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

Mike Robinson 3 Med

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

    Mike Robinson 240X240

    Let me tell you a story…

    I recently addressed a room full of people waiting to hear if they had won an International Safety Award (ISA), at our gala dinner in London. This is something I do every year, so nothing unusual there. This year, I decided I’d do something I’ve never really done before. I told a personal story, about my own experiences, from my own career.

    By Mike Robinson FCA on 01 June 2023

    New safety tech Draeger

    The energy transition: why we need to manage the safety risks

    The move to renewable and low carbon energy sources like hydrogen will clearly present new safety risks, but developments in technology like gas detection monitoring will help to keep workers and the public safe.

    By David Head, Draeger Safety UK on 01 June 2023

    Mike Robinson 240X240

    Time for a double celebration!

    May is one of my favourite months. Not only is the weather (finally, surely!) starting to feel more Spring-like here in the UK, it’s also when we hold our prestigious event, the International Safety Awards (ISAs).And this year, we get to celebrate not just once, but twice.

    By Mike Robinson FCA on 01 May 2023

    Menopause iStock Mohamed Faizal Bin Ramli

    Menopause at work: government failing to grasp benefits of providing more support to women workers

    Many employers are waking up to the realities of menopause, and the benefits of providing a supportive environment for women at work. CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) research shows that 30 per cent of UK employers now have menopause policies, up from 10 per cent in 2019. But I am increasingly worried that the government has not appreciated the need to seize momentum.

    By Caroline Nokes on 01 May 2023

    Mike Robinson 3 Med

    Can we see the wood for the trees?

    Ten years ago, the United Nations’ General Assembly decreed that 20 March would be ‘International Day of Happiness’. You may have seen that Finland came out top as the happiest country in the world, for the sixth year running, in the World Happiness Report, based on the Gallup World Poll. Sadly, the UK dropped two places in the rankings to 19th, while the US rose by one place to 15th, and France fell out of the top 20.

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 03 April 2023

    Asbestos Warning iStock Paul D Wade

    Asbestos management in UK buildings: data suggests serious failings

    A report into asbestos in UK buildings was published in November 2022 following a collaboration between the two asbestos consulting trade associations, ATaC (Asbestos Testing and Consulting) and NORAC (National Organisation of Asbestos Consultants).

    By Mick Dawson, Asbestos and Testing Consultancy Association on 03 April 2023

    Jim Shannon MP 500 Min

    Preventing silicosis: key recommendations for government and HSE to consider

    By Jim Shannon MP on 01 April 2023

    Shelly Asquith

    Asbestos – we must get rid of it!

    It is a shame on our nation that we have the world’s highest rates of asbestos cancer. It is not a surprise, however, when you understand how many of our buildings are infested with the carcinogenic material.

    By Shelly Asquith, Trades Union Congress on 03 April 2023

    Mike Robinson 240X240 Small

    Knowing the price of something does not tell you its value

    Why do we regulate? Had the Government started by asking this question, as it attempts to undertake the biggest ever overhaul of this country’s regulations, we might not be in the mess we now find ourselves in.

    By Mike Robinson FCA, British Safety Council on 01 March 2023

    Lord Hendy UK Parliament

    The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Repeal) Bill threatens to strip away vital health and safety rights and protections

    The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Repeal) Bill is a dreadful Bill in both form and content. As to form, the Bill is largely skeleton legislation which sets out no detail on its face but confers powers on ministers to alter existing law by statutory instruments.

    By Lord Hendy on 01 March 2023