Ask the expert: Refusal to prove absence is genuine
What action should be taken if an employee with a poor absence record refuses to attend an Occupational Health Unit? Esther Smith, partner at Thomas Eggar, and Martin Brewer, partner and employment law specialist at Mills and Reeve, share their legal advice. The question:"We have an employee that has well met the trigger […]
Pensions bill already under fire
It’s not expected to be published until next month but already the pensions bill is coming under fire for not going far enough.Restoring the link between the basic state pension and earnings and making it easier for women to build up a pension – by reducing the number of qualifying years and reforming the system […]
New sector guidance to combat sex discrimination
After 39 successful sex discrimination cases in five years, including a £50,000 payout, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) decided the pub and brewing industry needed help.So, it’s launched new guidelines to help pubs and breweries avoid discriminating against their staff. The EOC has worked closely with trade bodies across the sector in drafting the guidelines, […]
2007 Maternity legislation: A step forward? By Sarah Fletcher
Changes to maternity legislation on 1 April 2007 include an increase in statutory paid leave from six to nine months, optional ‘keeping in touch’ days and an extension of the notice female staff must give to their employer when they wish to return from maternity leave. Sarah Fletcher asked HR professionals and industry experts how […]
Colborn’s Corner – How do we address executive pay?
Recent press comment on the relationship of pay in the executive sector to front line employees brings into focus the issue of relativities and fairness in pay. This week Quentin addresses what HR can do in trying to bring an understanding to a workforce of the need to pay high salaries. In The Times of […]
Unemployment hits a seven-year high
The number of people looking for work has reached 1.71 million – the highest for seven years.Figures released today cover the three months to September and reveal that the number of unemployed is up 27,000 on the quarter and by 263,000 on the year.The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance – the claimant count – […]
HR tip: Staff appraisals
These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications. Q: "We hold regular staff appraisals, but what is the point of appraising a man who is going nowhere?" A: Why do you appraise staff? Presumably to let them know how they are doing, […]
Reform of pensions and tribunals on the cards
Reform of the tribunal system and the long-term reform of pensions both featured in the Queen’s speech at today’s state opening of parliament.Early calculations indicate that, in a hefty legislative programme, the government is planning to introduce more than 40 pieces of legislation including 29 bills during the next session – although two are carried […]
Recruiting talent: Practical advice
Management consultant John Pope gives some practical tips for managing and developing talent within your organisation. So you want more talented people? The sort that make things happen better, make new things happen, get your organisation to stand out from your competitors? Where do you start? Recruit new staff who have something other […]
Women make better interviewers
When it comes to interviewing job candidates, women are rated as being more skilful than their male counterparts, according to research commissioned by HR consultants Water for Fish.With women rated higher by 56 per cent of the poll, the research suggests that women are better equipped to choose the candidates best suited for vacancies.The research, […]
Disappointment over ‘carer’ definition
Both the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and leading charity Carers UK have expressed disappointment with the government’s legal definition of ‘carer’ and are urging companies to go beyond the legal requirements.The legislation, which forms part of the Work and Families Act, does not come into force until April 2007 but is set to benefit 2.6 […]
Protecting your business from bloggers. By Sarah Fletcher
With one new blog being published online every second, companies are feeling the damaging effects of employees with a little too much to say. From the Microsoft worker who published a photo of Apple Macs being delivered to the company, to the Delta Airlines employee whose ‘revealing’ photos of herself got her fired for gross […]
Any Answers: Getting keys cut without the boss’s knowledge
Caroline Miles gives guidance on how to discipline an employee for misconduct.View the original post The purpose of the investigation and the disciplinary hearing is to decide what, if any, disciplinary action is appropriate given the circumstances.If following the investigation there is no justifiable reason they got the keys cut and you are suspicious of […]
Amendments to age discrimination laws go before parliament
Amending regulations have been put before parliament in a bid to sort out the problems the new age discrimination regulations have caused pension schemes.Although the age discrimination legislation came into force on 1 October, it was realised the aspects relating to pensions were particularly problematic and their implementation was postponed until 1 December. Under EU […]
Government pension plans could lead to ‘crisis’
The government’s proposals to solve the pensions time bomb could lead to a ‘pensions crisis’ according to new research by Deloitte, co-sponsored by Scottish Widows.According to the research, the key problem is the National Pensions Savings Scheme’s personal account – not only is it expected that many people will opt out but in addition it […]
Firms fail staff returning from international assignments
Organisations that send staff on international assignments are failing to benefit through failure to invest in repatriation and professional development, according to research by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Cranfield School of Management.‘Measuring the Value of International Assignments’ is based on tracking 3,450 expatriates over an average of three years. It finds that an average of 15 […]
Get by with a little HELP from Royal Mail
If its employees need a ‘HELPing’ hand then Royal Mail is poised to deliver after launching a new employee assistance scheme.HELP is a free, confidential service covering Health and emotional wellbeing, Employment advice, Legal services and Practical assistance – and it’s available round-the-clock for employees and their immediate family.Topics it covers range from money problems, […]
Preparations for smoking ban a hot topic
Nearly half of employers plan to change their smoking policies to comply with new legislation coming into force in summer 2007.The survey of 173 organisations found that 45 per cent expect to have to alter their current approach when a ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces takes effect in England and Wales next year. […]
DTI announces legal ‘carer’ definition
From 6 April carers will have the right to request flexible working under the Work and Families Act.The DTI has now announced the definition of carer under the act which, it estimates, covers around 80 per cent of actual carers.Under the act a carer is: an employee who is or expects to be caring for […]
Placements make good compatibility tests
Forget compatibility tests on internet dating sites –work placements could ensure compatibility between employer and employee, according to City & Guilds.One in five employees in the UK have left or are considering leaving a job because they want a change in career. A new report from City & Guilds ‘Mutually Compatible – Effective Work Placements’ […]
