Reward News
Pay awards ‘at lowest level since 2021’ as National Insurance increases approach
UK pay awards have remained at 3 percent for the third consecutive rolling quarter in February, according to new research - marking the lowest level since December 2021. The research was carried out by HR data and insights provider Brightmine. Employers are reducing...
Career growth now top priority for UK tech professionals, report suggests
UK tech professionals are prioritising career advancement and skill development over salary when considering new roles, according to a new report. The findings, by recruitment firm Lorien, suggest that tech professionals are seeking long-term career prospects,...
Workplace recognition: women ‘feel less appreciated at work than men’
There is a disparity in workplace recognition between men and women in the UK - and it impacts business, according to new research. The findings show that 30 percent of women feel underappreciated at work, compared to 20 percent of men. According to the Reward Gateway...
UK pay awards hold at lowest level since 2021
The median basic pay rise for the three months to the end of January 2025 stays at 3 percent - the second consecutive rolling quarter at this level. The new data from HR data and insights provider Brightmine shows a continued slowdown in pay growth, with 3 percent...
Fighting the employee crisis with recognition and rewards
Dissatisfied employees across the UK are actively looking for new job opportunities; with the upcoming increases in National Insurance contributions making it more difficult for employers to offer raises, recognition and rewards may just be the secret to employee...
Pay awards decline expected to continue in 2025
New data from HR insights provider Brightmine shows a further decline in pay awards for the final quarter of 2024, with increases averaging 3.3 percent. This represents a continued downward trend from earlier in the year. The analysis, based on details from 12 pay...
Higher pension contributions top the list of most desired employee benefits
Employees are prioritising long-term financial security in 2025, with increased employer pension contributions topping the list of most sought-after benefits. Research by employee benefits technology provider Zest shows that 30 percent of employees favour higher...
Employers take action on key employee benefits
As the Employment Rights Bill progresses through Parliament, employers are already taking steps to improve employee benefits, particularly in areas such as sick pay, paternity leave, and family-friendly provisions. The Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave and Pay...
SMEs overhauling employee benefits amid economic pressures
UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are taking steps to revamp employee benefits packages in response to economic challenges, workforce health concerns, and talent retention pressures. According to the Employee Benefit Trends in UK SMEs report from Howden...
UK employers ‘missing out’ on competitive benefits through lack of benchmarking
Towergate Employee Benefits found that 26 percent of UK employers are missing out on potential competitive advantages by not benchmarking the benefits they offer. As the employee benefits market expands, it becomes harder for organisations to stand out. With almost...
Reward Analysis
Nick Sutton: From generic to genuine – personalising employee rewards across cultures
Rewarding diverse workforces, particularly across international regions, requires personalisation for programmes to be truly effective. Personalised rewards show employees that their contributions are appreciated and inspires future success. However, employees from...
Noura Dadzie: Why is salary transparency so important for HR?
For HR professionals, securing top talent that fulfils the needs of the business is of prime importance. So surely one would do all they can to attract the best candidates? They would craft inspiring job descriptions: lay out great benefits, offer flexible working,...
Jon Rudoe: Council tax is going up: Why should HR care?
It has been a tough couple of years for our household finances. And budgets are about to get tighter, as council tax increases are confirmed across England. Rates for band D properties (which are used as the baseline for other band rates) are rising by an average of...
Chris Ronald: Building benefits that last longer than bank holidays
Bank holidays are an entitlement for most employees and something to be grateful for and with the extra day off for the King’s Coronation, plus another bank holiday approaching - a four-day working week has become the reality for many this May, says Chris Ronald. But...
Steve Watson: How we prevent the cost-of-living crisis from impacting us for years to come
As the cost-of-living crisis gathers pace, financial pressure is forcing many to cut costs wherever they can. The fear is that this is spilling over to savings and pensions, storing up issues for the future, argues Steve Watson. Our recent research indicates that...
Ian Moore: How employers can help staff cope with the cost-of-living crisis
The cost-of-living crisis is already taking its toll on nine in every ten consumers (ONS) in the UK, and it does not look like it will be going away any time soon. In fact, the situation is only going to get worse as prices continue to go up while wages remain...
Heidi Thompson: Competition and cost of living mean employers must enhance their offer
Right now, the economy is changing very quickly and with the addition of a tight labour market and continued pressure from inflation, many companies are having to consider how best to attract and retain their employees, argues Heidi Thompson. With inflation now at 9...
Pete Hykin: How Salary Sacrifice can help your employees with the cost-of-living crisis
With the UK enduring soaring inflation, Pete Hykin explains how pensions and Salary Sacrifice schemes can be used to achieve some tax relief and aid workers' savings efforts. The UK is facing one of the worst cost-of-living crises in recent memory. Rising fuel prices,...
Dave Chaplin: Navigating Off-payroll one year on
Dave Chaplin reflects on Off-Payroll one year on and speculates on the legislation and its impact on the future for hirers and contractors. April 6th marked the first anniversary of the Off-Payroll legislation, the reforms that were rolled out in the private sector...
Chris Lorigan: How technology could make staff happier
Last year saw UK businesses hit by rising numbers of staff leaving their jobs voluntarily, writes Chris Lorigan, and many employers now face the prospect of more resignations and a hiring crunch. Almost 9 in 10 managers say their business has vacancies and more than...
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