HR News Roundup - March 2025

Welcome to our March HR News Roundup! We’ve been trawling the HR newswire to bring you the major talking points from the last few weeks.

Recruitment and flexible working are both hot topics this month. Do you miss the human element of face-to-face interactions? We also cover using AI in HR - where do you stand on using AI in CVs? There are some useful insights into managing the needs of the generations, and an interesting link between dog ownership and flexible working!

Enjoy this month’s roundup and please get in touch if any of the themes match current challenges in your team or organisation. We’re only a phone call away. Or, for the latest insight on the current Changes in Employment Law, join our FREE webinar, in partnership with BBS Law, on Thursday 27^th March from 11am-12pm.

Recruitment

The most common lies people tell when applying for jobs

A new study by Tapt has highlighted the importance of being wary when assessing job applications and conducting interviews. Almost a third (31.7%) of UK applicants admit to lying during the recruitment process, with Londoners topping the dishonesty list. The most common lie is reason for leaving previous employment, closely followed by current salary. Employment dates, previous responsibilities, education and qualifications also make up the top five.

With AI now being frequently used to create CVs and cover letters, what measures does your organisation have in place to ensure candidates are not tempted to bend the truth when applying for a role?

On a similar theme, an article from HR Magazine suggests employers should be more open to accepting AI-generated CVs and cover letters. What do you think?

Government faces backlash over minimum salary threshold

In a major change in immigration policy, the UK Government is proposing to align the minimum salary threshold across all skilled worker visa categories. This means an increase to the minimum earnings required for foreign workers to enter the UK.

The article from Employer News suggests the proposed increase could significantly impact industries that rely on skilled foreign workers, such as healthcare, education, and technology. Business leaders are asking for a more flexible policy that allows international recruitment while supporting the training and development of domestic employees. This debate has a long way to go yet, rest assured we will share future developments via these monthly roundups.

Need help with Recruitment and Selection strategy? Book a call with one of our HR experts and ask how we can support your plans.

Flexible Working

This insightful article by HR Director reveals the hidden cost of declining human interactions for those working in remote and hybrid environments. It asks whether the human qualities that make work meaningful - communication, empathy and emotional intelligence - are losing strength and importance, leading to diminishing trust, teamwork and resilience.

The author suggests creating virtual spaces that keep these qualities alive, such as digital check-ins and virtual watercooler chats. How many other ideas can you and your team come up with?

Employees want ‘meaningful in-person collaboration’

When it comes to hybrid working, UK office workers value in-person collaboration when it offers clear benefits, but do not want to see an increase in mandatory office days. Research by LinkedIn found that 79% of workers believe it’s fair for their employer to require in-person meeting attendance, and value face to face time for planning, collaborative and creative working, performance review meetings, and discussing sensitive issues.

The report found that 39% of C-Suite leaders are redesigning hybrid work models to foster higher engagement and maintain autonomy. 

Does your flexible working strategy contribute to sustainable employee engagement? We’re here to help. Call 0161 941 2426 for expert HR advice.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Are you open to using AI in HR?

Research from WorkBuzz found that 81% of UK HR professionals are open to using AI to support their work. It’s a significant increase from last year when just over half responded positively to the question. While HR professionals are still naturally concerned about losing the ‘human’ element of their work to technology, most remain open to its application and its potential to automate and refine processes.

Call 0161 941 2426 to discover how our HR Support Services can support your HR team to streamline HR processes and automate tasks.

Diversity and Inclusion

How can HR support employees in their 60s to remain in work?

HR Magazine highlights the importance of age-inclusivity and supporting older employees to remain in work. As the average retirement age increases, a third of the workforce is now over fifty and people are leaving work later in life. It’s up to employers and HR leaders to consider and respond to the needs of this important workforce demographic throughout the entire employee lifecycle.

A culture of open communication, opportunities for retraining, part-time hours, and reasonable adjustments for health are some of the suggested talking points.

The generational divide in workforce skills

HR Review reports on a study of 500 frontline workers which highlights the growing skills gap between generations. Technical skills are lacking in the under-25s category, while older employees possess critical skills and knowledge, and many lack the time and tools to pass this on effectively.       

Are you supporting your employees to upskill and transfer their skills? Talk to our team for learning and development advice and ask about our e-learning platform.

And finally…

1 in 6 workers adjust hours for their dogs

A survey by Sainsbury’s Bank reveals that people with dogs are changing their work habits to look after their pets. From adjusting work hours to working from home more often, dog owners are flexing their routines to care for their pooch and fulfil their work responsibilities. Is dog ownership a legitimate reason for a flexible working request? We’ll leave you to ponder that one!

How can we help?

To discuss any of the issues or challenges arising from this HR News Roundup, get in touch with us today on 0161 941 2426. We’re here to help.