By Musab Hemsi, a partner at Anderson Strathern Employment lawyers are well versed in misconduct or grievance investigations at work. We can advise on the beginning, middle and end of the investigatory process and what should be expected for both the employer and employee. So far so good. But one aspect which often escapes lawyers’ critical consideration is – what happens to the parties involved after an investigation is concluded? While being proficient in the investigation process is crucial as an employment lawyer, it is also important to bear in mind the effects of an investigation and how these can…
Author: sme-admin
Recent findings by Tlyfe reveal that the ratio of private tenants to available rental properties is projected to increase to 2.21 by the end of 2024, up from 2.2 in 2023. This subtle shift highlights an increasingly competitive landscape for renters, driven by a growing demand that far outstrips supply. Despite surging tenant demand, 30% of landlords have sold or listed at least one rental property within the last year. A further 17.4% are contemplating similar moves in the coming months, according to the Goodlord and Vouch State of the Lettings Industry Report. In fact, half of all landlords have either…
Quadient , a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, shares some predictions on the trends expected to disrupt the finance and accounting sector in 2025. Quadient’s predictions include: How more finance teams will go all-in on blockchain How 2025 will see accounting becoming a dying profession if education doesn’t change 2025 will be the year of instant cash flow How AR teams will become a driving force in business decision making 2025 will see open banking redefining payments More finance teams will go all-in on blockchain Sarah-Jayne Martin, Director of Financial Automation at Quadient “In 2025 more…
Research from ramsac, a leading cybersecurity support firm, has found that over 30% of UK adults couldn’t pass a cybersecurity test for 11-year-olds. By posing five simple questions that are part of the UK’s 11-14-year-olds curriculum, it was found that only 68% of responders answered all five correctly. ramsac asked those visiting their website to answer the following five multiple choice questions: Which of the following helps to safeguard against phishing? What is malware? If you left your phone with work information in a public place, what should you do? Outside your workplace, you find a USB stick, what would you…
New data from digital transformation consultancy Daemon reveals that while discounts are still a primary motivator for shoppers, willingness to share certain information and the changing retail landscape is reshaping consumer loyalty. Across generations, discounts are a common theme. 61% of GenZ, 67% of Millennials, and 65% of Baby Boomers say special discounts are the top reason that would keep them shopping with a retailer. Despite this, there are varying degrees of willingness to share personal information in exchange for these benefits. Over half – 58% – would provide their email address to receive a 25% discount on their next…
The annual Scottish Widows women and retirement report was recently released. The report highlights some shocking stats, including how only 56% of women are on track to receive retirement income from a private pension, compared to 68% of men – and fewer (49%) women are on track for retirement income from long term savings than men (61%). In light of this Paul Leandro, Partner at independent consultancy, Barnett Waddingham, shares five things employers can consider to close the gender pensions gap and four things policy makers should do. Paul commented, “The pension system that we use is outdated. Despite being…
The UK accountancy sector is facing an urgent talent crisis, with accountants blaming outdated and negative perceptions for the weak talent pipeline, according to recent findings from accounting software provider FreeAgent. The latest research from FreeAgent surveyed 337 accountants and bookkeeping professionals to highlight the health of the industry’s talent pipeline and the future skills needed for the profession. Perceived barriers to accountancy enrollment With a sharp decline in the number of students choosing to pursue accountancy qualifications, among the most significant obstacles are negative stereotypes about the profession, cited by 57.1% of respondents, high education costs (47.1%), and the lengthy…
ThreatQuotient™, a leading threat intelligence platform innovator, last week released the Evolution of Cybersecurity Automation Adoption 2024. Based on survey results from 750 senior cybersecurity professionals at companies in the U.K., U.S. and Australia from a range of industries, this in-depth research report examines the progress senior cybersecurity professionals are making towards adopting automation, its key use cases and the challenges they face. The fourth edition of this annual survey highlights how automation is maturing and how, in a world of continuous change, organisations are adopting cybersecurity automation for resilience, scale and collaboration. The report examines approaches to integration, whether…
Research suggests that up to 50% of people are introverts, and yet so much conventional leadership wisdom focuses on developing people’s ‘extrovert’ qualities in order to succeed at work. But what if introversion isn’t something to “fix”, and being quiet could actually make you a better leader? In a world where extroverted leaders often dominate the conversation, new book Quiet Leader offers a refreshing perspective. It empowers introverted individuals to embrace their unique leadership strengths such as humility, good listening, being reflective and staying calm. Quiet Leader helps introverts in business understand the value they add and how to overcome the…
Bibby Financial Services’ Mike Day and Age UK Leeds once again spread festive cheer this year This December, the annual charity event “Ron’s Christmas Lunch” returns to Leeds, bringing festive celebrations and community to over 130 elderly Yorkshire locals. Since its inception in 2018, Ron’s Christmas Lunch has provided a much-needed opportunity for connection and celebration, offering free Christmas lunches, entertainment, and companionship to some of Yorkshire’s most isolated residents. This year’s event is taking place on the 3rd December at the Marriott Hotel in Leeds. The event, organised in partnership with Age UK Leeds, was founded by Mike Day,…