Zoe Wickens
Zoe Wickens is a journalist with five years of experience writing for trade and business to business publications. She joined Employee Benefits as a reporter in May 2021 and writes news and features content for the website. She won the Willis Towers Watson pay, reward and employee benefits journalist of the year award in 2023. Before writing about the HR, reward and benefit industry she worked as a reporter for publications about the optical and eyewear market and the UK stock market.
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Article55% of employers have difficulties due to rising costs of employee absence or disability
More than half of UK organisations (55%) have reported experiencing difficulties due to the rising costs associated with employee absence or disability, according to research by Willis Towers Watson (WTW).
ArticleSandwich generation carers lose £6,268 a year supporting elderly relatives
Sandwich generation carers have been found to be losing £6,268 a year to support elderly relatives due to cutting back on working hours, according to research by Just Group.
ArticlePoundland introduces mental health support for 12,000 employees
Discount retailer Poundland has introduced mental health and wellbeing support for its 12,000 employees.
ArticleUK financial services board gender pay gap narrows to 29% since 2020
The gender pay gap on UK financial services boards has narrowed from 40% in 2020 to 29% in 2024, according to data from EY.
ArticleBird and Bird enhances family leave policy for London staff
Law firm Bird and Bird has enhanced its family leave policy for employees at its London office.
Article81% of employers support staff to understand and manage pension savings
A majority (81%) of UK employers said they are supporting employees to understand and manage their pension savings during employment and into retirement, according to new data from Barnett Waddingham.
ArticleOxford Instruments completes £213 million bulk purchase annuity transaction for pension scheme
Manufacturing and research firm Oxford Instruments has completed a £213 million bulk purchase annuity (BPA) transaction for its pension scheme.
People MovesLaing O’Rourke names new chief people officer
Laing O’Rourke has appointed Wayne Davies as its new chief people officer, effective this month.
ArticleGreat Ormond Street Hospital cleaners win race discrimination appeal
Around 80 hospital cleaners have won an employment appeal tribunal (EAT) against Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) NHS Trust.
ArticleGMS Agency transitions to employee ownership trust
Global sports and culture marketing firm GMS Agency has transitioned to an employee ownership trust (EOT).
ArticleAnda Barut Collection searches for waterslide tester-in-chief
One lucky person and their family will receive a free five-night stay at the luxury Turkish resort in exchange for testing the most exhilarating slides at Cutara Madventure Park.
ArticleThe top 10 stories between 16 - 22 January 2026
The top 10 stories between 16 - 22 January 2026 on employeebenefits.co.uk:
ArticleDoncaster Council workers to receive 2.5% pay rise
More than 4,000 Doncaster Council workers will receive a 2.5% pay rise following a successful pay campaign.
ArticleWellcome Trust reports 8.3% mean ethnicity pay gap
Wellcome Trust has reported a mean ethnicity pay gap of 8.3% in 2025, down from 15.1% in 2024.
ArticleESG metrics remain key in European executive incentive plans
European employers remain committed to driving environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals within executive incentives, despite global headwinds, according to research by Willis Towers Watson (WTW).
AnalysisHow should employers tailor menopause support for male employees?
Employers should ensure male employees can access menopause-related resources to improve understanding and support affected colleagues, partners and family members.
Case StudiesMansfield Building Society ensures male staff are educated on menopause
After gaining menopause-friendly organisation accreditation in February 2025, Mansfield Building Society aims to ensure male employees feel able to better support their female colleagues, partners and family members.
Case StudiesFirst Direct includes male staff in menopause-related support as part of its culture
First Direct considers menopause-related support integral to its culture and includes men within this to create a sense of community and diversity.
Article58% of staff worked when ill during the past year
More than half (58%) of employees worked despite not feeling well enough to do so during the past year, according to research by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
ArticleFirst Glasgow bus workers accept pay rise
Around 50 First Glasgow bus workers have accepted a 5% pay rise, ending the ongoing threat of strike action.