Workplace Journal

Acas experienced a sharp increase in demand for its services during 2025/26, with early conciliation notifications rising by 27%. The workplace advisory body said it handled more than 150,000 early conciliation notifications during the year, with more than nine in 10 cases resolved without progressing to an employment tribunal. Its latest annual report also showed strong demand for workplace advice and collective dispute resolution amid significant changes to employment law.

Organisations are now moving beyond simply adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and are focusing on how to use it for real impact, according to the Future of L&D 2026 report from Access Learning. The report stated that real progress will require a focus on performance and working closely with businesses to identify needs and align learning to outcomes.

The TUC has launched a long-term skills initiative bringing together trade unions, employers and education providers to address skills shortages and prepare workers for changes driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and the transition to net zero. The new programme, called the 2050 Skills Project, will develop proposals for a worker-focused skills strategy designed to improve access to training and support economic growth.

Dan Challis (pictured), group sales director at Gi Group, said the Employment Rights Act could be the biggest disruption yet for small businesses relying on flexible workers. He said many are already seeing changes in how they hire and manage staff. Challis said: “When it comes to the leading catalyst for adaptation across our industry, in how we support and advise our customers and candidates, the ERB has caused the biggest waves this year so far.

Leep Group has acquired E.Quality Training Limited, a vocational training provider based in Stone, Staffordshire. The company runs three training centres in Hanley, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford. E.Quality Training supports young people aged 16 to 19 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), with qualifications in childcare, health and social care, and beauty.

Broadstone has published its Sirius Index update for June, showing improved funding for both its modelled pension schemes. The growth focused scheme funding rose from 92.2% at the end of May to 93.1% at the end of June. The matching focused scheme funding also increased, from 89.4% to 89.9% over the same period. Both schemes started 2026 at 90.0% funded.

Remitly has reported that being an actor is now the most searched-for dream job worldwide, with 222,080 annual searches for “how to be an actor”. This is an 11.5% rise from 2024 and marks the first time acting has overtaken pilot, which had 221,060 searches but saw a 48% drop since the last study. Pilot dropped to second place after leading since 2022, but remains the most searched-for career in 11 countries. Firefighter has taken third spot, rising 13 places with 171,330 searches.

Nearly 200 employers have signed up as ‘Vanguard’ organisations as part of the Government’s Keep Britain Working programme, which aims to help prevent employees leaving work because of ill health.

Doctors on the Isle of Man have voted in favour of industrial action in an ongoing dispute over pay, although a revised offer from Manx Care is now being considered by members. The ballot, organised by the British Medical Association (BMA), saw a turnout of 61.9%, with 95.2% of participating doctors voting in favour of preparing for industrial action. The result comes as doctors consider a new pay offer from Manx Care, which was made during the final days of the ballot.

Pension providers must do more to improve outcomes for customers in older pension products, after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found some savers in legacy arrangements may be receiving poorer value than those in newer products.