Case study: Integrating payroll and HR at Anglian Windows
Anglian Windows replaced its outdated DOS-based payroll system with Elite HR and payroll software, enabling faster processing with fewer staff and generating better management reports on headcount and employee costs across salaried, hourly, and self-employed workers.
Performance management: Achieving results. By Dan Martin
Performance management is a holistic organizational approach that goes beyond appraisals and rewards to align employee and team performance with corporate strategy. Experts emphasize it requires strong management, continuous investment, and clear communication of expectations to achieve lasting results.
Workers still want to retire early
Most UK workers plan to retire before 65, despite government plans to raise the retirement age to 68. Research by Aon Consulting found the average planned retirement age is 63.1 for men and 62.1 for women, with health and job ability being key factors in their decision.
Fat is not an employment law issue
Employers can legally refuse to hire obese candidates unless the weight is caused by a medical condition, but cannot dismiss existing employees for being overweight unless it impacts job performance. Weight-related dismissals must follow proper capability procedures and be documented as performance issues, not personal objections.
Repetitive administration: why don’t we learn from the past? By John Pope
Repetitive administrative work creates significant staff turnover and quality issues, yet organizations continue to ignore lessons learned from decades of manufacturing research on managing large-scale routine operations effectively.
New limits for unfair dismissal and redundancy payments
From Thursday, new limits apply to employment rights awards. The maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal rises to £60,600, while the basic award increases to £4,200. A week’s pay for compensation purposes also increases to £310.
NHS can now reclaim treatment costs of work injuries
The NHS can now reclaim treatment costs for workplace injuries through the new Injury Costs Recovery scheme, expected to recover over £150 million annually. The scheme allows the NHS to recover costs from insurance companies when personal injury compensation is paid, encouraging employers to improve workplace safety standards.
‘Go back to the drawing board’ government told
The CIPD calls for the government to overhaul statutory dispute resolution procedures, citing evidence that they’ve increased workplace complexity and failed to reduce employment tribunal burdens. The report shows conflict costs employers significant management time and legal expenses, with many now relying more heavily on legal advice to navigate procedures introduced in 2004.
Talking away stress. By Annie Lawler
Poor communication between management and employees is a key source of workplace stress. Creating an open culture where staff feel heard and can voice concerns helps reduce stress and prevents conflict, while following HSE guidelines on employee consultation and information-sharing improves organizational wellbeing.
Smoking away your salary. By Sarah Fletcher
Italy’s personnel managers association proposed reducing smokers’ salaries due to cigarette breaks, claiming smokers lose approximately five hours of productivity weekly. The proposal raises questions about workplace fairness, productivity, and whether smoking breaks should be treated differently than other personal activities.
Ask the expert: Bonus payment
An employee on a sales bonus scheme questions whether they’re entitled to an annual bonus mentioned during their interview but not specified in their contract. Employment law experts explain that without explicit contractual language guaranteeing the bonus, there’s limited legal recourse unless discriminatory treatment can be proven.
Pensions compensation case returns to UK
The European Court of Justice ruled that the UK failed to adequately protect workers’ pensions under EU standards, but returned the case to UK courts to decide compensation. The decision could force the government to significantly increase funding for pension protection schemes for workers affected by employer insolvency.
Flexibility key to success
Flexible working is the key employee benefit that appeals equally to men and women, according to new research. A study shows 6.5 million British workers could use their skills more fully with flexible options, while rigid work models are driving qualified employees into lower-level jobs.
What can HR professionals learn from the BA dispute?
The BA cabin crew dispute highlights critical HR lessons: poor absence management policies and inadequate communication between management and staff triggered the strike vote. HR professionals should implement flexible absence management systems, improve manager-employee dialogue, and ensure staff understand company policies through transparent communication and return-to-work interviews.
The importance of disciplinary procedures
A driver won over £17,000 in an unfair dismissal case after his employer failed to properly investigate an alcohol-related complaint before terminating his employment. The tribunal ruled the company violated required disciplinary procedures, highlighting the legal importance of conducting thorough investigations and following proper dismissal protocols.
Backdated age discrimination bill could top £69 million
Insurers warn that backdated age discrimination claims could cost employers up to £69 million, following a European Court of Justice review of UK retirement age regulations. The case centers on whether a mandatory retirement age of 65 breaches EU discrimination directives, with thousands of frozen claims awaiting the ruling’s outcome.
Sacking by fax costs council £130,000
Walsall Council paid £130,000 in compensation to an employee dismissed by fax while on sick leave following thyroid surgery. The settlement resolved her claims of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination before an employment tribunal hearing.
Work-life: Assisting the balancing act. By Matt Henkes
Work-life balance is essential for employee productivity and well-being, yet achieving it depends on factors beyond work hours—particularly employee control over when and where they work. Companies implementing WLB strategies report increased productivity, better retention, and lower absenteeism, making it a smart business investment.
HR Tip: Confidential witness statements from colleagues
When employees witness serious health and safety violations but refuse to provide statements, you can encourage participation by emphasizing responsibility and offering anonymous testimony. Carefully document anonymous statements with witness identity secured separately, allowing cross-examination through written questions to protect confidentiality while maintaining disciplinary process integrity.
Using subliminal influence in interviews – intelligent dressing
Your clothing choices in job interviews send subliminal messages that influence recruiter perception and rapport-building. Dressing appropriately for the employer’s culture and your interviewer neutralizes bias and demonstrates professionalism, giving you a competitive advantage in the selection process.
