Now is the time to invest in skills! - plea from UK business bosses

Some of the UK’s most senior businessmen and union leaders have rallied together urging UK businesses not to cut staff training and development budgets as the economic climate continues to put pressure on businesses to reduce costs. In an open letter published in the national newspapers this week respected figures such as Sir Stuart Rose, Chairman Marks and Spencer and Richard Lambert, Director General of CBI and Sir Michael Rake, Chairman of BT group plc have stressed the importance of sustaining and possibly increasing investment in training as this is the time when it is needed most.  Read the story »

Downsizing - myths & methods

The economy is heading into recession, therefore it is worth asking what organisations gain from downsizing. Perhaps surprisingly, Rock the Boat’s evidence suggests that organisations achieve no financial gains and, in many cases, the aftermath of job cuts leads to poor performance and pressure to cut even more jobs. So what is the best approach for organisations facing the current economic climate who want to secure their long term viability? Read the story »