Budget 2018: What does it mean for employers?

This year’s statement from the Chancellor was light on significant announcements, reflecting its peculiar status as the last pre-Brexit Budget – but what was announced about businesses, and what does this mean for employers?

We hear from Sally-Ann Hall-Jones, CEO, Reality HR who analyses just what businesses need to know from this year’s Budget announcements. Read more below.

Returning to work

Workplace absence currently costs the UK economy £18 billion per year in lost productivity but, by 2030, the figure is expected to leap to hit a vast £26 billion. How can we help employees return to work?

According to research entitled ‘Change at Work: How Absence, Attitudes, and Demographics are impacting UK employers’ conducted by the Centre of Economic and Business Research mental health issues are, and will continue to be, the single biggest contributor to these absence levels. Second on the list are musculoskeletal problems, which are particularly prevalent among older workers and are only expected to become more common as the population continues to age.

What happens when they return to work? Do you have the correct level of support in place? Find out more below. 

Securing talent in uncertain times

Talent retention and management continues to be a challenge for all leaders, especially within this disrupted technological working world. How can leaders ensure that they will secure talent in uncertain and turbulent times?

Whilst the latest ONS unemployment figures once again confirm strong employment growth up and down the country, the challenge still remains competing for the right staff with the right skills to get the job done.

This will be an ever occurring issue if leaders don’t take action now. See below. 

Dave Ulrich: HR need not be your friend to be effective

In his latest column, Dave Ulrich takes a deep dive look into the function of HR, and whether or not employees should expect more from the HR services on offer to them, or whether there is an entire misunderstanding around what the role of HR truly is.

“HR professionals support all employees by navigating a tenuous paradox: encourage individual employee well-being by creating a healthy work environment and create a competitive organisation to win in the marketplace.” – Dave Ulrich

HR Distinction Awards 2019 – Entries are now open

After a huge success with the HR Distinction 2018 Awards in Birmingham, which saw over 700 HR and business leaders in attendance, we have now moved to London.

Read more about entering below and, best of luck to all of our entrants and we look forward to celebrating your achievements with you.

As ever, join the conversation and tweet us at @HRDCommunity or email me at [email protected].

I hope you enjoy the features.

Best wishes,

Emily Sexton-Brown,
Editor, HRD Connect