News roundup: HR's growing influence and partnering

17 February 2012

Earlier this week it was encouraging to read results from the 10th annual XpertHR survey that, amid continuing challenges and cost cutting, HR has grown in influence and effectiveness within organisations, reported Personnel Today.

According to latest survey, which looked closely into HR roles and responsibilities and sought responses from HR practitioners, XpertHR found that HR has performed well in the recent challenging conditions, with HR teams dealing with different challenges in the public and private sectors.

Elsewhere the announcement of The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development's (CIPD) new HR Business Partner Conference is a welcome boost to the annual event and conference circuit. The conference will be primarily aimed at in-house HR Business Partners. But here at Ochre, a partnering approach is so integral to the way we work that we were heartened to read how the new conference will examine ways to boost business through HR partnering, to develop a competitive edge. 

To explore such issues further, the CIPD will also launch new research, Business Savvy: Giving HR the Edge, which is focussed on the need for HR leaders and practitioners to harness a deep understanding of, and engagement with, the wider business. We look forward to reading the results.

Whilst earlier this week the Government published its draft legislation detailing an increase to the unfair dismissal qualifying period. The change will come into force on 6 April 2012 and the details are: 

  • From 6 April 2012, the qualifying period for unfair dismissal will increase from one year to two and is effective for employees employed on or after 6 April 2012.
  • Having been employed for two years, employees will be able to claim for unfair dismissal or request a statement of reasons for dismissal.
  • However, any employees that started working on a continuous basis prior to 6 April 2012 will still be able to pursue an unfair dismissal claim after only one year’s service.

For more information about Ochre’s employment law advice*, either call us on 01392 367367, or visit our employment law advice page

* Such advice is intended for general guidance on your rights and responsibilities and will not constitute legal advice, unless provided by our Employment Lawyers.