Payroll in the time of Lord Carter. By John Stokdyk
Lord Carter’s 2001 review of payroll services drove unprecedented change in the early 2000s, requiring UK companies to shift to electronic PAYE filing through mandatory deadlines and financial incentives. This transformation, extended by a second Carter review in 2006, reshaped payroll management systems and business processes across organizations.
Changes to mobile phone penalties looming
Mobile phone penalties for drivers are doubling to £60 with three penalty points from 27 February. However, most employers lack policies monitoring mobile phone use while driving, and many remain unaware it’s illegal to use hand-held devices behind the wheel.
Free guide to tackling insider fraud
Insider fraud costs businesses thousands of pounds and damages reputation and morale. The CIPD and CIFAS have launched free guidance to help employers understand insider fraud threats and implement effective prevention strategies.
Listening to employees reaps rewards
Listening to employees is the foundation of workplace engagement, according to research from Best Companies. Companies that actively listen to staff see 85% of engaged employees strongly recommend the organization to others and are more likely to stay, helping employers win the talent war.
Call for employers to sign ‘skills pledge’
Chancellor Gordon Brown and Education Secretary Alan Johnson have launched a ‘skills pledge’ urging employers to ensure all staff reach a level equivalent to five good GCSEs. The initiative aims to boost workforce training and support the Leitch Report’s goal of achieving world-class skills by 2020.
Avian flu: An HR issue?
With avian flu now present in the UK, employers must develop pandemic preparedness plans covering workplace transmission prevention, staff isolation protocols, and business continuity measures. HR teams need company-specific policies addressing employee health, safety, and managing absences during a potential pandemic outbreak.
HR Tip: Bullying boss with no HR officer
A bullying boss who shouts, humiliates, and makes employees cry creates a serious workplace problem with legal consequences. Without an HR officer, employees can escalate concerns through a colleague, direct conversation, senior management, or legal action, as bullying behavior risks constructive dismissal claims, stress lawsuits, and criminal charges.
HRO: Out of the question? By Dan Martin
HR outsourcing (HRO) is increasingly popular among companies seeking cost-effective operations, with 30% of UK firms and 90% of FTSE 100 companies outsourcing HR elements. Supporters argue HRO streamlines processes and frees resources for strategic work, while critics warn of lost control and potential job cuts.
All you need is love: Handling workplace romances. By Charles Price
Workplace romances are common, with nearly 70 percent of employees having experienced office relationships. Barrister Charles Price examines how employers should handle co-worker romance, including controversial “love contracts” that offer little legal protection in the UK.
School curriculum aims to meet employers’ needs
New curriculum proposals for 11-14 year-olds aim to develop employer-valued skills like initiative, enterprise and independent learning alongside traditional academics. Changes include greater emphasis on spoken English, practical maths applications like personal finance, and economically useful languages such as Mandarin and Urdu.
Colborn’s corner: Who’s watching?
Recent Big Brother controversies around racism and bullying raise important questions for HR professionals: should workplace cultures better address these issues through clear policies, fair investigation procedures, and employee empowerment rather than policing political correctness?
Don’t let Valentine’s Day turn into a nightmare
Employers are legally responsible for preventing Valentine’s Day workplace harassment, including unwanted cards, messages, or attention that creates a hostile environment. Failing to address complaints can result in liability, so implement clear policies and take formal action when misconduct occurs.
Useless middle management costs UK plc £220 billion a year
Poor middle management is costing UK businesses £220 billion annually in lost productivity, according to research by Hay Group. The study found that 40% of British directors view middle management as their greatest barrier to achieving company objectives, citing inadequate skills and lack of commitment to strategic goals.
Benefits measurement essential to justify spend
Many organizations fail to measure how pay and benefits contribute to business success, leaving HR professionals unable to justify increased spending or strategic changes. According to the CIPD’s 2007 Reward Survey, only 23 percent link reward measurements to business data, despite two-fifths planning to boost benefit spending.
Ask the expert: Email monitoring
Companies can monitor employee emails to investigate suspected information leaks without obtaining further consent, provided a clear email monitoring policy is already in place and employees have been notified. However, monitoring must be limited in scope, duration, and access, with captured information retained only as necessary for the investigation.
Dealing with persistent short term absences. By Charles Price
Learn how employers can fairly manage persistent short-term absences while avoiding unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. Barrister Charles Price explains the legal framework, fair dismissal procedures, and ACAS guidance for handling chronic absenteeism in the workplace.
Beneficial contractual change rules in TUPE transfers enforceable
The Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled that employees can enforce beneficial contractual changes made following a TUPE transfer, even if those changes were contingent on the transfer itself. This means workers can challenge detrimental terms while also enforcing favorable ones, provided the overall package remains protective of their interests.
Workplace deaths: coroners to get greater powers
The government will give coroners greater powers to prevent workplace deaths by requiring organizations to respond to their reports and explain what actions they’ll take. A new chief coroner role will monitor responses, with annual reports to Parliament, following a successful model used in Australia.
The HR Zone/IT Zone guide to payroll services and software. By John Stokdyk
Explore payroll software and service options for UK businesses, from enterprise solutions to SME providers. This comprehensive guide covers corporate outsourcers, integrated HR/payroll systems, online SaaS platforms, and specialist payroll bureaux to help companies choose the right supplier for their PAYE filing needs.
Can you have a Global Payroll System?
Most organizations use multiple local payroll providers rather than true global solutions. While some vendors claim to offer global payroll systems, few deliver comprehensive coverage across all tax jurisdictions, making it difficult for companies with employees in multiple countries to consolidate operations effectively.
