The government has published its plan to get Britain working again. The Get Britain Working Whitepaper was published last week (26th November 2024) and sets out the government’s plans to tackle “spiralling economic inactivity” and get Britain growing again. It forms a key part of the government’s commitment to build “an inclusive and thriving...
New protections from workplace sexual harassment are in force
Workers in the UK are now afforded new protections from sexual harassment in the workplace, with employers required to create a safe working environment. A new duty under the Equality Act 2010 has come into force which requires all employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their employees, including by third...
HSE publishes latest workplace health and safety statistics
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published it’s latest workplace health and safety statistics. The annual statistics reveal the number of workers affected by work-related ill-health and workplace injuries in Great Britain from 1st April 2023 until 31st March 2024. Britain’s health and safety watchdog has revealed that the number of workers who...
NSPCC shares parent and child views on smartphones
The NSPCC has asked parents and young people how they feel about the impact of smartphones and social media on child safety and wellbeing. Young people told the NSPCC that they feel trying to keep them away from smartphones and social media was unrealistic in an online world, and that having a phone to...
New Skills for Care campaign aims to boost digital confidence
The latest campaign from Skills for Care is focused on boosting digital confidence across the adult social care workforce. Running throughout November and December, the ‘Building digital confidence’ campaign aims to help people working in the adult social care sector to understand how enhanced digital skills can support the delivery of higher quality care....
CQC sets out to rebuild trust in its regulation
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has set out the improvements and changes it will make to help rebuild trust in its regulation. The care watchdog is aiming to improve the way in which it works in response to two important reviews of its practices. Dr Penny Dash recently published the final report of her...
World Children’s Day: building a better world for children
World Children’s Day is celebrated on 20th November each year to promote children’s rights and shine a spotlight on child welfare across the globe. The international awareness day was first established by the United Nations (UN) in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day. It is now celebrated on 20th November each year as that is...
Online grooming crimes reach ‘record levels’ in the UK
Online grooming crimes against children have reached record levels across the UK, with the number of offences surpassing 7,000 for the first time, according to new data released by the NSPCC. The national children’s charity is calling for more “ambitious regulation” to make online platforms safer for children and young people. Data compiled by...
Young people urged to ‘choose respect’ this Anti-Bullying Week
This week (11th-15th November) is Anti-Bullying Week 2024 across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with Odd Socks Day held on Tuesday and World Kindness Day marked on Wednesday. Organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), Anti-Bullying Week aims to highlight the issue of bullying and the theme for 2024 is: ‘Choose Respect.’ The ABA consulted...
Employment Rights Bill a ‘watershed moment’ for the UK, says IOSH
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has responded to the publication of the new Employment Rights Bill, saying it “has the potential to be a watershed moment for the UK,” providing “long overdue” protections for workers. IOSH’s Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Ruth Wilkinson, published a statement in response to the...
Health and safety for the winter season
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is providing employers with tailored seasonal guidance for protecting workers during the winter months. Britain’s health and safety watchdog is addressing health and safety risks for seasonal and temporary workers, lone workers, preventing slips, trips and falls on icy surfaces, working in low temperatures, and preventing manual handling...
Stress Awareness Week: Improve stress management in the workplace
International Stress Awareness Week, observed from 4th-8th November, and Stress Awareness Day (6th November) aim to reduce stress and improve wellbeing. Run by the International Stress Management Association (ISMAUK), the annual campaign is designed to raise global awareness of stress and stress management, and combat the stigma associated with stress and mental health issues....
HSE spotlights worker health during Lung Cancer Awareness Month
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is emphasising the need to control asbestos and protect workers’ health during Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November. Britain’s health and safety watchdog highlighted the fact that 12,000 people still die from work-related lung diseases, including lung cancer, each year. These deaths are linked to exposure to hazardous...
Skills for Care warns “clock is ticking” on social care recruitment
The latest report from Skills for Care highlights ongoing social care recruitment and retention challenges, with any workforce improvements driven by international recruitment. The State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England report reveals that the adult social care workforce grew, and vacancies fell, for the second successive year during 2023-24....
Learn CPR and save lives with Restart a Heart Day 2024
Today (16th October) is Restart a Heart Day 2024, which aims to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and encourage people to learn life-saving CPR. Taking place on and around 16th October every year, Restart a Heart Day is led by an alliance of national and international partners, such as the British Heart Foundation,...