It's more important than ever in a downturn for companies to explore their assessment needs

Find out how the right tools can give you the edge in troubled times in People Management's new Guide to Assessment. Click on the link above to access the guide. It includes an industry overview, a feature on attracting Generation Y's brightest and best, a handy list of dos and don'ts and a directory of providers.

Also in this issue you can download our new survey report that examines the affects of the credit crunch on employment relations, and you can get top tips on handling restructuring.

Alison Gilbertson
Editor

Discover how to unlock your organisation's full potential with effective coaching.

Employment relations

More organisations are being affected by increasingly turbulent employment relations, to a large extent linked to the credit crunch. Our new survey report reveals that more than 25% of organisations, where unions are recognised, have been affected by strike action in the last 12 months. Eight out of ten employers cite pay as the reason for recent strike action.

 Download the free survey report on employment relations

 Find out about our one-day course on practical employee relations
 Go to our free factsheet on employee relations

Global unemployment could rise by 20 million

Global unemployment could increase by 20 million, according to the head of a UN agency.

 View this article on predictions for global unemployment

John Philpott, CIPD Chief Economist, urges employers to 'act cautiously in the face of mounting pessimism' and to 'take care not to overreact.'

 Read and comment on John Philpott's blog

Firms make contingency plans for economic downturn

Organisational restructuring is the most widespread measure.

Handle with care

The challenges associated with handling restructuring aren't to be underestimated. People Management has published some key steps for you to follow to optimise your chances of success.

 Get expert advice on handling restructuring

 Find out how two organisations managed restructuring
 Get practical advice on managing change  
 Order our Toolkit on organisational development and change

Keeping up to date

Forum events offer members the chance to debate current HR issues with expert speakers. Don't miss out on the chance to get up to speed at our forum events this November. 

 Get the latest information and advice on benefit packages
 Gain valuable insights into international mergers and acquisitions
 Find out about employers' experiences of managing sexual orientation, religion and belief issues in the workplace
 Explore how to develop and retain talent

HR jobs

Highlighted roles this week:

Corporate Training Officer   Full and part-time positions available    Up to £29,728, pro rata for part time    Flintshire County Council, Flintshire	More jobs in and near to Wales
L&D Specialist   (Management Development)            £36,500 - £42,000 pa, Visions,    London	More L&D jobs
Employment Relations Executive   Attractive benefits packages including   pension and private healthcare.   Engineering Construction Industry   Association, Westminster, London	More employee relations jobs
HR Adviser   £7k pa pro rata (£35k pa full time for   37 hours per week), The Fashion Retail   Academy, London	More HR adviser jobs

Keep us up to date so we can meet your needs

If you've changed your address or job, or are now interested in a new area of HR and development, tell us by completing your membership questionnaire. If you've already completed the questionnaire but wish to alter your details, please call us on +44 (0)20 8612 6208.

 Complete your membership questionnaire now

 If you're not a member you can update your profile on our website