HR Consultancy, Interim HR Support, HR Management, Rugby, Warwickshire
07710 801957
JAN
06th
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.
DEC
18th
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.
DEC
15th
Posted by: Sue Busfield
On 14 December 2009 the Government announced that:
The changes are expected to come into force in April 2010.
NOV
30th
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.
SEP
30th
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.
SEP
29th
Posted by: Sue Busfield
The limit on a week's pay - used to calculate statutory redundancy payments, and other payments - will rise from £350 to £380 where the event giving rise to compensation or payment occurs on or after 1 October 2009.
This increase will also affect other statutory compensation payments including:
The weekly pay limit usually increases each February in line with the Retail Prices Index. As this change is taking place in October, there will no increase in the limit in February 2010 but it will increase again in February 2011.
SEP
25th
Posted by: Sue Busfield
The National minimum wage sets minimum hourly rates that companies must pay their employees. As of 1 October 2009, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate will increase to the following amounts:
SEP
21st
Posted by: Sue Busfield
As of 1 October 2009, it will no longer be legal for employers to use tips, service charges and gratuities paid to employees via payroll to top up wages to meet the National Minimum Wage.
JUL
24th
Posted by: Sue Busfield
The Department of Health is considering increasing the sickness self certifying time for staff from 7 to 14 days in a bid to help contain Swine Flu. This will take away the need for staff with flu symptoms to attend at a doctor's surgery to obtain a Doctor's Certificate, and hence decrease the opportunity for the disease to spread within Doctor's surgeries.
If these measures do come in they will be emergency measures and hence there will be no consultation with employers.
Companies need to adopt good practices in relation to hygiene management. The Department of Health has further information.
MAR
30th
Posted by: Sue Busfield
The revised ACAS Code of Practice applies from the 6th April and replaces the statutory dispute resolution procedures and will become the keystone of discipline and grievance matters. The emphasis is on resolving issues in the workplace. It is not legally binding and a failure to follow it will not make any dismissal arising out of a disciplinary matter automatically unfair.
Employers need to review their existing discipline and grievance policies and train staff on the impact of the new regime.
Employers need to be aware that where there has been an unreasonable failure to follow the code (by employer or employee), a tribunal can adjust any compensation awarded by up to 25% if it considers it just and equitable to do so in all the circumstances.
If you require any support in drafting your new policies, or support when you need to implement the procedures please call Stonebridge HR Consultants for support.
MAR
27th
Posted by: Sue Busfield
From 6 April 2009 the right to request flexible working is extended to parents of children aged 16 years and under. Previously, the right was restricted to parents of children under six (or disabled children under 18 years), and carers of adult (18 years plus) dependants.
Stonebridge HR Consultants Limited
The Homestead | Kilsby Road | Barby | Rugby | Warks | CV23 8TU
T: 07710 801957
