Gov Focus (Dods Training)

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Bespoke bullying legislation is long overdue 

Thomas Beale

UK laws on workplace bullying are outdated and ineffective, leaving many victims without proper recourse. Thomas Beale highlights why bespoke legislation is crucial for real protection  Reports of unacceptable workplace behaviour have gained significant attention in the media in recent years, indicating that issues such as workplace bullying have become worryingly commonplace. Such conduct can have detrimental effects on the psychological wellbeing of employees, and it is imperative that victims are aware of the legal avenues that are available to…

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Labour’s return: Implications for skills and development

Jo Cook

Labour’s election victory reshapes the UK workplace: implications for skills, technology, safety, and mental health The Labour Party will be in Government after the 2024 UK election, for the first time in 14 years. But what does it mean for people, skills and development in organisations? The Labour Party’s win yesterday is an opportunity for the education and skills system Nicola Hay MBE Technology and skills British Safety Council’s Chairman Peter McGettrick said, “We want to see people’s health, safety…

Job skills on keyboard

The UK’s skills strategy – what should be prioritised?

Nichola Hay

With apprenticeship participation down, and skill spending low – what can the Labour manifesto provide businesses? Nichola Hay dives right in. Recent research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that since the introduction of the current apprenticeship levy system, there has been a 41% reduction in the number of apprenticeships starts for those under the age of 19. For those ages between 19 and 24, participation has fallen by 36%. The research highlights several factors for…

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Tech apprenticeships: A solution to the digital divide

James McLaughlin

The impact of technology apprenticeships on driving talent and diversity is explored by James McLaughlin With the UK election fast approaching, both the Conservative and Labour parties have outlined their intentions to expand apprenticeship programmes, reflecting a growing recognition of their importance and a changing perception surrounding higher education. Businesses cannot afford to overlook the numerous benefits of tech apprenticeships in driving talent and enhancing workforce diversity Although expanding apprenticeships would represent a considerable step in the right direction, particular…

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Will the end of non-competes spell the end of training and development? 

Marie Unger

Changes to restrictive clauses could reshape employee development, leaving L&D concerned about potential budget cuts. Marie Unger delves into the potential impacts of evolving non-compete agreements on workforce investment and growth  Non-competes – a type of ‘restrictive clause’ in employees’ contracts to stop them working for a competitor for a specified period after leaving their current organisation – are in the news. In the wake of the United States Federal Trade Commission’s ruling to eliminate non-compete agreements for most roles,…

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Apprenticeships – the alternative way to upskill your workforce

Tasmin Raynor

Tasmin Raynor highlights how businesses large and small can utilise the Apprenticeship Levy for a different way to develop people According to ManpowerGroup’s latest Talent Shortage survey report for 2024, UK businesses face a widening skills gap, with cross-sector shortfalls reaching an 18-year high of 80%. With many also facing financial pressures, they will be seeking innovative and cost-effective ways to train and upskill their teams. Businesses who do not need to pay the levy will only pay 5% towards…

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The future of skills depends upon industry-collaboration

Stewart Watts

Different mindset, ways of learning and more are the future of ensuring skills development is fit for the workforce, shares Stewart Watts Before the Autumn Statement in the UK, big tech companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, Amazon, and BT, along with the Institute of Coding, wrote a letter to the government. They asked the Treasury to focus on teaching digital skills to bridge the gap. They mentioned the importance of better connections between educators, businesses, and employers to address regional differences…