Opinion

Thumbs Up Race Equality iStock/PeopleImages

Mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting: closing the gap towards race equality at work

For nearly 30 years, Business in the Community (BITC) has been working with employers across the UK to help create a fairer world, where everyone feels valued and has equal opportunities for progression, regardless of their background. However, while we have seen many businesses taking vital steps in the right direction, there is still a long way to go before true race equality can be achieved at work and we are tapping into all the talent, skills and potential available. And every employer needs to play their part in getting there.

By Sandra Kerr CBE, Business in the Community (BITC) on 09 December 2024

Older Worker With Bike Centre for Ageing Better

Health conditions should not be a barrier for older workers

Gaps in the labour market can be filled by older workers, but many encounter obstacles in their search for suitable employment. The Centre for Ageing Better is therefore calling upon the Government to help employers recruit more people from this demographic.

By Dr Emily Andrews, Centre for Ageing Better on 05 December 2024

How can we support our people better in a changing world?

At the end of November, I had the privilege of presenting top-performing organisations with our prestigious Sword, Globe and Shield of Honour awards, recognising their achievements in health, safety, environmental and wellbeing management. It’s something I relish doing every year, and this time was no exception.

By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 04 December 2024

Buildings With Cranes iStock Vladimirovic

CDM prosecutions – what can we learn from them?

Construction, design and management is an approach used within the construction industry that integrates all stages of a project. It considers all aspects of a construction process from the initial design and planning to the construction and maintenance of the building or structure.

By Kevin Bridges and Hannah Beaumont, Pinsent Masons on 01 March 2024

Environmental health professionals: a vital armoury in protecting public and worker health

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has been protecting the public, supporting professionals and influencing policy for over 130 years. The work of CIEH’s 7,600 members encompasses health protection both in work and across our communities locally, nationally and internationally. Our vision is simple: “a safer, cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.”

By Louise Hosking, CIEH on 29 February 2024

We need UK government action to halt the sale of unsafe ladders on online platforms

With tests showing that 70 per cent of multi-purpose ladders available to purchase in the UK via online platforms fail to meet minimum safety requirements designed to keep users safe, the Ladder Association is calling for the UK government to close loopholes allowing their sale.

By David Gray, Ladder Association on 01 February 2024

2024: a year of choices for us all

How are you feeling this New Year? Tense? Worried? Tired? I ask because, according to the pollsters, many of us are suffering from ‘burnout’.

By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 08 February 2024

Simplified reporting of falls from height will identify ways to prevent accidents

With recent statistics showing little improvement in the number of workplace falls from height, the Access Industry Forum (AIF) believes a simplified incident reporting system for falls would allow lessons to be learned about the causes and most effective preventive measures.

By Peter Bennett OBE, Access Industry Forum (AIF) on 01 February 2024