Hotter summers creating health risk for workers
With many reports suggesting that 2023 will be the hottest year on record, the Health and Safety Executive ("HSE") has called on employers to protect workers during periods of extreme heat. There is no maximum temperature for workplaces, but the HSE is asking employers to be responsible. The HSE have also published a list of simple and cheap steps employers can take to help manage the risk caused by heat. HSE guidance on temperature in the workplace is available here.
"Shocking gulf" between what employers believe they know about dyslexia and the experience of dyslexic workers
Resent research has highlighted a very significant difference in the perception of HR leaders and dyslexic workers when it comes to dyslexic friendly workplaces. From the point of recruitment - where 64% of HR leaders believed their processes identified those with dyslexic thinking skills versus 4% of dyslexic thinkers - throughout the employment relationship there were very significant differences in views on whether dyslexic friendly workplaces were being established. While 66% of HR leaders thought their organisations understood the value of dyslexic thinking, only 14% of dyslexic thinkers agreed. 66% of HR leaders also thought their organisations provided accommodations for dyslexic thinkers whereas only 33% of dyslexic thinkers agreed; and while 64% of HR leaders believed their organisation provided ongoing support, only 13% of dyslexic thinkers agreed. The research also includes action plans to address the issues it highlights.
Social class and nepotism open doors to work experience
Research by KPMG has confirmed that access to work experience is significantly influenced by both social class and nepotism, opening doors that those from lower socio-economic backgrounds simply don't have access to. The research involved 2,000 young people between the ages of 11 and 18, with socio-economic background being assessed by reference to parental occupation and income. The results showed 40% of those from low socio-economic backgrounds had access to work experience compared to 47% of young people on average. Of those who obtained work experience this was more commonly arranged via a family member or friend (45%) than via school (32%).
Gender pay gap begins on graduation
Statistics based on a survey of graduates 15 months after leaving university has once again highlighted that students face a gender pay gap immediately on leaving University. This year's figures also show that a higher proportion of men were earning top graduate salaries than last year, and that a higher proportion of men featured in every salary band above £30,000. Women outnumbered men in every salary band below £30,000. This was not a small snapshot of the graduate population, with over 355,000 responses being taken into account. Recent research that looked at graduate pay over a longer period found that female graduates continued to find themselves earning less than male graduates throughout their careers.
Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 receives Royal Assent
In May 2023, the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 received Royal Assent, which once in force, will prevent higher education providers in England and Wales from entering into non-disclosure agreements with staff (and also students, members or visiting speakers) in relation to sexual abuse or harassment, sexual misconduct and/or other types of bullying. It is yet to be confirmed when this will become law. The UK Government has committed to introduce legislation to curb the use of non-disclosure agreements in all employment contracts and settlement agreements "when Parliamentary time allows".
