This
week’s news in brief
Your
face fits
Employers
are looking to recruit people they like rather than the people with the best
skills for the job, finds a Recruitment Confidence Index special report. The
research into selection interviewing techniques among 1,200 employers reveals
that more than one in five still use ‘gut reaction’ to make decisions. www.rcisurvey.net
Sex
exception
Trade
union Unison has condemned the inclusion of a clause in the new sexual
orientation equality regulations that gives faith-based employers the freedom
to sack lesbian and gay employees. The 2003 Employment Equality (Sexual
Orientation) Regulations, contain exemptions for employers "with an ethos
based on religion or belief". www.unison.org.uk
FBU
strike strategy
Leaders
of the Fire Brigades Union have threatened further strikes if the pay dispute
is not resolved today. The leaders said they had developed a "strike
strategy", which they will implement if there is not "an acceptable
negotiated settlement". www.fbu.org.uk
Violence
at home
An
employers’ guide to dealing with staff suffering from domestic violence has
been launched by Opportunity Now and Women’s Aid. The Good Practice Guide for
Employers on Domestic Violence and the Workplace provides advice on how to
respond to victims, legal responsibilities and good practice. www.opportunitynow.org.uk
H&S
failures
Most
employers do not meet health and safety regulations, a survey by employment law
firm Peninsula reveals. Seventy-two per cent of employers polled do not fully
comply with H&S laws, and a further 87 per cent expressed concern that they
could be prosecuted. www.peninsula-uk.com
