UK job market sees growth in vacancies and salaries
UK vacancies and salaries hit annual highs in March, with Adzuna reporting 871,168 job openings—the first annual vacancy growth since July 2022. Healthcare and social work led the surge, while graduate roles dropped 17%. The average time to fill roles rose to 35.3 days. Salary transparency improved slightly, with nearly 49% of listings including pay. Northern Ireland saw the strongest regional gains in vacancies and wages.
Average advertised salaries rose 8.6% year-on-year, outpacing inflation. While employer confidence appears to be growing, caution remains in some sectors, especially graduate hiring. London maintained the highest average salary at £48,276.
BBC pledges cultural overhaul amid abuse allegations
BBC Chair Samir Shah acknowledged that powerful corporate figures can still make life “unbearable” for colleagues, prompting a major workplace culture reform. Following a review triggered by high-profile misconduct cases, including Huw Edwards and Tim Westwood, the BBC will implement a refreshed code of conduct, clearer contract expectations, and earlier intervention in misconduct reports.
Though the review found no toxic culture overall, it highlighted harmful behaviour by a minority. Union leaders welcomed the move but urged accountability. Director General Tim Davie emphasised the need for lasting cultural change to uphold the BBC’s core values.
Revolut’s staff bonus system raises concerns over workplace monitoring
UK-based fintech giant Revolut is under scrutiny after revealing it uses a behaviour-tracking tool, “Karma”, to influence staff bonuses. Introduced in 2020, the system awards or deducts points based on how well employees follow risk and compliance protocols. Revolut’s 2024 annual report claims Karma helps foster a “healthy risk and compliance culture.” However, concerns linger over transparency and pressure on staff.
The company, once accused of toxic workplace practices, continues to face criticism despite previous pledges to improve culture. While Revolut says Karma drives good practice, using performance-linked surveillance reignites debate over ethical management in tech-driven finance.