Any Answers: Getting keys cut without the boss’s knowledge
An employee getting keys cut without authorization may constitute gross misconduct involving breach of trust. Follow proper investigation and disciplinary procedures, giving the employee a chance to explain their actions before determining appropriate action.
Amendments to age discrimination laws go before parliament
Parliament will consider amendments to age discrimination laws aimed at addressing problems the new regulations have created for pension schemes. The amendments provide exemptions for acceptable pension practices that would otherwise violate the rules, which must be implemented by December 2 under EU law.
Government pension plans could lead to ‘crisis’
Government pension proposals risk creating a pensions crisis, according to Deloitte research. The National Pensions Savings Scheme may lead to widespread opt-outs and inadequately support women and self-employed workers, while many employers plan to reduce contributions for new staff after 2012.
Firms fail staff returning from international assignments
Companies are losing top-performing staff after international assignments due to poor repatriation planning and lack of career development. Research tracking 3,450 expatriates found 15% resign within a year of returning, despite organizations investing heavily in their overseas postings.
Get by with a little HELP from Royal Mail
Royal Mail has launched HELP, a free confidential employee assistance scheme offering 24/7 support for health, employment, legal and practical issues. The service is available to employees and their families, covering topics from financial problems to stress management and bereavement counselling.
Preparations for smoking ban a hot topic
Nearly half of employers plan to change smoking policies to comply with new legislation banning smoking in enclosed public spaces in England and Wales from summer 2007. The survey reveals employers are focusing on removing indoor smoking rooms and restricting smoking in company vehicles.
DTI announces legal ‘carer’ definition
The DTI has announced the legal definition of “carer” under the Work and Families Act, effective 6 April. Carers will have the right to request flexible working if they care for a spouse, civil partner, near relative, or someone living at the same address. The definition is estimated to cover approximately 80 per cent of actual carers.
Placements make good compatibility tests
Work placements offer employers and job seekers a practical way to test compatibility before committing to employment. According to City & Guilds research, placements provide realistic career insights for candidates while helping employers assess fit without long-term commitment, benefiting both career changers and returners.
Ask the expert: Double disciplinary
Two unrelated conduct issues can typically be addressed in a single disciplinary hearing, provided each allegation is considered separately and the decision clearly identifies what is proved. However, distinguish between conduct and capability matters—mixing them risks imposing a dismissal that wouldn’t occur if assessed individually.
New employees more likely to quit
A new survey of 47,000 employees reveals that workers with less than two years’ tenure are twice as likely to quit voluntarily, with nearly 60% of all departures occurring within this period. The research shows employee morale declines after six months, but companies can improve retention by 10-13% through effective management practices, including clearer career paths and recognition of good performance.
Bullying on the increase says TUC
Workplace bullying in the UK is on the rise, with 15% of union safety reps now reporting it as a major problem, up from 12% two years ago, according to TUC survey data released during Ban Bullying at Work Day.
EU fails to agree working time opt-out – again
EU member states have failed for the fifth time to agree on amendments to the Working Time Directive’s opt-out, with France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus blocking a compromise that would have phased out the UK’s 48-hour working week exemption over ten years. The collapse leaves 23 countries facing court action over how on-call time is counted toward weekly limits.
10% fall in female directors
The number of female directors in FTSE 100 companies declined by 10% in 2006, with women holding only 15 out of 391 executive director positions despite comprising 46% of the UK workforce. The report reveals that only 53 FTSE 100 companies have women on executive committees, highlighting a significant gender diversity gap at senior leadership levels.
Dismissal Q&A
Learn the legal requirements for dismissing employees fairly. Employers must follow proper disciplinary procedures and have valid grounds—such as misconduct, poor performance, or redundancy—to avoid costly unfair dismissal claims exceeding £50,000.
Chasing sickness: Getting the return to work interview right
Return to work interviews help employers address rising absenteeism by allowing employees to discuss barriers to attendance while enabling managers to identify patterns and concerns. When conducted properly by the line manager or HR, these structured conversations document reasons for absence and identify support needed to prevent future issues.
Case study: Training management at CORGI. By John Stokdyk
CORGI, a gas appliance fitters’ inspectorate, adopted ASR’s HR Professional software to gain better control of training and development spending through automated training management functions. The case study examines how organizations can use training management software to maintain accurate employee qualification records and streamline HR processes including reporting, recruitment, and training management.
HR Tip: Disability
The Disability Discrimination Act doesn’t give disabled employees preferential treatment—it levels the playing field by requiring reasonable adjustments so disabled workers can compete on equal terms. Employers must determine what accommodations, like wheelchair access or workstation modifications, enable disabled employees to perform their jobs effectively.
Working women: Is positive discrimination the future? By Sarah Fletcher
Women make up only 11% of FTSE 100 directors despite being better educated than male peers. This article explores whether positive discrimination in hiring and retention could address persistent gender imbalance in UK workplaces and leadership roles.
Any Answers: Compassionate leave
Establish a clear compassionate leave policy that covers both family emergencies and bereavement. This best practice framework distinguishes between immediate family deaths (two days paid leave), funeral attendance, and other emergencies, with flexibility for exceptional circumstances subject to company discretion and proper documentation.
Dispute resolution regulations under the microscope
The Department of Trade and Industry is considering revising dispute resolution regulations introduced two years ago, which employers and employees find too complex. The regulations, aimed at reducing employment tribunal cases, have instead seen cases rise. A formal consultation on potential changes is expected next year.
