Britannia allows staff to work until 70
Britannia Building Society has updated its HR policies to allow employees to work until age 70, giving staff the choice to continue employment longer. The change aligns with new age discrimination legislation taking effect October 1 and reflects the society’s commitment to being a great workplace.
All change for Corporate Manslaughter Bill?
Labour unions defeated party leadership at conference, voting to amend the corporate manslaughter bill to impose up to 14-year prison sentences on individual directors. The current bill only fines companies, but union leaders argue negligent bosses responsible for worker deaths should face jail time equal to dangerous driving convictions.
Briefing: New maternity and family friendly rules
The Work & Families Act 2006 introduces significant changes to UK maternity and family-friendly rights, including extended maternity leave to 39 weeks from April 2007, transferable paid leave to fathers, and new “keeping in touch” days. These protections now apply to all employers, regardless of size.
New legislation round-up
Employment legislation changes take effect Sunday, including revised National Minimum Wage rates and new apprenticeship pay rules. The development rate for workers aged 22+ is abolished, while apprentices over 25 now qualify for apprentice rates. Employers must also notify the DTI at least 30 days before making 20 or more employees redundant.
Practical effects of age discrimination
New age discrimination regulations require employers to remove age-related language from job descriptions and avoid age-based hiring decisions. However, research shows 40 percent lack awareness of the rules, and most job seekers don’t plan to update their CVs, creating practical implementation challenges.
What’s the answer? Part-timers sick pay
Part-time workers with flexible hours and no guaranteed work schedule may not qualify for statutory sick pay, though employers should seek legal advice to confirm their position. Sick pay obligations depend on whether workers are classified as employees under a contract of service, which is unclear in flexible working arrangements.
Podcasts new weapon in graduate hunt
Cadbury Schweppes launched podcast downloads and blogs to recruit graduates, allowing candidates to hear directly from current employees about their experiences. The initiative followed the success of a 2005 graduate blog that attracted over 60,000 visits and boosted applications by 50 percent.
Pay settlements hold steady
Pay settlements have remained steady at an average 3 percent as of August 2006, though most awards were lower than the previous year. Analysis by Industrial Relations Services shows a downward trend in pay deals compared to 2005, with inflation at 3.4 percent.
Half of working Brits unaware of age legislation
Half of working Brits are unaware of new anti-age discrimination regulations coming into force, despite research showing ageism remains rife in workplaces. The Employers Forum on Age found that 61 percent of workers have witnessed ageist behavior, including pay inequality and age-based hiring decisions.
HR Tip: Attitude problems
A “bad attitude” alone is not sufficient grounds for disciplinary action. Employers must identify specific examples of how the attitude negatively affects work performance or workplace operations before taking disciplinary measures.
Age discrimination – Is your business ready? By Rebecca Benneyworth
New age discrimination laws taking effect October 1st ban all forms of age-related discrimination in recruitment, employment terms, promotion, and dismissal. Employers of all sizes must review recruitment procedures and workplace practices to comply, as the legislation affects both older and younger workers across multiple employment areas.
HR directors more age discriminatory than public
A BUPA survey found that HR directors are more likely to discriminate based on age than the general public, with two-thirds believing retirement should be 65, while three-quarters of the public want people to work as long as they’re able.
E-help service offers new hope for working fathers
Working Families launches a new text and email support service for fathers seeking advice on paternity leave and flexible working arrangements. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the e-help service addresses research showing men prefer texting and email to phone calls.
New HR research centre opened
Manpower and the London School of Economics have launched the Manpower HR Lab, a research centre focused on analysing how human resource and labour market decisions impact productivity across organisations and economies. The lab will combine advanced data analysis with business insights, publishing findings through industry briefings, an annual conference, and research papers.
Off the record: Temp claims unfair dismissal
A temporary worker claiming unfair dismissal after contract expiry may have a case under Fixed Term Employee regulations. Employers with employees having 51+ weeks’ service must show fair reasons for non-renewal and follow proper dismissal procedures to defend against claims.
Any Answers: Fun ways to achieve the diversity challenge
Create engaging diversity training by using interactive, bite-sized formats tailored to your organization’s priorities. A blended learning approach combining traditional methods with multimedia resources helps overcome preconceptions and ensures the diversity message resonates and drives real workplace change.
Employers need support if pension reforms are to work
Employers need government support to successfully implement proposed pension reforms including automatic enrolment and compulsory contributions, the CBI has warned. Without measures to reduce costs and administrative burdens—particularly for small firms—there is a risk of unintended consequences that could undermine the goal of increasing private pension saving.
Gloucestershire police discriminated against white men
A Gloucestershire Police tribunal found the force unlawfully discriminated against white male applicants by selectively deselecting them from recruitment, awarding one applicant £2,500 for injury to feelings. An investigation confirmed the force had breached discrimination laws on grounds of race and sex while attempting to meet Home Office diversity targets.
CBI urges restraint on the Low Pay Commission
The CBI has urged the Low Pay Commission to exercise restraint on National Minimum Wage increases, citing rising energy costs and economic uncertainties. While the TUC welcomes this more moderate stance, it calls for stronger enforcement measures against employers who illegally pay below the minimum wage.
Getting ex-offenders back to work. By Sarah Fletcher
Employee fraud costs UK businesses nearly £1 billion annually, raising concerns about hiring ex-offenders. While workers with spent convictions can be loyal employees, employers must conduct individual risk assessments and carefully place candidates away from positions where they could repeat their offense.
