Points-based system goes live next week
The way that NHS employers can recruit, or extend the employment of, non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals will change with the launch of tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system on 27 November 2008. Employers must be licensed as a sponsor through the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and will be responsible for issuing certificates of sponsorship to migrants. The UKBA has also published a new shortage occupation list, which will replace the list issued in July, on 27 November 2008. (17 November 2008)

Non-cash benefits during maternity and adoption leave
Recent changes to the Sex Discrimination Act have implications for the provision of childcare vouchers. Employees who take maternity, paternity or adoption leave to care for their new born or adopted child are now entitled to receive all of their contractual terms and conditions, except for wages and salary, throughout the entire leave period. (10 November 2008)

Staff engagement in the NHS
NHS Employers has launched a new briefing bringing evidence on the benefits of staff engagement together with good practice examples of employer-led initiatives from across the country. Staff engagement and the potential impact it can have on morale, productivity, organisational performance and patient experience are a high priority for the NHS. It was a central theme of Lord Darzi's NHS Next Stage Review and evidence increasingly points to improved productivity and patient experience when staff feel positively about their employer and a strong sense of engagement with their place of work. (5 November 2008)

GP and core medical training assessment day
The annual assessment day for junior doctors wishing to apply for general practice in 2009 will be 21 February 2009. For the first time, all applicants for core medical training will be required to attend an assessment centre on this day as part of the application process for this training programme.

NHS Careers searches for England's unluckiest football team
As part of its Step into the NHS campaign, NHS Careers has launched a competition to find the most injury-hit school or community youth football team in England. The competition will help to promote the range of different NHS careers and drive 14-19 year olds to the wider Step into the NHS website.

Extraordinary - book on sale now
NHS Employers' book of 60 staff stories, extraordinary, is now on sale. The book, published as part of our campaign celebrating 60 years of the NHS, was launched on the opening night of our annual conference and exhibition in Birmingham. It recognises the contribution of all NHS staff - ordinary people doing extraordinary things - and is for anyone who shares pride in the NHS.