The Government has announced that it is introducing legislation to implement a new system for criminal records checks to allow some old and minor offences to be filtered out. 

New XpertHR research finds that very few employers take on new staff without first carrying out a background check, with most recruiters seeking a wide range of information on candidates. 

The latest XpertHR research on the removal of the default retirement age explores the changes put into place by employers, and the benefits and difficulties they have experienced.

On this week's XpertHR Weekly, we discuss the results of the XpertHR survey on using social media in recruitment, including: how employers are incorporating social media into their recruitment strategies; the most popular social media platforms among employers; and the legal pitfalls connected to the use of social media in recruitment including in relation to its use to conduct searches on potential candidates. We also discuss the changes to parental leave that came into effect on 8 March 2013. 

The latest XpertHR research investigates the rise in employers' use of social networking media to help recruit staff, and explores the effectiveness of using platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook. 

Our 2013 calendar covers: forthcoming legislation and cases on appeal; XpertHR surveys, conferences and events; religious festivals; bank and public holidays; and much more. 

High absence and labour turnover rates can have a damaging impact on the health of organisations. Taking part in XpertHR's absence and labour turnover survey will give you the chance to benchmark your organisation's figures against those of other employers. 

On this week's XpertHR Weekly, we discuss one of the first employment tribunal cases on the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/93). In Bray and others v Monarch Personnel Refuelling (UK) Ltd ET/1801581/12 and others, the tribunal provided guidance for hirers relying on the "Swedish derogation". The derogation permits an agency worker to give up the right to pay parity with an end user's direct recruits after the worker has accrued 12 weeks' service provided that he or she has signed a permanent contract of employment with an agency. 

The Court of Appeal has held that the system for the disclosure of individuals' criminal records to employers breaches the European Convention on Human Rights. 

The latest XpertHR research finds that employers' main use of job boards is to advertise vacancies and drive applicants to their own websites or HR department. 

The latest XpertHR research finds that the overwhelming majority of employers use some form of digital media for recruitment. 

More public-sector employers are recruiting graduates than those in the private sector, but at lower starting salaries, XpertHR research finds. 

XpertHR is conducting research on employer practice when carrying out background checks on prospective employees as part of the recruitment process. Take part and you will receive immediate access to the XpertHR survey report on employment tribunal claims. 

The XpertHR policies and documents section has been enhanced by the addition of a model apprenticeship agreement. 

The 23rd annual XpertHR survey of graduate recruitment looks at prospects for the 2012/13 hiring round and highlights the most successful attraction and selection techniques. 

XpertHR is exploring employer practice when using digital recruitment media such as corporate websites, online job boards and social media channels. Taking part in our research will guarantee immediate access to a copy of XpertHR's 2012 report on selection testing. 

XpertHR would greatly appreciate your help with our research into graduate recruitment. Taking part will guarantee you a complimentary copy of the findings on graduate recruitment and graduate starting salaries, as soon as they are published. 

The most recent addition to our popular line manager briefing service provides guidance on the steps that managers should take when offering a candidate a job. 

Additions to the FAQs section cover amendments to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, which come into force on 10 September 2012. 

What should organisations be doing now to prepare for pensions auto-enrolment? XpertHR pensions author Kate Upcraft and pay and benefits editor Sheila Attwood explain in this 60-minute recorded webinar.

The latest XpertHR research shows that employers experienced a median voluntary resignation rate of 7.9% in 2011 and a median total staff turnover rate of 13.2%, but there are the usual variations in labour turnover patterns according to industry and occupation. 

The XpertHR policies and documents service has been enhanced by the addition of model letters withdrawing an offer of employment because an applicant has failed to provide evidence of his or her right to work in the UK and confirming time off for jury service. 

The XpertHR policies and documents service has been enhanced by the addition of a model letter responding to an unsuccessful job applicant who has requested feedback and a model shortlisting assessment form.