Skills shortages are the major factor influencing business today, according to a recent survey of 1,000 people by Hays. Global and national economic trends followed, with increased regulation and compliance third. The skills shortage has reshaped business in general, according to Jacky Carter, director of Hays
Skills shortages are the major factor influencing business today, according to a recent survey of 1,000 people by Hays. Global and national economic trends followed, with increased regulation and compliance third. The skills shortage has reshaped business in general, according to Jacky Carter, director of Hays. “Employers realise a major component of business success in the future is the ability to source suitably qualified and experienced staff. There has been a lot of talk about the skills shortage issue, but as our survey shows, the issue has become more of a concern and is now the major influence for business.”
Australia Post’s $250,000 unfair dismissal defence
Australia Post spent more than $250,000 on legal fees to oppose an unfair dismissal claim by a sacked worker. A Senate estimates committee recently heard that national law firm, Minter Ellison, billed Australia Post $200,489 for defending the unfair dismissal application, $47,427 for defending an appeal and a further $2,215 to make an application for appeal costs. Victorian postal worker, Trevor Grenfell, was sacked for willful misconduct and unsatisfactory performance over a number of years, and despite Australia Post offering Grenfell a settlement, the AIRC dismissed his case on two occasions.
UK: HR urged to tackle age discrimination
Employers are experiencing real difficulties recruiting people with the skills and experience they need to achieve their business objectives, according to Dianah Worman, diversity adviser for the UK-based Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Speaking on the launch of a national campaign to help employers get ready for legislation on age discrimination, she said many companies are also making their own lives difficult by passing over the workers with the best mix of skills and experience because they think they are too old or too young. On business grounds alone, people should be hired because of what they offer, not the date on their birth certificate, she said.
Integrating and leading talent management
Driven by ageing demographics, talent shortages, gaps between existing leadership skills and current/future leadership skill requirements and more, the importance of talent is capturing the attention of corporate leaders. With this in mind, Boomerang Consulting will present a two day workshop, led by talent management thought leader Lynne Morton, on the practice of integrated talent management in Melbourne on 6 and 7 October and Sydney on 11 and 12 October 2005. The program will integrate the full spectrum of talent management functions, including strategic alignment, talent planning and how to build an effective business case.
