Two Bills Targeting Forced Labor in Chinese Supply Chains Reintroduced in US Congress

Summary In recent weeks, the US Congress has reintroduced two significant bills aimed at tackling the issue of forced labour within Chinese supply chains. The COBALT Supply Chain Act and the TASK Act seek to address these concerns with different strategies. This article provides an overview of these important pieces of legislation. COBALT Supply Chain […]

Taskmaster’s Alex Horne joins headliners at CIPD Festival of Work 2025

The HRZone team is gearing up for this year’s CIPD Festival of Work on 11–12 June. With two days of inspiring sessions and hands-on experiences – all completely free – it’s a standout event for festivalgoers passionate about shaping better workplaces. Will we see you there? The CIPD Festival of Work returns to Excel London, […]

CV falsehoods: what HR can’t afford to miss

Summary Daniel Stander discusses the critical steps HR should take if an executive is found to have falsified their credentials. With cases of executive dishonesty increasingly making headlines, the importance of transparency and trust is underscored. Source: Article URL Key Points Executive dishonesty can harm company reputation, investor confidence, and employee morale. Employers must ensure […]

What the 2025 immigration white paper means for businesses

On 12 May 2025, the UK government unveiled its immigration white paper, outlining significant reforms intended to control immigration levels. It offers a crucial insight into how these changes will impact businesses reliant on international talent. The white paper details both already implemented measures and proposed changes that will shape immigration policy moving forward, making […]

HS2 labour supplier ‘falsely’ declared PAYE to inflate rates

A labour supplier involved in the HS2 rail project has been suspended due to allegations of misrepresentation regarding worker statuses. An investigation has revealed troubling practices by the Danny Sullivan Group, leading to inflated charges to one of HS2’s main contractors, Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV). Key Points The Danny Sullivan Group reportedly falsely declared worker […]

Higher-level apprenticeship funding to be limited to under-22s

The government is set to refocus apprenticeship funding, limiting higher-level apprenticeship funding to individuals under 22. Starting in January 2026, only apprentices aged 16-21 will be eligible for Level 7 (master’s level) funding, as part of a strategy to encourage lower-level training programmes. This initiative is supported by a £3 billion budget aimed at expanding […]

Volvo to cut around 3,000 roles in restructure

Volvo has announced plans to cut approximately 3,000 jobs as part of a restructuring aimed at building a “stronger and more resilient” company. The majority of these redundancies are expected to be office-based roles in Sweden, impacting around 15% of Volvo’s white-collar workforce. This includes around 1,000 consultant positions followed by 1,200 employees in Sweden […]

UK fintech hiring surges as compliance and cybersecurity drive risk expansion

According to the latest fintech report from Morgan McKinley and Vacancysoft, UK fintech firms are expecting a 32% rise in hiring throughout 2025. This surge comes despite tougher economic conditions, indicating that these companies are gearing up to tackle increasing regulatory demands and cybersecurity risks as they mature from start-ups to established entities. Key Points […]

Boosting Team Productivity Through Smart Technology

Today, technology is key to how teams function and perform. Companies increasingly rely on tech for instant communication and detailed analytics, significantly boosting productivity and workflow efficiency. Embracing Digital Tools for Seamless Communication Success hinges on clear communication. With tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, teams can easily share ideas and updates, leading to […]

Making Peace At Work: HR’s Role In Conflict Transformation

Summary This article emphasises the crucial role HR plays in managing and transforming workplace conflicts. It highlights how constructive conflict resolution can foster healthier work environments, improve relationships, and enhance productivity. The authors discuss various peacemaking skills and mindsets that HR leaders must adopt to effectively navigate and resolve conflicts. Destructive conflicts can easily lead […]