Two consortiums are on the shortlist to create a computer-based payroll and HR system for the NHS (Personnel Today, 4 April 2000). They are: McKesson HBOC, Oracle and PWC; and Sema, SAP and KPMG. The system will be the largest in Europe and for the first time will provide information about all NHS employees.
Unis look to Europe
Recruitment in universities has reached such a crisis that some posts can only be filled by relying on scientists and engineers displaced by the collapse of eastern Europe, the Universities Personnel Association said this week. Ged Murray, chairman of UPA, will tell delegates at the annual conference at Stirling University this week to brace themselves for another tough year because of continuing chronic under-funding by the Government.
Health staff set to fight
As Personnel Today went to press, 600 employees at the Dudley group of hospitals in the West Midlands were preparing for a week of strike action against privatisation of NHS jobs. The action was due to start on Sunday (3 September) to protest against the transfer of medical records staff, ancillary staff and sterile supplies staff from the NHS to Summit Healthcare.
totaljobs ups service
On-line recruitment service totaljobs.com, run by Personnel Today’s publisher Reed Business Information, has introduced new features to its site to improve the service it provides for clients. It is introducing a facility that will
allow CVs matching criteria for a job to be e-mailed to the recruiter as soon as they arrive on the site. Employers will be able to alter or update their adverts using their computers and pay for them on-line.
Leadership questions
Some 5,000 HR managers will this week receive a questionnaire about leadership in business as part of a joint venture between Personnel Today and Impact Development Training Group. The aim is to study the current state of leadership in UK organisations. Anecdotal evidence suggests that demand for effective leaders far outstrips supply. All participants will get full details of the findings and be automatically entered into a draw to win a weekend for two in a luxury Lake District hotel.
TUC’s rights guide
The TUC has issued a guide for employees to the right to be accompanied in grievance and disciplinary hearings, introduced this week. Copies of the leaflet are available by calling the Know Your Rights line on 0870 600 4882.
