HR news and analysis including:

- advise from a senior HR director about the function's role during the economic downturn
- how a hotel chain is preparing for the UK losing its opt out to the Working Time Directive next month, meaning employees will not be able to work more than 48 hours a week
- an interview with employment minister Tony McNulty on unemployment and how Job Centre Plus has challenging times ahead, and
- whether employers that stipulate that a job needs a degree candidate is classed as age discrimination.