recession

Retention issues loom as more than three quarters have failed to reinstate pay cuts that were introduced to avoid redundancies.

Many NHS Trusts are already being forced to make redundancies, introduce recruitment freezes and cut back on services, according to the BMA.

Public sector HR managers could face difficult times ahead if current debates being played out in the media over potentially radical changes to pay and pensions come to fruition.

Government plans to focus on spending cuts rather than tax increases will stall any recovery in the jobs market later this year and cause unemployment to hit three million by the second half of 2012.

Even though the UK continues to be hit by a “jobless recovery” from recession, a prestigious HR body has warned employers that they must focus on long-term workforce planning to ensure sustained business performance.

Research has dicovered that the businesses which thrived during recession invested in training, whereas those with cut L&D did much worse than expected.

A professional management body has called on employers to commit to investing in leadership training as a national priority to help achieve growth.

Stress and depression cost employers £26 billion last year as staff felt compelled to work longer hours and compete against each other to keep their jobs as a result of the recession.

In this feature with a difference, eavesdrop on the team conversations and learn about benefits on a budget.

The majority of employers are keen to keep a lid on pay rises this year as containing labour costs remains one of their top priorities.