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This week's new in brief
Anti-bullying training
Unions are to be consulted on how Consignia managers are trained in an attempt to radically overhaul the company's bullying culture. Partnership Boards, based in London, the Midlands and Scotland, will for the first time give union representatives a say on how managers are trained. www.cwu.org.uk
HR team sacked
Walsall Council has sacked its entire management team, including the head of personnel. The council's elected members backed an Audit Commission report and removed the six-strong management team including Deb Clarke, head of personnel and development. www.walsall.gov.uk
HP suspends 150 staff
Computer company Hewlett Packard has sacked two members of its UK staff and suspended a further 150 for e-mail abuse. The staff were 'viewing and sharing unauthorised and inappropriate material.' The suspended staff are made up of 60 permanent staff and 90 contract staff. A company investigation is ongoing. www.hewlett-packard.com
Strike action 'patchy'
More than half of local government staff ignored strike action last week, according to the Employers' Organisation for Local Government. The organisation said the spread of the strike was patchy and most councils were able to manage without too much disruption. Nationally, more than 75 per cent of schools stayed open and the picture was similar for other services. www.lg-employers.gov.uk
University pay rise
Thousands of support staff in universities are set to receive pay increases of up to 5 per cent. Universities have promised to introduce a new pay scale from 1 August and have committed to reducing the working week in future. The offer equates to between £400 and £500 a year extra for university workers including caterers, cleaners, porters, security staff, and gardeners. www.tgwu.org.uk
