By David Farnham and Sylvia HortonThe introduction of new public management first in the UK and subsequently in most other European member states has been the subject of a great deal of interest within the last decade. However, the impact of this on personnel policies and practices has been less well documented, although they have had far reaching effects. This book seeks to fill that gap by mapping out the changes in personnel management occurring throughout Europe and, in particular, evaluating the changes that have been driven by the move to greater flexibility and market responsiveness in public personnel policies including an examination of the US for comparative purposes.

Read more on HUMAN RESOURCE FLEXIBILITIES IN THE PUBLIC SERVICES…

Civil servants feel less positive than any other group of workers, including those in local government, the health service and private industry. This is the conclusion of a survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development covering all four groups.The survey report revealed that civil servants have the lowest levels of satisfaction and commitment in all the groups. They also have least trust in management; a less dynamic, creative and friendly climate in the workplace; a less positive work-life balance; a greater sense that promises have not been kept and lower satisfaction with life in general. The report also makes it clear that civil servants feel let down, with satisfaction rates on a range of issues to do with commitment scoring up to 20% below those from local government and the health service. In addition 51% feel that they are underpaid, compared with 41% of local government staff, 46% in the health service and 33% of private sector employees.

Read more on SURVEY CHALLENGES WHITEHALL MANAGERS…

Six departments together with agencies in the public, private and voluntary sectors are being brought together to support teenagers in the Connexions initiative. Connexions is an advice and guidance service for all 13 to 19 year olds. It will provide an improved universal careers advice service as well as giving teenagers extra help and support to prepare for the transition to work and adult life.One of its objectives will be encouraging more young people to stay in education or training, so that an increasing number have the qualifications they need for further education or the world of work. The new service has been designed to prevent teenagers falling though the gaps between the various support services. Two out of three children in care fail to get more than one GCSE. Currently nearly a third of all young people drop out or fail to achieve their learning goal in full-time education creating a lost generation of young people outside education, training or work.

Read more on JOINING UP TO HELP TEENAGERS DECIDE THEIR FUTURE…