Figures released recently show that there were 30.98 million people in work in the March-to-May quarter, 67,000 down from the previous quarter and the first fall since April 2013. Despite the rise in the jobless total, the UK’s Work and Pensions Minister, Priti Patel, told the BBC that there were jobs out there: “When you look at … Continue reading
Swedish furniture giant Ikea has become the first large national retailer and household name to sign up to the Living Wage as campaigners try to encourage greater buy-in from employers across the country. Different to the national living wage announced by the Chancellor in the Summer Budget, the Living Wage is a campaign run by … Continue reading
Research conducted by Mintel has found that two thirds of British workers consider flexible working to be the most important benefit to them. After the experience of the Tube Strike in London, I would suggest that flexible working arrangements can benefit organisations too. Rather than fighting through the crowds gathered at every bus stop and … Continue reading
As the dust settled on the first Conservative Budget for 19 years, along with other Business Experts I added my thoughts to the Sage UK Business Blog. Here’s what I had to say: “The Government has set out on a course which will squeeze those starting out in employment as well as hamper growth of … Continue reading
Is the introduction of a standard minimum wage always bad for business? Studies can argue either way, but the long term social and cultural impact of a minimum hourly rate can be seen in nearly all developed countries. The teething pains can be acute, however, especially in the service sector. On a global level, the right … Continue reading
As we move ever closer to election day, the dangers of discussing politics in the office, the pub or at home become ever more present. Sometimes the stakes can be high. Thinking about this, I recently wrote a feature for City AM’s Office Politics section, discussing political ding-dongs, in the office. The article is reproduced … Continue reading
In the run-up to the UK General Election, last month I wrote a feature for Real Business which is reproduced below. Following last week’s first TV ‘debate’ which saw both David Cameron and Ed Miliband declare they could not work under zero hours contracts, it is likley that both parties manifestos will address this thorny … Continue reading
I was pleased to have been quoted as a ‘senior employment lawyer’ in an important story for business in the Independent and The i today. The story follows the closure of a USC fashion warehouse where employees were given only 15 minutes notice of their dismissal, expected to be sufficient time for proper consultation. The … Continue reading
Earlier this year, a survey found that 58% of Facebook users don’t care about their privacy online, but it hasn’t stopped Facebook addressing this issue head on. The social network has introduced a dinosaur advisor across it’s worldwide interface to bring users out of the ‘privacy stone-age’. Nicknamed the ‘Zuckersaurus’ after it’s founder, the animated dinosaur will … Continue reading
I appeared on BBC Radio5Live (at 1:51:37) on 8 September 2014 to discuss reports that workers unions are mobilising and preparing for an attack on British employers in the coming months. This activity follows the European Court of Justice’s May decision in Lock v British Gas which determined that the interpretation of ‘normal remuneration’ under domestic law … Continue reading
Kevin Poulter 