CIPD rejects alleged ‘woke-focus’ accusations as critics call for practical HR leadership

A report published in The Telegraph yesterday claimed that the professional body for people development and HR was prioritising discussions around social issues and trans rights while remaining silent on pressing matters like pay, productivity, and the Employment Rights Bill.

The Telegraph quoted unnamed HR executives and former CIPD Members who expressed concern that the organization had drifted to campaigning and political terrain.

A HR veteran expressed growing dissatisfaction over what they perceived as a lack in practical support for their profession. One HR veteran described the CIPD’s “outdated” status as no longer reflecting senior HR priorities.

The article also criticized the organization’s now-withdrawn guidelines on trans inclusion at work, which some felt increased legal risks for employers after a recently Supreme Court ruling.

CIPD: “Proud of Our Work”

Ashleigh Webber, spokesperson for CIPD, told HRreview in response that the organization stands by its advice and work.

She said, “We are proud of our work and that of our members to improve business outcomes and the working life for all workers in these difficult times.”

Our membership has reached record levels, and we have seen our member satisfaction scores and sentiment scores increase as we continue to improve our offering. We will continue to listen directly to our members to ensure that our work continues supporting the work of the professional.”

The organisation has maintained for years that it gives guidance based on legal and evidence frameworks. It also adds that social issues shape workplace and business outcomes.

Productivity is still a concern

The CIPD is under fire from critics who say that, with the UK workforce facing increasing financial pressure and stagnant productivity, it should be doing more to provide leadership in the areas of pay, workplace rights, and people strategy.

According to recent figures released by the International Labour Organization, UK workers are still worse off today than they were back in 2008. Their productivity is also lower than that of many other developed countries. The Resolution Foundation, an independent think tank based in London, , reported this month , that productivity had declined “almost unimaginably” over the last five years.

The report has reignited the debate on whether HR departments should focus on workplace core issues or engage in politically sensitive topics like trans rights and pay for executives.

Others argue that the CIPD’s founding mission of improving the world of work has been lost.

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