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Paying staff who miss work due to the snow?

Posted by: Sue Busfield

There's no hard and fast rule, it's more about common sense. Many employees can now work from home with modern technology but this isn't applicable to all roles. Companies must be mindful of Health and Safety particularly with regard to staff who are required to drive as part, or all, of their role. Unrealistic objectives on time to complete journeys are not appropriate in severe weather conditions. With staff who need to attend their usual place of work, consideration needs to be taken regarding the local weather conditions and the modes of transport available to individual members of staff. If staff can't get to work then there are the options of paying as usual, not paying or giving staff the opportunity to take the day as holiday.

Filed Under: All Categories / HR Best Practice

Unfair dismissal award drops

Posted by: Sue Busfield

It has just been announced that from 1st February 2010, the maximum compensatory award will drop from £66,200 to £65,300.  The reduction reflects the decrease of 1.4% in the Retail Prices Index from September 2008 to September 2009.
A week's pay (for basic award and redundancy pay purposes) will remain the same at £380.

Filed Under: All Categories / HR Updates

SMP, SAP SPP and SSP rates

Posted by: Sue Busfield

On 14 December 2009 the Government announced that:

  • the standard rates of statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay will increase to £124.08 a week,
  • the standard rate of statutory sick pay will remain the same at £79.15 a week.

The changes are expected to come into force in April 2010.

Filed Under: All Categories / HR Updates

Christmas parties

Posted by: Sue Busfield

For those companies still holding a Christmas party this year, you need to try and avoid issues relating to sexual harassment, and investigatory and disciplinary hearings for violence and other unacceptable behaviour. Prior to the celebrations it is worth reminding staff of the standards of behaviour that you expect from them and the consequences of failing to meet those standards. In addition to reminding staff about harassment policies you may also want to remind them of the need to be in work the next day, if it's a working day. The knowledge that a return to work interview will take place following sickness can be just enough to make sure they come to work. At the party itself, limiting the amount of free alcohol is another step that can reduce the risk of problems. A Christmas party is supposed to a celebration and you don't want to be trying to sort out problems afterwards.

Filed Under: All Categories / HR Best Practice

Increase in HR Claims for 2009

Posted by: Sue Busfield

ACAS's annual statistics report for the year up to 31st March 2009 show increases of 27% in Unfair Dismissal claims; 37% in claims for breach of contract; and 58% in disputes about redundancy pay. ACAS will attempt to settle an employment claim to avoid the need for a full tribunal hearing.

The increase in claims reflects the increase in redundancies made due to the recession, and the difficulties faced by employers when conducting redundancy programmes.

Increasingly companies are considering alternatives to redundancies in an attempt to retain skilled staff for the anticipated upturn in the economy. There remain employment issues when considering options such as sabbaticals.

If you are considering either a restructuring/redundancy programme or a scheme to retain staff but without the same level of costs you may wish to have support from Stonebridge HR Consultants.

Filed Under: All Categories / HR Updates

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