This week’s news in brief
Stress awareness
A major awareness campaign, which aims to prevent work-related stress, has
been launched by the Health and Safety Executive. The campaign will include
media advertising, supporting material, leaflets, an action line and
guide-lines on how to prevent work-related stress. www.hse.gov.uk
Lack of CSR policy
Too few of Britain’s best retailers are forming clear policies on corporate
social responsibility (CSR), a survey of the top 60 stores claims. The research
finds only one in four of the top chains have well-defined policies which
recognise and meet the responsibilities of the communities they operate
in.  www.corporatereaction.co.uk
Cup fever costs
World Cup sick days cost the UK economy £391m, a study into absenteeism
during the tournament finds. Barclaycard’s Premier-ship website 4thegame.com
surveyed 4,000 fans, revealing 39 per cent admitted taking at least one day off
to follow their team. www.4thegame.com
NHS childcare cash
The Government is to spend an extra £6m on its NHS childcare strategy in an
effort to recruit and retain hospital staff. On top of the £70m already announced
for on-site nurseries, the new cash for this current year will allow staff to
book places in after-school clubs, holiday play schemes and with
childminders. www.doh.gov.uk
Tackling racism
The Association of Colleges claims further education is the only part of the
education sector ready to tackle "institutionalised racism". A new
report, Further Education Colleges Leading the Way on Racial Equality, launched
by the Commission for Black Staff in Further Education, claims work is already
being done in FE colleges to end institutionalised racism. www.aoc.co.uk
Changes to benefits
A third of employers have either recently made changes to their staff
benefits and allowances packages or plan to do so in the next two years,
according to research by IRS Employment Review. The survey of nearly 100 HR
managers also reveals that despite the growing emphasis on work-life balance,
only 13 per cent of respondents report their staff receive childcare
support. www.irsemploymentreview.com
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Strike averted
An improved pay offer has averted strikes at the National Galleries of
Scotland. Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union planned to
strike, but this has been suspended following negotiations. www.pcs.org.uk
