HR Grapevine

Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing it of stealing trade secrets obtained by the hiring of two former employees. The iPhone manufacturer claimed in a federal lawsuit filed last week that it had evidence that senior OpenAI execs, including Chief Hardware Officer Tang Tan, had directed a “pattern of theft” to access inside information. OpenAI has hit back at the suit and said it has no interest in trade secrets from Apple or any other company.

HR Management Insight 3 mins read HR Grapevine HR Grapevine | Executive Grapevine International Ltd As temperatures rise, HR teams face a fresh mix of seasonal challenges and strategic opportunities. Summer 2026 brings more than sunshine and annual leave requests; it also puts flexibility, workforce planning and employee wellbeing firmly in focus. Here are the key HR trends to watch and practical ways to respond. Summer is often the point where flexible working policies are tested in practice.

One in four of those in managerial roles choose not to share feedback with their workforce - even when the news is positive - according to new research.

Just one in four workers in the UK feel their job is safe from elimination, and a little more than a fifth (22%) globally strongly agree that their job is safe from elimination, new research reveals. Despite relatively low unemployment in many markets, no country surveyed in ADP’s latest People at Work 2026 report, reports a majority of workers who feel confident about their job security.

Organisations increasingly recognise that traditional learning experiences were designed around systems, schedules, and completion metrics — not around how people actually learn and grow inside modern work. Accordingly, just 7% of employees turn first to the learning system built for them when they need to grow.

Organisations increasingly recognise that traditional learning experiences were designed around systems, schedules, and completion metrics — not around how people actually learn and grow inside modern work. Accordingly, just 7% of employees turn first to the learning system built for them when they need to grow.

News HR Management 5 mins read HR Grapevine HR Grapevine | Executive Grapevine International Ltd England’s World Cup campaign has already brought late nights, tired employees and awkward conversations about morning attendance. Should the Three Lions go all the way, HR teams could have an extra bank holiday to contend with too.

NHS employers will be formally assessed on how they protect and support staff, with workforce experience set to influence trusts’ overall performance ratings. NHS trusts will be held formally accountable for their handling of racism, workplace violence and sexual harassment under a new set of national staff standards. The framework will measure employers across six areas: violence prevention and reduction, sexual safety, racism, flexible working, line management, and health and wellbeing support.

Ford has been rebuffed by a worker it fired after wrongly accusing him of stealing a cookie worth just $1.95. Kurt Kromm, the veteran electrician in question, said the abrupt manner of his termination and subsequent lack of apology from the firm has made it impossible to return. According to Kromm, who is diabetic, Ford simply assumed he would be returning after he was able to provide evidence that the did in fact pay for the cookie with a credit card.

Keir Starmer has announced he is resigning as Prime Minister, and Andy Burnham - the former Greater Manchester Mayor who returned to Parliament only weeks ago - looks the overwhelming favourite to replace him. For the country it is a moment of flux. For HR professionals, it is a familiar scenario - a new leader arriving at the very top, and everyone below them suddenly recalibrating. Because a change at the top is never contained to the top. "A new leader at the top isn't just a headline.