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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ArticleRoyal Mail staff found to have been fairly dismissed after overtime concerns
An employment tribunal has ruled that two Royal Mail workers who were sacked after concerns about overtime payments were fairly dismissed.
ArticleGlen Dimplex staff strike over pay dispute
Around 30 employees at manufacturing and solutions group Glen Dimplex have begun further strike action today (Monday 5 January) over a pay dispute.
People MovesSabio Group names new chief people officer
AI customer experience transformation firm Sabio Group has hired Katherine Watkins as its new chief people officer, joining its operating board as part of its global growth strategy.
Article70% of UK adults report weekly stress mainly due to financial strain
Just under three-quarters (70%) of UK adults have reported weekly stress primarily due to financial strain, according to research by Cigna Healthcare.
ArticlePay rates for Father Christmas remain frozen this year
According to Incomes Data Research’s monitoring of the festive job market, employees who dress up as Santa, once again, stand to earn a median of £15 an hour.
ArticlePhoebus Software launches employee wellbeing measures
Solihull-based servicing technology provider Phoebus Software has introduced wellbeing measures to support its employees as part of its people-first culture.
ArticleThe top 10 stories between 12 - 18 December 2025
The top 10 stories between 12 - 18 December 2025 on employeebenefits.co.uk:
ArticleRoyal College of Physicians reports 13.9% mean gender pay gap
Royal College of Physicians has reported a mean gender pay gap of 13.9% for 2025, down by 5.8% from 2024’s figure.
ArticleHMRC and Valuation Office Agency reports 5% mean gender pay gap
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has reported a 5% mean gender hourly pay gap for 2025.
ArticleMetrolink tram drivers accept pay and rota changes deal
KeolisAmey Metrolink tram drivers based in Manchester have accepted a new deal regarding issues with fatigue and scheduling issues, and called off all strike dates.
Article62% of employees not expecting to receive Christmas bonus this year
Just under two-thirds (62%) of employees are not expecting to receive a Christmas bonus this year, according to research by Epassi UK.
AnalysisHow to determine the health of a workforce
Employee feedback and health benchmarking can help employers understand workforce wellbeing levels and implement targeted support strategies.
Case StudiesGI Group UK uses surveys and data to gain full picture of employees’ health
Recruitment firm GI Group UK determines its workforce’s health by carrying out regular surveys and looking at key indicators.
Case StudiesUniversity of Birmingham uses multiple indicators to determine employee health
University of Birmingham determines the health of its workforce through a range of indicators around staff health and wellbeing.
ArticleEmployment Rights Bill passes final stage in House of Lords
The Employment Rights Bill has passed the final stage within the House of Lord and is due to receive Royal Assent later this week.
ArticleArriva Midlands staff accept improved pay offer
Around 300 Arriva workers in Leicester, Hinckley and Coalville have accepted an improved pay offer, ending the threat of strike action.
ArticleIson Harrison awards profit share bonus to staff
Yorkshire-based law firm Ison Harrison has awarded £5,000 to each eligible employee as part of its annual profit share bonus.
People MovesDreams appoints director of people
Bed retailer Dreams has appointed Gemma Saunders director of people.
ArticleTribunal rules Moss and Coleman Solicitors must pay remainder of employee’s bonus
An employment tribunal has ruled that Moss and Coleman Solicitors needs to pay the remainder of an employee’s bonus following a dispute over his entitlement.
ArticleDMH Stallard to award employees and partners £2,000 bonus
Law firm DMH Stallard will award all of its employees and partners a discretionary bonus of £2,000.