Top 10 headlines this week

The latest Office for National Statistics figures reveal unemployment is at a record low of 3.5%, highlighting just how tight the labour market currently is. However, with high levels of inflation, pay levels are continuing to be suppressed. Read on for more reward and employee benefits news you might have missed this week.

After a turbulent week following the government's mini budget, we take a look at the latest headlines

The Living Wage Foundation has announced the latest uplift in its Real Living Wage early, with a recording breaking increase of 10%. In other news, those businesses trialling a four-day working week look on track to adopt the practice, while recruitment is still strong despite the economic downturn. Read on for more reward and employee benefits news you might have missed this week.

More than three-quarters of low-paid workers are feeling cost of living pressures, while employers are also warning that they expect to see an increase in the number of employees experiencing financial difficulties this winter. Read on for more reward and employee benefits news you might have missed this week.

The topic of better supporting neurodivergent employees is rapidly rising up the corporate agenda, and it’s not just about inclusion, predominately it is about wellbeing

Research from the CIPD has revealed that almost half (46%) of UK organisations support extending statutory paternity or partner leave and pay, but only 29% support extending it to six weeks or more.

A study reported in People Management found that 65% of women do not feel comfortable discussing their menopause symptoms with their manager.

Inflation is causing the sharpest fall in real pay on record and some organisations are responding by issuing one-off bonuses to their staff.

Evidence suggests high earners are more likely to receive inflation-matching pay rises than lower earners

Criticism from Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg of civil service diversity officers, who he described as “by the woke, for the woke” raises an interesting point on collaboration across organisations when it comes to diversity

The Women and Equalities Committee calls for menopause to become a protected characteristic under the Equality Act

The government has intervened and rectified a long-standing pensions anomaly which saw more than a million low-paid workers on net-pay arrangements excluded from a 20% top-up from the government.