IPA's Head of Learning & Development Services, Lucy O'Melia reports on the event - the landscape of industrial relations in the UK is undergoing significant shifts, prompting a re-evaluation of collaborative practices between employers and trade unions. Social Partnership gained a statutory foothold in Wales in 2023, and places a requirement on public bodies to engage early and collaboratively with union representatives, treating unions as a strategic partner in their decision-making processes. Read more
There has been much discussion about the wide-ranging reforms to working lives embodied in Labour’s New Deal for working people. Taken with other much needed reforms of the labour market, including skills policy and a serious commitment to return to work strategies, this package of measures will require detailed and collaborative implementation should Labour form the next government. Read more
It is critical in these rapidly changing and uncertain times, that by investing in their workforce, businesses can build resilience and adaptability and promote sustainable growth. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of the UK workforce, driving both economic and social progress. However, this responsibility does not rest solely on the shoulders of organisations. Policymakers must also prioritise strategies that foster a culture of engagement and empower employees to thrive. Read more
It’s great to be ‘going public’ and introducing myself after a very exciting first few weeks in post as head of learning and development for the IPA. Read more
Data from the 2023 EFS engagement survey shows no recovery in levels of engagement following a dramatic drop during COVID19 lockdowns. It is becoming apparent that UK engagement has stagnated. Coupled with 47% of respondents thinking about leaving their current job, the findings are alarming. As organisations struggle to attract and retain talent, paying attention to employee engagement has never been more critical. Read more
Many organisations like to claim that “people are their greatest asset”. For Stewart Johnstone of University of Strathclyde, the ultimate test of this mantra is when tough times hit and and organisations start to seek ways to cut costs. Usually this includes ways to trim the wage bill - but would firms be better advised to consider alternatives to downsizing in times of crisis? Read more
Research led by Professor Stephen Wood at University of Leicester School of Business (ULSB) shows that collective performance-related pay systems may have more effect than individual performance-related schemes. This finding is based on a systematic review of research studies that directly compared the effects of financial involvement or collective performance-related pay systems with their individual counterparts. Read more
In the ever-evolving landscape of the UK economy, one crucial factor stands out as both a challenge and an opportunity: employee engagement. Rarely a day passes without alarming headlines highlighting the economic challenges and growing discontent among employees in the UK, declining levels of trust and heightened employee unrest. In this article, Dr Sarah Pass of Nottingham Trent University, makes the case for prioritising employee engagement as a strategic necessity. Read more
Mike Clancy, General Secretary of trade union Prospect considers the future for employee relations in the UK Read more
IPA’s retiring Training and Development Director, Derek Luckhurst, reflects on the last 23 years Read more
There's no question but that industrial relations – and specifically relations with recognised trade unions – is looming large on the agenda of many employers, in a way that we haven’t seen for many years. IPA director, Nita Clarke OBE, sets out the steps employers need to take to ensure this vital relationship goes down a collaborative rather than an adversarial path. Read more
If not a ‘dash for growth budget’, achieving growth was clearly at the forefront of the Chancellor’s mind in the recent Autumn statement with the making of tax breaks for capital investment permanent. But in the absence of a joined up industrial strategy, where should the current, or next, government focus investment to get the most bang for the UK taxpayers buck? Read more
Colleague representation has been a long-standing principle of engagement at Royal London. By 2015 this had evolved into an Employee Representative Forum (ERF) with voluntary Organiser and Coordinator roles, providing external training for new representatives and expanded areas of involvement and influence. Read more
The potential benefits of Artificial intelligence depend on successful adoption in the workplace Read more
My brief was to highlight the really big issues and challenges that will affect the world of work over the next 5 years Read more
Twenty years ago, we never talked about the menopause. We euphemistically talked about ‘the change’..... Read more
Download a copy of the IES 2023 Annual Conference presentation slides Read more
The Involvement & Participation Association (IPA) and Institute for Employment Studies (IES) are delighted to announce that the two organisations will merge from 1st May. Read more
It is critical that we collectively find ways to shape a better and fairer future of work. Read more
Most representatives I’ve trained over the last couple of years have stated to me that health and wellbeing is near to, or at the top of their hot topic list. Read more
The ‘costs of living crisis’ is becoming a costs of working crisis for some of us..... Read more
When key employees leave an organisation, it can be a significant loss for the company Read more
We have known for several years that positive and proactive communication processes support the development of an organisation Read more
There is continuing debate about whether a staff forum can be as effective as a trade union. Read more