(PR in) HR Pulse | HR News Round-up: 10th - 16th April 2023
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
ChatGPT increases the number of people taking on a second job
The combination of remote working, flexible hours and use of generative artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT has increased the amount of individuals taking on a second job.
CV-Library has revealed that more than half (58%) of UK employees intend to take on a second job. Six out of ten (62%) people have claimed this is due to anxiety around job security, while more than a third (38%) state that they have been driven by financial worries.
Vicky Walker, Group Director of People at Westfield Health explains that this is also down to employees having more free time as their commutes to work are no longer a factor.
Walker adds that although taking on additional employment shouldn’t be an issue if the work is satisfactory - it does put employees at risk of burning out, especially when working over the legal limit. Source: WorkLife.
Upskilling unemployed adults is the key to improving the skills shortage
New research from ReWAGE reveals that the key to improving the current skills shortage and unemployment rates is through educational and training support for adults of working age who are currently out of work due to skills gaps.
This news comes just after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that there were c7 million unemployed adults, even though there were c1 million vacancies.
ReWAGE’s co-chair, Irena Grugulis states that a government-funded career support scheme would greatly benefit employers, employees and the UK economy. She also claims that as the labour market develops, employers need to start focusing on upskilling and reskilling staff.
The Learning and Development Specialist of The Motivation Agency, Ian Luxford, urges employers to take on a proactive approach to nurture their employees and help them develop their skills, particularly as the intergeneration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace increases. Source: HR Magazine.
The government announces scheme to improve employment rate of autistic employees
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a review to boost employment rates amongst autistic people following the Office for National Statistics (ONS)’s 2021 report, which revealed that less than a quarter (22%) autistic adults were in employment.
Led by Sir Robert Buckland MP, the Buckland Review of Autism Employment was announced on 2nd April 2023 under the DWP, with support from Autistica to identify and address how best to secure, retain and develop the careers of those with the spectrum.
The review aims to help employers better understand and support their current autistic employees, while reducing the stigma of neurodivergent in the workplace through improved working practices and initiatives. This review will also determine what relevant adjustments can be made to accommodate different conditions, such as ADHD and dyslexia.
The review’s deadline has been set for September 2023.
Autistica’s chief executive, Dr James Cusack has praised the scheme and hopes to see a doubling of the autistic employment rate by 2023.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Tom Pursglove MP explains that one of the greatest difficulties for neurodivergent people entering the workforce is the lack of understanding support from employers. He claims that this review will be vital in giving employers the tools they need to improve the workplace for autistic individuals. Source: Employee Benefits.