Report on latest UK pay increases

Pay negotiations are often a key concern for HR managers – so what does the national picture look like? Despite the recession, the latest report from Income Data Services (IDS) shows the median pay rise in the U.K. holding at 2.5%. The figures look at pay settlements over the last three months until the end of August and cover 5 million employees. The results show a very mixed picture, described as a ‘two-speed’ economy. The analysis, on the People Management website, shows on one hand that one in ten settlements resulted in a pay freeze, notably in the public, not-for profit and construction sector. More buoyant sectors with pay increases up to 4% include the engineering, energy, pharmaceutical and rail transport sectors. Additionally, such changes as "falling inflation meant the gap between pay awards and the rising cost of living was narrowing.” For more analysis read the full article at http://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/pm/articles/2012/09/median-pay-rise-remains-at-2-5-per-cent-in-uk.htm

NEC Exhibition for learning and development professionals

For all those involved in providing learning, development and training in an organization, the World of Learning Exhibition may have something to offer. Taking place in the NEC Birmingham on October 2^nd and 3^rd, the exhibition runs alongside the World of Learning Conference. Areas covered by the exhibitors at the conference include blended learning, e-Learning, open & distance learning and psychometric testing. Training companies, suppliers, universities and HR professional bodies are all represented. Registration is free as are the series of seminars with topics including ‘Helping talent flourish’ and ‘360° feedback programs’. There area also a number of free live workshops at this exhibition for the L&D industry – celebrating its 20^th year. The workshops take place in the different learning areas from the Modern Life Skills Zone to the Leaders in Learning Zone. To register and for more information on the exhibition visit https://www.learnevents.com/index.php

Job interviews – don’t let them ask all the questions

You’ve spent time considering which questions may come at your interview but it’s worth taking some time to think about the questions you want to ask. In the Daily Telegraph, jobs editor, Louise Peacock, offers some advice. Firstly, this is not the time simply to ask about the money. At least don’t make it the first of the three questions that you should have prepared. If you think there may be more information that you could offer to share on your abilities try this one: ‘Is there anything you’d like me to clarify or explain in more detail?’ This open question allows both sides to clarify any misunderstanding or details. A further suggestion is ‘What do you see as the priorities for this job in the first three months?’ This allows you greater insight into the job and gives you a chance to express extra enthusiasm. For more of the suggested interview questions read more at http://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/article/3886109/questions-to-ask-at-interview/

Successful options for non-graduates

Many people choose not to go to university and still have many successful career options open to them. You may not want to start a career with student debts or simply want to get on the career ladder straight away. A panel of experts on the Guardian Careers page answered questions in a live Q&A last week on the many career paths open to you – even if you don’t have a degree. Panellists included the HR director of Barclays UK Retail and Business banking, HR manager from Accor UK and a director at the Chartered Institute of Management. They comment and answer questions on careers in banking, retail, legal offices and accounting. They discuss the many options including how to ‘earn while you learn’ and gain qualifications while still receiving a salary. Readers offer success stories among their comments. Read the full range of questions and answers at http://careers.guardian.co.uk/career-advice-without-going-to-university

Working at the Olympics – what does it take?

Ben Whayman runs the Aquatic centre at the Olympic Park. His story of how he got to this point in his career is a real tale of every aspect of job searching and career highs and lows. His article on the Guardian Careers blog starts with following a passion early on (swimming at international level), and initially studying while working. He then graduated in leisure studies, struggled to get a graduate position but eventually built up experience in the public, private and charitable sector.  He crucially also saw the valuable career experience to be gained in volunteering at a key event in his field, long before he could hope to apply for a permanent role. Read more on a career in leisure and event management and see the value of bringing together life and work experience to find your dream job. Read Ben’s story and the full article at  http://careers.guardian.co.uk/careers-blog/aquatics-centre-olympics-former-lifeguard

How to impress in a new role

So you’ve got the role that you wanted and you start tomorrow. Do you really know what is expected and how to make a good first, and second, impression? Whether it’s a job in a similar company or a complete career change, it’s worth considering the ’25 ways to make an impact’ discussed in David Schindler’s blog on his ‘Learning to Leap’ website. Many focus on showing commitment, initiative and the ability to act quickly such as ‘When a problem needs to be fixed or a customer needs assistance…never, ever wait to be asked.’ Good timekeeping is particularly important on those first few days with advice such as ‘missing meetings is not cool’ and saying “I’m not a morning person is beyond lame’. For the full list and more advice on getting off to a good start in your new job or career read the full article at http://www.employabilitycoaching.co.uk/immediate-impact

Training is the key for every age group

Many organisations see ‘a direct correlation between training, employee productivity and financial performance’ according to a report by the International Labour Organisation. More than 13% of U.K. companies believed that company profits could rise by up to 20% if the workforce was better trained. Despite this, the survey found that companies were not necessarily providing such training. Links with educational institutions or the private sector were suggested. Employers also expect staff to take the lead in developing their skills. In the article in HR Magazine, the employers thought that different age groups should have different goals when it came to training. For 16-24 year olds, further education was thought to be a ‘top priority’ while 25-50 year olds ‘need to make sure they have a broad range of up to date skills.’ Those 50 and older need to be ‘adaptable and flexible players’. For more views on training read the full article http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/hro/news/1073779/redouble-commitment-training-employers-warned-report-economist-intelligence-unit