The Department for Education is to offer up to £6,000 to teachers working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, as well as early years education, from September. The incentive is part of the government’s drive to support schools and colleges to recruit and retain early years, further education and STEM subject teachers. Backed by a £200 million investment over the next two years, it is being offered through the government’s levelling up premium doubling payment scheme introduced in 2022 to support schools in disadvantaged areas across the country. The expansion t ..read more

More than 300 workers employed by bus operator Arriva Northumbria have accepted a pay increase following an dispute over pay and conditions. The drivers and engineers, who are members of trade union Unite and are based at the Blyth and Ashington depots, have secured a 6.1% increase from this month. They will also receive a £350 lump sum payment. According to Unite, the pay increase matches the best pay in the region from a bus operating firm and was achieved after Arriva Northumbria resumed negotiations at the last minute. The employees said they were unhappy and believed they were the lowest ..read more

The biggest challenges for UK organisations include retaining talent, meeting pay expectations and supporting employees’ wellbeing, according to esearch by HR software provider Ciphr. Its survey of 300 UK HR decision-makers also found that 51% of respondents reported employee retention as their top worry for the year ahead. Almost half (46%) said their organisation could struggle to meet employees’ wage expectations, work-life balance, and mental health and wellbeing support. More than two-fifths (45%) also expect to find recruitment, employee engagement, and managing remote and hybrid working ..read more

The Integrated Care System takes pride in going the extra mile for its team. Through its recent collaboration with Each Person, an impressive 30,000 individuals now have the opportunity to receive the recognition they deserve. Each Person is delighted to announce the joining of their new partnerships aimed at enhancing employee engagement and recognition within the region. Operating in collaboration alongside NHS organisation, local authorities, primary care and adult social care providers, the ICS is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals while making the most efficie ..read more

The top 10 most-read articles on employeebenefits.co.uk between 19 – 25 April 2024 were: Autoglass and Burger King shortlisted for Best financial wellbeing strategy – large employer Government to review fit note system Michelin guarantees global living wage and enhances parental and healthcare benefits Hays rolls out wellbeing support for UK and Ireland employees Singapore to roll out flexible work arrangement guidelines Scottish Environment Protection Agency and FTI Consulting shortlisted for Best financial wellbeing strategy – small employer 40% of women say lack of health support negativel ..read more

What is your view of the government’s plans to reform the fit note system? In a speech on 19 April, prime minister Rishi Sunak announced that the government will take steps to transform the sick note culture in a bid to reduce the number of individuals that are deemed unfit for work. He cited the statistic that of the 11 million fit notes issued in 2023, just 6% were signed ‘fit for work’. The government, therefore, plans to design a new system where people have easy and rapid access to specialised health and wellbeing support to help them back to work more quickly. In order to achieve this, t ..read more

Just over one-third of pension savers (35%) feel confident to make decisions such as choosing how to access their pension when they reach retirement age, according to research by workplace pension scheme provider TPT Retirement Solutions. Its survey of more than 2,500 defined contribution (DC) scheme members also found that a similar proportion of respondents were unsure about how to best deploy their savings when they retire, with 39% not knowing what they will do with the majority of their pension savings when they reach retirement age. A fifth (21%) said they plan to use a financial advisor ..read more

Employee benefits provider Unum UK has been accredited as a Great Place to Work organisation in the UK. Great Place To Work recognises employers which have created a strong workplace culture, employee experience and leadership behaviours. Its accreditation process includes asking employees to complete a short confidential questionnaire about what they believe it is like to work for their employer, as well as filling out its trust index survey on organisational workplace culture, policies, practices, history and demographics. To earn accreditation, an employer must score a minimum of 65% of pos ..read more

Monday, 22nd April, was Earth Day, and this year’s theme is Planet v. Plastics. The organisation is demanding a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. Sustainability is at the heart of all we do at Pluxee UK, and we’re constantly striving to innovate our products to provide eco-friendly employee benefits. We’ve moved from reloadable gift cards and paper vouchers to digital alternatives, and we’re thrilled to offer a Virtual First version of our Pluxee Card – a prepaid cashback-earning card powered by VISA. Read on to discover how sustainable, cost-effective and eco-friendly ..read more

Kao Data, the developer and operator of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing, has appointed Kalay Moodley chief people officer with immediate effect. In this role, Moodley will be responsible for leading Kao Data’s human resources function, embedding new operational frameworks and change management strategies, and harmonising both its talent acquisition and recruitment processes to underpin its strategic growth ambitions. She will continue to build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce in line with its environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments, while w ..read more