The use of machines in the workplace is nothing new. But, whereas robots were initially built to carry out simple tasks, nowadays artificial intelligence means they can also ‘think’. These new technologies present new benefits and possibilities but also costs and threats. A discussion paper by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, A Review on the Future of Work: Robotics discusses the occupational health and safety implications of robots in the workplace. “The spread of robotics innovations has important implications for t... Continue reading

As the New Year begins, we look ahead to 12 significant cases due to be heard in 2017 which are likely to develop employment law and HR policy and practice in the months to come 1. Brexit process to be determined R (Miller) v. Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union: Although no immediate changes to UK employment law are envisaged as a result of Brexit, no look-ahead to 2017 would be complete without at least a reference to this dominating legal and political issue and, therefore, to this significant litigation before the Supreme Co... Continue reading

Inefficiencies found in the onboarding process are costing UK businesses £200 million a year, according to new research by webonboarding, part of the webexpenses suite of cloud software solutions. The research, which uncovered the costly findings, found that 15% of employees who leave in their first year, leave within the induction period. With a typical spend of £804 (in-house and externally) on recruitment costs per candidate and with nearly a quarter (24%) of HR decision makers’ time allocated to the onboarding process, losing candidate... Continue reading

International Workplace announced last week the launch of its first IOSH Managing Safely course in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), taking place from 29-31 January in Dubai. The public course is being run in association with the Middle East Facilities Management Association (MEFMA), with savings of 20% for MEFMA members. In company and eLearning versions of the course are also available throughout the GCC region. Health and safety training is being seen as increasingly important by the UAE government as part of its ‘nationalisation’ progra... Continue reading

131 million working days are lost to sickness absence every year, according to statistics released by The Work Foundation. But the cost to employers of ‘presenteeism’ (attending work while ill) is even more notable – an estimated £30bn annually. The main causes of lost working time are attributable to musculoskeletal conditions, minor illnesses (coughs and colds) and stress, anxiety or depression. The Health and Safety Executive backs up these statements, having just announced its new strategy for health in Britain’s workplaces, The ... Continue reading