welcomed by investors but have led to soaring costs and high inflation. While businesses remained open in Lagos and elsewhere, the Nigerian Labour Congress criticized the government's "harsh policies" and lack of a plan to cushion the effects on workers and Nigerians. The strike is expected to last one week.
Record low unemployment highlights Russia's labour shortage
Record low unemployment in June highlights Russia's stark labour shortage, as the country continues to rebound from last year's economic slump. Despite the positive indicators, the shortage of workers, exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, is expected to have long-term consequences. Veteran economist Natalia Zubarevich warns that the shrinking workforce will hinder growth for the next five years. The defence sector is thriving, but other areas, particularly the industrial sector and construction, are struggling. Unemployment dropped to a new record low of 3.1% in June, while retail sales and real wages experienced double-digit growth. Real disposable incomes also rose in the second quarter.
OTHER
Big rise in girls playing football at school
A poll suggests that there has been a significant increase in girls playing football at break or lunchtimes in primary schools. The survey also reveals that more schools now have girls' or mixed football teams. However, there is still a gender gap in secondary schools when it comes to playground football. The positive findings are attributed to the success of the England Lionesses and the efforts of schools to provide equal opportunities for all pupils. Funding challenges remain a hurdle for schools to offer access to sports clubs and extracurricular activities. The Department for Education recently launched the School Sports and Activity Action Plan to support teachers and schools in delivering high-quality PE and providing competitive opportunities for both girls and boys, and the Youth Sport Trust has partnered with the Football Association to ensure equal access to football for girls in all schools in England.

 
Tes
 


The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on Twitter.
Follow us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe