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The UK is falling behind in protecting workers from artificial intelligence (AI), a trade union has warned.
The TUC said the UK had no plans, like the EU’s AI Act, to regulate its use in hiring, firing and setting work conditions. The union has asked a taskforce to draft legal protections.
The government said it was committed to improving and upholding worker rights.
It comes as the boss of Octopus Energy Greg Jackson told the BBC its customers prefer emails written by AI over his staff.
Business leaders are hailing the potential of AI to spur innovation, productivity and improve customer service.
But unions say they are “deeply worried” that UK employment law is not keeping pace with the AI revolution.
Mary Towers, employment rights policy officer at the TUC said: “The types of decisions that are being made by AI are significant and life changing – for example who should get a job, how work is carried out where it’s carried out.”
A lack of AI specific legislation meant the UK was being left behind, she said. “For example, in the EU, they are in the process of passing an AI Act. In this country, we don’t have any equivalent.”
‘Prefer AI to humans’
At Octopus Energy, AI is used to read, interpret and answer customer service queries. Chief executive Greg Jackson said it was doing work that would otherwise need an extra 250 people.
He said customers appeared to prefer dealing with the AI than with a human.
“An email written by our team members has a 65% satisfaction rating from customers,” he said. “An email written by a by AI has an 80 or 85% satisfaction rating. And so what the AI is doing is enabling our team to do a better job of serving customers at a time of great need.”
He added that a human commanding an AI to write an email “saves a lot of tedious typing”.
“But we have to ensure this is all done responsibly. And we need governments and economists and businesses to be ensuring that we’re doing this by enhancing and creating jobs, not replacing them.”
‘Better health outcomes’
AI could lead to huge breakthroughs in science and medicine according to the boss of drug giant GSK. Emma Walmsley told the BBC that the speed with which AI could process data and see patterns would revolutionise drug development.
“Biopharma is difficult. It takes sometimes a decade, billions, and it has a 90% failure rate,” she said.
“But we are in the business of data at the heart of what we do. AI is helping us see things in this data faster.”
She said this meant drug and vaccine discovery and development should become “more predictive and improve our probability of success”.
And she said that could mean better health outcomes for hundreds of millions of people.
“One in three of us is going to be battling with dementia, there are still many cancers that don’t have have solutions, infectious diseases are still causing one in six deaths in the world,” she said.
There was “no doubt” that AI would “help us unlock better solutions to these challenges”, she said. “And that’s got to be something worth investing in with optimism whilst regulating responsibly.”
Ms Walmsley thinks improving productivity through the use of AI will create more jobs and “change some jobs quite meaningfully”.
“I think some will need maybe some less headcount on but there’ll be other spaces where we need a lot more,” she said.
It is sometimes assumed that the creative arts will be the least affected by AI as machine learning will struggle to replicate human creativity.
But that’s wrong according to actress and voice over artist Laurence Bouvard who said that AI is being used to sample, analyse and replicate human voices without paying the original artist.
“When we do a job, in order to get paid, we have to sign away all our rights,” she said. “And these AI companies are just taking it without asking who it belongs to.”
She said AI was a particular threat to the “army” of lesser known artists who voice cartoons, video games, dictionaries and other audio work who could see their careers totally destroyed.
“A writer and an artist and a photographer, even if their work is stolen, they can create new work. If my voice is stolen, if my career is over,” she said.
‘Urgent action’
AI has great power and is already changing industries and the work place. Last week the OECD said the world was “on the cusp of an AI revolution”.
The Paris-based body said: “Urgent action is required to make sure AI is used responsibly and in a trustworthy way in the workplace.”
With great power comes great responsibility – and it is not yet clear in the UK or internationally – who will or who should take on that responsibility.
A government spokesperson said: “AI is set to fuel growth and create new highly-paid jobs throughout the UK, while allowing us to carry out our existing jobs more efficiently and safely.
“That is why we are working with businesses and regulators to ensure AI is used safely and responsibility in business settings.”
Read more:
Unions calls for better protection for workers against AI

Virgin Money has become the latest lender to reveal a new wave of branch closures, revealing plans to axe almost a third of its network.
The stores in Liverpool, Kendal and Chester will close as the financial business said the number of customers using bank branches for day-to-day transactions has been on a downward trajectory for a number of years.
Virgin Money last announced store closures in September 2021. Following these latest changes, which will take effect later this year, it will have a network of 91 stores across the UK.
The stores which are closing have seen an average reduction in customer transactions of 43% since March 2020 and 96% of customers in these stores are transacting less than once a month on average.
The decision to close a store is based on a number of factors, including footfall, transaction volumes and the number of potentially vulnerable customers in the area. Each store was assessed on an individual basis, with careful consideration of the impact on the local area, as well as the needs of vulnerable customers and the accessibility of alternative services such as free-to-use ATMs and Post Offices.
Each store closing is less than half a mile from the nearest Post Office, which customers can use to carry out day‐to-day transactions, including cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque deposits and balance enquiries, as well as coin exchange.
The news comes only days after Barclays said it was set to close 14 more banks over the coming months, with the major high street bank saying it will close 11 of its sites in England a further two in Wales and one in Scotland.
The majority of the closures will happen in October – with the rest shutting their doors in November and December.
Banks in Cardiff, Salford, Norwich and Dumfries are among those affected.
The bank has already announced more than 60 closures this year, following in the footsteps of several other major companies, including NatWest, Lloyds Banking Group and Halifax.
Sarah Wilkinson, chief operating officer at Virgin Money, said: “The decision to close a store is never taken lightly. But as our customers continue to change the way they want to bank with us, by conducting fewer transactions in-store and adopting the convenience of digital banking, we must respond to that evolving demand.
“Our focus is on supporting our customers and colleagues. We have considered the number of vulnerable customers using each store very carefully throughout the review process as a key factor in our decision making, and will proactively provide enhanced, bespoke care to ensure any vulnerable customers affected are supported through the changes.
“For our colleagues, we will pursue all options to retain as many as possible within alternative roles, and have had great success previously with store colleagues moving to other customer operations roles, as their skills are highly transferable.”
The business said it will support affected colleagues with finding alternative roles wherever possible, either within other stores or elsewhere in the group, particularly with the increased opportunities provided by remote and flexible working options. However, it admitted some colleagues will be at risk of redundancy.
The 39 sites affected are as follows:
• Belfast
• Chelmsford
• Enfield
• Hexham
• London Haymarket
• St Albans
• Bournemouth
• Cheltenham
• Exeter
• Irvine
• Milton Keynes
• Swindon
• Brighton
• Chester
• Fort William
• Kendall
• Newton Stewart
• Turrif
• Bristol
• Croydon
• Golders Green
• Kensington
• Norwich
• Wolverhampton
• Bromley
• Derby
• Gosforth Centre
• Kingston
• Oxford
• Cambridge
• Durham
• Guildford
• Liverpool
• Reading
• Cardiff
• Ellon
• Harrow
• Lochgilphead
Read more:
Virgin Money to close a third of UK branches – is your local bank affected?

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk says the electric carmaker could continue to cut prices as the world economy is in “turbulent times”.
The multi-billionaire’s comments came after the company reported that its profit margins had been squeezed as it faced tough competition.
In recent months, Tesla has cut its prices several times in major markets, including the US and China.
The firm’s shares fell by more than 4% in after-hours trade in New York.
Tesla reported that its profit margin had fallen to the lowest level in four years.
The company said its gross profit margin fell to 18.2% for the three months to the end of June, down from 26.2% for the same period last year.
During a call with Wall Street analysts, Mr Musk signalled that he was open to cutting prices further if needed.
“One day it seems like the world economy is falling apart, next day it’s fine. I don’t know what the hell is going on,” he said.
“We’re in, I would call it, turbulent times,” Mr Musk added.
Investors are concerned about the possibility of more price cuts at Tesla, Arun Sundararajan, a Professor at the NYU Stern Business School, told Business Matters.
“This feels like a price war with no long term strategy to raise margins if Tesla wins the war,” he added.
Earlier this year, Mr Musk said he believed pursuing higher sales, with lower profits, was the “right choice” for Tesla.
The firm has lowered prices in markets including the US, UK and China to compete with rival manufacturers.
Earlier this month, the company said it delivered a record number of vehiclesin the three months to the end of June.
It comes as more carmakers have agreed to adopt Tesla’s electric vehicle (EV) charging technology.
On Wednesday, Japanese motor industry giant Nissan said its EVs in the US and Canada would be equipped with Tesla-developed charging ports from 2025.
Nissan Americas’ chairperson Jérémie Papin said the firm was committed “to making electric mobility even more accessible”.
The announcement follows similar moves by US car manufacturers Ford and General Motors.
Read more:
Tesla may cut prices again in ‘turbulent times’

Rates of addiction across the UK have risen sharply over the past year. According to a recent survey commissioned by addiction charity The Forward Trust, 1 in 3 adults had relapsed into addiction during 2022 or knew someone close to them who had.
The NHS, meanwhile, has reported that demand for its addiction clinics is up by 42%.
In the accountancy sector, the picture is equally concerning. In a caba survey of nearly 2,000 chartered accountants, 1 in 7 of those we spoke to said they knew someone within the profession who they believe had an addiction. One in 5 admitted said their own drinking habits had negatively impacted their work or personal life, while a third of all those who said they gamble admitted they’re not always open with those around them about how often they do it or how much money they spend.
Complicating issues are worrying deepening cost-of-living crisis here in Britain. Millions of people across the country are now struggling to cover the costs of their basic human needs like groceries and energy bills. The stress, anxiety, and even trauma many of us feel as a direct result of this can create an environment in which addiction becomes more likely, as we try to find ways of coping.
Cristian Holmes, CEO of caba, the occupational charity for ICAEW chartered accountants explains that as with all societal issues, these issues don’t just stay at home. For HR professionals, this means an increased chance of having to handle a workplace situation where an employee is struggling with addiction. It’s essential, therefore, that every workplace has clear policies in place around substance misuse and other forms of addiction. This will ensure that both the employer and employees know which procedures to follow and that the individual struggling with addiction feels fully supported.
Health concern vs disciplinary action
There is no standardised way to approach addictive behaviours in the workplace. Some employers treat drug and alcohol misuse as gross misconduct and there are cases of employees being automatically dismissed for turning up to work under the influence.
However, HR professionals should be aware that drug and alcohol dependence are recognised medical problems. Therefore, anyone who is misusing them has the same rights to confidentiality and support as they would if they had any other medical or psychological condition.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) recommends that preventing substance misuse forms part of an employer’s overall wellbeing offering – something that we at caba wholeheartedly agree with. This ensures any need for disciplinary action is coupled with a preventative and supportive approach to help employees get the help they need. While there may be times that employees need to be moved to a different department – for instance, if they’re in a safety-critical job – the goal should always be to support them in getting better.
We would also suggest that employers extend their policy to cover all forms of addiction, including behavioural addictions like gambling and gaming, and so-called invisible addictions like orthorexia (an obsession with health). Modern addiction can present itself in different ways and employers need to be aware of the signs so that they can act accordingly.
Creating a workplace policy for substance misuse and other forms of addiction
Every workplace should have a clear and consistent policy framework in place around addiction, which sets out the employer’s expectations for staff behaviour as well as the consequences for not meeting these expectations. It should provide details of the process for employees who wish to disclose an addiction, along with a list of any support systems and resources available to them such as an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
EAPs form an important part of a workplace’s wellbeing support offering and it’s important to raise awareness of them where they’re available. Some employees may feel hesitant about talking about an addiction within a workplace context – for instance, only 5% of those we surveyed said they’d go to their EAP about an addiction – therefore education around confidentiality is key.
A workplace addiction policy should also set out the procedure for any employee who wishes to flag a concern around a fellow colleague. According to our research, 1 in 14 accountants have witnessed a colleague taking drugs and 1 in 12 have witnessed a colleague gambling large amounts of money.  While these might not always indicate an addiction, employers should ensure that their staff have a means to raise any concerns both confidentially and discreetly so that any potential issues can be spotted early.
Further information on writing or updating a policy around substance misuse and other addictive behaviours can be found on the Health and Safety Executive’s website.
Educating and empowering managers and supervisors
Even with a clear policy in place, not all managers and supervisors are going to feel equipped to handle cases of addiction among their team. In fact, a CIPD survey found that only a third (30%) of employers provide guidelines for their managers on how to deal with disclosure and how to signpost to support.
Every employer should provide the appropriate training for managers. This should include training courses on how recognise the signs of addiction in others and what to do if they suspect that one of their team members is struggling with an addiction. Equally important is knowing what to do as a manager if someone approaches you about an addiction, including the use of non-stigmatising language.
Opening up the discussion around addiction
The bottom line is that addiction can happen to anyone. What can start as a seemingly harmless habit or coping mechanism can quickly spiral into something more serious.
That’s why it’s so important for employers to create and maintain a supportive workplace culture that openly talks about mental health and wellbeing. This must be led from the top down, with regular communication about what help is available to anyone struggling with a possible substance or behavioural addiction.
With the right policies and people in place, employers can ensure that their employees are treated fairly and have access to the support they need to get better.
At caba we’re campaigning for greater awareness of addiction within the accountancy sector. Whether it’s helping individuals identify the causes of addiction or providing guidance on how to support someone close to you with an addiction, our goal is to reduce the stigma that surrounds modern-day addiction and provide those who are struggling with the help and guidance they need.
Read more:
Supporting employees with addiction: Lessons from the accountancy industry

Small businesses are being offered the chance to take over a shop on Oxford Street, rent-free, as part of a new project launched today by Westminster City Council, in partnership with New West End Company.
Called “Meanwhile On: Oxford Street”, the programme invites applications from innovative, cutting-edge and up-and-coming brands who will offer something exciting and new to one of the world’s most iconic shopping streets.
The businesses selected can use this high-profile space to bring their brand’s story to life, for example through new technologies such as virtual or augmented reality, interactive exhibitions and in some cases, by bringing the production process to the customer by installing machines in store, opening visitor’s eyes to how clothes and other materials are made.
The programme forms part of Westminster City Council’s wider Fairer Economy plan to invest in high streets throughout the borough.
The campaign is aimed at businesses looking to launch their first store or physical space. Selected brands will be given a prime store location for an initial six-month period. These opportunities will be rent-free for brands, with a minimum 70% reduction in business rates. Stores will either be available for single occupancy or as a themed concept store shared between multiple brands.
Although rent free, successful applicants must be able to fund the other associated costs of running a store for six months and show potential to launch long-term after developing their brand through the programme.
Westminster City Council have appointed Someday Studios to deliver the three-year project. Someday Studios is a retail placemaking consultancy that helps landlords transform underused spaces into vibrant destinations that support local start-ups and creatives. The consultancy was founded earlier this year by Aoife Byrne and Becky Jones, who have previously launched, operated and marketed some of the UK’s biggest multi-unit retail sites, activated over 500 stores and worked alongside over 2,500 entrepreneurs.
Award-winning design agency FormRoom will be designing the first store. FormRoom have previously delivered stores for the likes of Fortnum and Mason, Liberty, Harrods, Selfridges, Charlotte Tilbury and Balenciaga.
The retail, mentoring and design support combined, offers a significant package of support for small businesses seeking the opportunity to trade in London’s West End.
Although the Meanwhile On: Oxford Street, is a brand-new programme, it builds on pilot schemes which have shown that the model works successfully. A good example is Kitty McEntee, founder of Lab Tonica who was offered a short-term pop up by Westminster City Council in 2021, to sell hand blended botanicals, teas, balms, and aromatherapy gifts on Regent Street. This successful activation and support from the Council allowed Kitty to make important connections with other retailers on Oxford Street and Lab Tonica now has a permanent concession in Selfridges.
Kitty McEntee said: “In 2021 my brand Lab Tonica was selected to be part of a sustainable pop-up program initiated by Westminster City Council, the NWEC and The Crown Estate. As a new start up, this was an incredible experience and helped to fast-track the launch of my brand, providing a multitude of marketing and collaboration opportunities, and delivering much needed revenue for an independent start-up. The initiative breathed new life into the post-covid high street and I’m proud to have been a part of it.”
Petit Pli, another brand supported by Westminster City Council, offers a unique and sustainable option for parents as their children’s clothes expand seven sizes, meaning parents need to buy fewer clothes over their child’s lifetime.
Petit Pli used their short-term pop up to showcase some of the machinery used in their design process. This vital support from the Council meant the brand has gone on to open their own permanent unit in London and is thriving.
Innovative and up-and-coming small businesses that can offer something unique to customers in terms of products, events, experience, or concept, are encouraged to apply via this website (insert link). Each brand will need to meet the criteria set out in the application form. New opportunities for brands will also continue to roll out over the coming months and years, as units become available. Meanwhile On: Oxford Street is expected to support around 35 brands over three years, with the first store opening autumn 2023.
Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development said: “The West End has recovered quickly from the pandemic but there are still too many vacant units and poor-quality occupants. That’s why we’ve set up Meanwhile On: Oxford Street to help fill the gaps with upcoming brands showcasing their innovative new ideas. I am excited to welcome new brands to one of the most famous streets in Europe, and support them with free rent, reduced business rates and help with promoting their businesses.”
Someday Studios comments “We’re delighted to have been chosen to deliver this campaign for Westminster City Council, and to play a part in helping to shape the future of one of the world’s most iconic retail streets. Our passion is helping to build and nurture talented new brands; we can’t wait to see what London has to offer and are excited to help the winners make the most of this incredible opportunity to showcase their brand to millions.”
Dee Corsi, CEO of New West End Company, said: “The West End is internationally recognised as one of the world’s most iconic retail and leisure destinations. As a result, it has always been at the forefront for brands looking to engage with consumers in new and innovative ways – businesses that come here, do so to put their best foot forward. The addition of pioneering brands, through the Meanwhile On programme, is just one of many indicators of the district’s wider growth, and we look forward to welcoming the successful applicants to the area.”
Read more:
Westminster City Council offers SMEs rent-free Oxford Street shops in new multi-million pound campaign

All directors have responsibilities under the Companies Act 2006, but many lose sight of what is required when they’re in the thick of running a business.
Worse still some don’t even realise what is expected of them, Charlotte Mills, a director and head of the corporate and commercial team at Jackson Lees examines.
A company director has many duties and wears many hats so can find themselves dealing with all manner of day-to-day issues. Despite this, a director must also ensure that the company complies with the law, files its accounts and annual confirmation statement at Companies House, as well as maintain its solvency.
Anyone attracted by the job title and status should think long and hard about taking on the role. Holding office as a director might sound prestigious but is a serious commitment. Failing to act in accordance with certain rules won’t just damage the company but can lead to personal liability or even criminal charges, meaning you have much to lose if you fail to take your duties seriously.
In addition to wider fiduciary duties (like acting honestly and in good faith) and regulatory responsibilities (like health and safety and environmental compliance), there are seven main duties that a director must adhere to under the Companies Act 2006, namely:
Act within powers
A director of a limited company must act in accordance with the company’s constitution, but many don’t know what it contains, let alone where to find it!
A company’s constitution, or ‘Articles of Association’, details the rules on how the business should be governed and operated. It is a statutory requirement that all registered companies have.
If you’re not familiar with yours, visit the Companies House website as there will be a copy there and it should be easily accessible against your company’s online file.
Promote the success of the company
The Act states that directors must have regard (among other matters) to the following:

The likely long-term consequences of any decision.
The interests of the company’s employees.
The need to foster the company’s business relationships with suppliers, customers and others.
The impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment.
The desirability of the company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct.
The need to act fairly between members of the company.

The courts do not expect directors to be guarantors of a company’s success. The statutory obligation is that directors act in the way they consider (not what a court may consider) would be most likely to promote the company’s success for the benefit of its members as a whole.
The courts recognise that directors are in control of an entrepreneurial venture and that a degree of commercial risk-taking is a necessary part of a business’s success. Further, it has long been accepted that directors are not liable for mere errors of judgment.
While a court may relieve directors from liability if they acted honestly and reasonably it will only do so if, in its opinion, they ought fairly to be excused. Prudent directors will therefore take every reasonable step to prevent liability arising.
Holding regular board and other management meetings and reviews, accompanied by clear minutes, are the best evidence of the steps directors took, and why.
Exercise independent judgment
A director must not let their powers as director be controlled by others. This doesn’t prevent directors from relying on advice from others as long as they exercise their own judgment as to whether or not to follow that advice.
Exercise reasonable care skills and diligence
A director must exercise their duties diligently, performing their role to a high standard. A director must perform to the best of their ability and accept the responsibilities and expectations associated with the role.
Avoid conflicts of interest
A director must not, without the consent of the company, place themselves in a position where there is a conflict or possible conflict of interest. Directors should always disclose any potential conflict.
This issue often arises in family-run businesses, and it is important directors do not lose sight of their obligations. I am aware of a case of three shareholders, an elderly woman who had inherited her husband’s share and his two brothers who didn’t involve her. The brothers were taking the business opportunities they received from that company and passing them onto another competitor company they had set up. This is a clear conflict of interest and is certainly not acting in the best interests of the company they own with their sister-in-law.
This duty also doesn’t stop on termination of the director’s appointment with respect to the exploitation of property, information, or an opportunity that they became aware of whilst holding office.
Not to accept benefits from third parties
A director must not accept benefits in connection with their role from people other than the company (or a person acting on behalf of the company).
For example, if you are about to enter talks to work alongside another company, you must be mindful not to take any inducements such as gifts or financial payments from the other party.
Again, this applies after a person ceases to be a director in relation to the things done or omitted to be done by them before the directorship ended.
Declare an interest in a proposed transaction or arrangement
Directors must declare to other directors the nature and extent of any interest (direct or indirect) in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the company, prior to the company entering any such transaction or arrangement.
An interest doesn’t necessarily mean a conflict but flagging it at the outset allows your fellow directors to make an informed decision and ensures you have complied with your duties.
Becoming a company director puts you in a position of responsibility and while there might seem like a lot to consider, this guidance represents good, honest business practice and should not be onerous.  The law is there to guide you.
Read more:
Are you a fit director?

Jaguar Land Rover-owner Tata is set to announce plans to build a flagship electric car battery in Somerset.
People familiar with the matter said the investment would be officially announced on Wednesday.
The government is providing subsidies worth hundreds of millions of pounds, sources said.
Some in the car industry have described the plant as the most significant investment in UK automotive since Nissan came to Britain in the 1980s.
The government has been criticised for lacking a clear industrial strategy and falling behind the US and EU in attracting investment.
Some industry insiders hope that the Tata battery investment will open the door to further battery investments in the UK, which currently only has one plant in operation next to Nissan’s Sunderland factory, and one barely on the drawing board in Northumberland.
By contrast the EU has 35 plants open, under construction or planned.
The investment could lead to the creation of up to 9,000 jobs in the Bridgwater area.
Read more:
Jaguar Land Rover-owner Tata to build UK battery factory in Somerset

After a competitive application process, 12 engineering businesses have joined the Royal Academy of Engineering’s new programme to provide impactful interventions that support inclusive leadership in an engineering context.
The Inclusive Leadership Programme is the result of a six-month scoping and consultation project involving 60 engineering industry experts from organisations across the UK. They contributed valuable insights to help the Academy develop a framework to deliver a range of interventions to enhance inclusion in engineering.
The Academy’s recent report on inclusive cultures showed that the UK engineering profession needs to accelerate its drive to become more inclusive if the UK is to continue to be a key player in the global race for engineering skills. The leaders of an organisation play a critical role in the creation of its culture and those at the most senior levels are particularly influential and therefore key to growing an inclusive culture.
