Gender duty to cost local authorities millions
Court rulings on public sector gender duties will cost UK local authorities millions, with some facing liabilities exceeding £250 million including tax and National Insurance obligations. The Local Government Employers urges ministers to relax borrowing caps and allow legal reforms for equal pay settlements.
Executive rewards fall but still higher than employees’
Executive pay increases fell to 5 percent in 2006 with bonuses averaging 37.5 percent of base salary, down from 41 percent the previous year. However, executive compensation still significantly outpaces employee pay raises, which averaged 3 percent, reflecting stronger oversight from remuneration committees and increased shareholder scrutiny.
Feeling lazy? Blame it on the office. By Sarah Fletcher
Open plan offices are destroying employee focus through constant distractions, contributing to what experts call Workplace Attention Deficit Disorder. Persistent noise from colleagues’ conversations and lack of privacy walls make it difficult to concentrate on work tasks.
Any Answers: Managing rebellious staff
Managing rebellious staff requires understanding the root cause of dissent before taking action. Employers should investigate whether staff feel disconnected from organizational values, unsupported by management, or unclear about expectations. When challenges damage reputation and violate known policies, formal disciplinary procedures may be necessary, though prevention through good management practices and clear communication is ideal.
Case study: Risk management
Vision Service Plan improved its risk management approach using a framework developed by the Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway Commission. The eye care firm’s strategy emphasizes strategic risk identification across the organization, defining risk appetite, and implementing internal controls alongside employee communication and ethical standards.
Dispute resolution regulations – questions of timings and beards
Employment tribunals have clarified that the statutory three-month time limit for bringing claims starts from dismissal rather than when grievance procedures begin. Using the formal grievance procedure effectively doubles the time available to file a tribunal case, encouraging employees to exhaust internal processes first.
Pay growth dips below cost of living
Pay growth is failing to keep up with the cost of living as increased immigration and more older workers entering the job market boost labour supply, according to the CIPD and KPMG survey. This is expected to keep wage pressures subdued and continue squeezing living standards into next year.
Transsexual woman launches two discrimination cases
A transsexual woman has launched parallel discrimination cases against Hitachi Data Systems in the UK and US, alleging demotion and retaliation following her disclosure of planned transition. The British tribunal hearing begins Monday in Reading, with both sides seeking potentially record-breaking damages.
Ask the expert: Refusal to prove absence is genuine
An employee with a poor absence record refuses to attend a required Occupational Health appointment. Employment law experts advise that this refusal can constitute misconduct and breach of contract, warranting disciplinary action to enforce compliance or establish grounds for potential dismissal.
Pensions bill already under fire
The government’s unpublished pensions bill faces criticism for insufficient reforms despite welcomes changes to state pension links and women’s pension credits. The National Association of Pension Funds argues the proposals maintain unnecessary complexity and means-testing while potentially increasing costs for employers.
New sector guidance to combat sex discrimination
The Equal Opportunities Commission has launched new guidelines to help pubs and breweries prevent sex discrimination, following 39 successful cases in five years. The guidance includes practical steps for managers to ensure fair employment practices and create inclusive workplaces across an industry employing over 300,000 women.
2007 Maternity legislation: A step forward? By Sarah Fletcher
UK maternity legislation changes effective April 1, 2007 extended statutory paid leave from six to nine months and introduced optional contact days. While new parents benefit, small employers worry about increased costs and temporary staffing challenges during extended absences.
Colborn’s Corner – How do we address executive pay?
Executive pay in FTSE100 companies averages 98 times employee salaries, creating fairness concerns. HR professionals must help organizations defend high executive compensation by emphasizing market realities and talent retention needs, while managing employee perceptions about pay inequality.
Unemployment hits a seven-year high
Unemployment reached 1.71 million in the three months to September, the highest level in seven years, with 27,000 more people jobless than the previous quarter. Despite the rise, employment remained near record levels at 28.99 million, with over 600,000 job vacancies available.
HR tip: Staff appraisals
Staff appraisals benefit all employees, not just those seeking advancement. Even employees content in their current roles deserve recognition and support through regular appraisals, which identify performance issues, development needs, and help maintain workforce stability.
Reform of pensions and tribunals on the cards
The government plans significant reforms to the pension system and tribunal procedures, with the Queen’s speech outlining over 40 pieces of legislation for the coming session. The pensions bill is expected to raise the state pension age to 68 and introduce the National Pensions Saving Scheme, while tribunal reform could address rising caseloads from age discrimination laws.
Recruiting talent: Practical advice
Management consultant John Pope shares practical strategies for recruiting talented staff and developing existing employees. Learn how to identify candidates with exceptional qualities, nurture their abilities through meaningful work, and unlock potential in current team members through observation, challenging assignments, and focused development.
Women make better interviewers
Research shows women are rated as more skillful interviewers than men, with 56% of respondents ranking female interviewers higher. A UK survey found candidates reported more positive experiences with women interviewers, who were better at preparing, putting candidates at ease, and conducting effective interviews.
Disappointment over ‘carer’ definition
The EOC and Carers UK welcome new workplace flexibility rights for carers but express disappointment that the legal definition excludes some carers, including those not living with or closely related to care recipients. They urge employers to extend protections beyond legal requirements.
Protecting your business from bloggers. By Sarah Fletcher
Employee bloggers pose significant risks to businesses, from leaking confidential information to making defamatory statements about colleagues and the company. High-profile cases demonstrate that companies must implement strict monitoring policies to protect their reputation and intellectual property.