The Inclusive Leadership Programme is an exciting opportunity for participating organisations to lead the engineering profession towards a more inclusive future. The 12 businesses chosen for the pilot have each assembled a multidisciplinary team of four individuals: three who are early-, mid-, and senior-career leaders, along with a Human Resources professional.
Over the next 18 months, team members will have access to knowledge and guidance on inclusive leadership including through in-depth inclusive leadership training; reciprocal mentoring; sponsorship; coaching and peer-to-peer workshops. The teams will apply their learning by creating and implementing an inclusion project focused on increasing inclusivity within their team, products or services.
The participating companies are:

ABL
AB Dynamics
British Pipeline Agency
Costain
Evolito
ITP Aero UK
Mott Macdonald
National Grid ESO
Rolls-Royce SMR
Thales
The Manufacturing Technology Centre
Zurich Engineering

The Academy will deliver the programme with the assistance of a consortium of organisations: Included (an inclusivity consultancy); Honne (professional coaching specialists); and The Social Innovation Partnership (evaluation experts).
The Inclusive Leadership Programme is part of the Academy’s broader efforts to support the engineering industry in embracing diversity and inclusive practices.
Joanna Whiteman, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Royal Academy of Engineering, says: “To truly move the dial on inclusion we need to be bold in our exploration of what works. We are keen to embrace opportunities to mix new and well-established interventions in pursuit of learning from successes and challenges which arise.
“Aligned with our strategic aims of fostering talent and diversity, this initiative holds great promise. We look forward to scaling the valuable lessons learned from the Inclusive Leadership pilot, extending its impact to reach a multitude of businesses seeking to build inclusive workforces.”
Read more:
Twelve engineering companies participate in pilot Academy programme to support inclusive leadership

JoJo Maman Bébé, the UK’s well known B Corp brand for Baby, Kid’s and Maternity launch their ‘Helping Hands’ Community Grants initiative for the second year.
Supporting local community projects across the UK and Ireland, the company will be donating up to £10,000 each to six winners chosen by the public.
Applications from registered charities, not-for-profit organisations and local community projects are welcomed, from today 18th July, until 15th August 2023. Entries will be shortlisted by the JoJo Maman Bébé Board of Directors, the final round to select the lucky winners will be decided by a public vote hosted on the official JoJo Maman Bébé Facebook brand page. The winning community projects to receive the grants will be announced in September.
The purpose of the ‘Helping Hands’ Community Grants is to support causes that are in need of financial assistance and ensure the brand continues to remain at the heart of the communities in which they are based. The initiative is a reflection of the founding ethos of the community-based brand. By September 2023, JoJo will have donated nearly £150,000 to a number of very worthy causes. The brand is delighted to make a positive impact at a local level to causes that matter to our customers.
Gwynn Milligan, JoJo’s CEO states, “Connection with our communities has always been at the heart of JoJo – for 30 years our friendly staff have welcomed parents, families and grandparents into our stores, whether for advice or a simple chat or to pause to breastfeed and change nappies. Our ‘Helping Hands’ Community Grants initiative goes that step further. Chosen by our customers, these will provide much-needed funds to key local initiatives and not-for-profits to help deliver or improve a project that supports the community we are a part of. After a successful launch in 2022, we’re delighted to run this scheme for a second year and look forward to being able to extend our reach through six more initiatives.”
One of the charity winners in 2022, It Takes a Village commented, “We are just about to launch our community antenatal support programme, The Pregnancy Project, which would not have been possible without the funding from JoJo Maman Bébé. This funding has allowed us to create, manage and cover our costs for this innovative pilot as well as hire our dream team of practitioners.”
They added, “We are so pleased that, thanks to the ‘Helping Hands’ grant, we have been able to offer several fully funded places on the course for expectant parents from low-income families and those with (or at risk from) perinatal mental health issues. We have also been able to provide subsidised tickets for all parents in our local community who are looking for a new kind of pre & postnatal programme that helps to foster lasting friendships and provides support that continues well after birth.”
Read more:
JoJo Maman Bébé launch ‘Helping Hands’ Community Grants initiative with donations of up to £10,000 per winner pledged