Double pay now standard for bank holidays
Over 80% of workers earn double pay for bank holiday overtime, according to a 2002 survey. Sunday overtime typically receives double pay from most employers, while Saturday rates vary between 1.5 and double the standard hourly wage.
HR Zone Any Answers #14 – Changing job descriptions, bonus schemes, aptitude tests, confidentiality and misconduct…
This HR Zone digest covers common workplace questions including job description changes, bonus schemes, confidentiality breaches as misconduct, aptitude testing, and employee compensation. The Q&A format addresses practical HR challenges and legal considerations affecting small to medium-sized businesses.
Sandwiches still dominate lunch choices
Sandwiches remain the UK’s top lunch choice, with Britons eating an average of 155 per year. A British Sandwich Association survey reveals that speed and convenience drive lunch decisions, with chicken the most popular filling and pre-packed wedges accounting for half of all purchases.
Excessive sick leave and how to deal with it
Small businesses lose significant time to excessive sick leave, with surveys showing companies lose an average of 31 days annually to questionable sickness claims. Employers can address this through clear contracts, documented sick leave policies, and independent medical assessments for repeated absences.
Violence is barely suppressed at work
A Pertemps survey reveals that 53% of office workers have nearly resorted to violence at work, with IT problems, excessive workloads, and loud colleagues as primary triggers. The study found 60% lose their temper regularly, and 74% report reduced productivity when angry, highlighting workplace rage as a significant issue affecting employee morale and performance.
Bullying at work is no longer tolerated
UK workplaces are increasingly adopting zero-tolerance policies on bullying, with eight out of 10 organizations now having formal codes of conduct on the issue. Research from The Work Foundation shows that a third of employers would dismiss workers who violate these codes, signaling a significant shift from viewing bullying as merely “challenging” work style.
Employer’s tax tips: Van or car?
Vans offer significant tax advantages over company cars for employers and employees. A van user faces a maximum annual tax liability of £200, with no additional fuel charges, making it an attractive option for drivers who travel alone. The tax treatment depends on meeting specific vehicle criteria, including design weight and construction suited for goods conveyance.
Employers’ tax tips: Company Car Fuel
Employers providing company car fuel must carefully track whether employees reimburse costs for private mileage to avoid unexpected tax charges. The fuel scale charge applies unless the employer demonstrates it hasn’t borne any fuel costs for private driving, making proper reimbursement mechanisms essential.
Employers’ tax planning: employee’s late night travel
Employers can provide tax-free late night travel home for employees without triggering a tax charge if strict conditions are met, including working past 9pm on an irregular basis and limiting reimbursed journeys to 60 per year.
Company cars: Insider tips from First Vehicle Leasing
Learn how to secure better company car deals from First Vehicle Leasing expert Andy Bell. This workshop covers leasing alternatives, financing options including contract hire and hire purchase, and strategies to maximize value for your fleet vehicle arrangements.
Company car policy: get it into gear
A company car policy document helps employers set clear rules for vehicle allocation and use, covering allocation, maintenance, insurance, fuel costs, driving requirements, and accident procedures. This formal five-page policy template from Compact Law costs £35 and ensures compliance while managing transport costs effectively.
The new company car regime: factsheets for employees
Employees can now claim significant tax relief on company cars based on CO2 emissions under new rules effective from April 2002. This factsheet explains how the radical changes to company car taxation will affect drivers, replacing the previous 25% list-price calculation with emissions-based assessments.
Tax guide to using employee’s car on employer’s business
Employers can reimburse employees up to 40p per business mile for using their private car, tax-free, up to 10,000 miles annually. Additional miles are reimbursed at 25p per mile, and employers can make extra payments for business passengers at 5p per qualifying passenger per mile.
Company car tax under the new regime
From April 2002, company car tax shifted to an emissions-based system, calculating benefit-in-kind charges using CO2 levels (15-35% of list price) for newer cars and engine size for older vehicles, with adjustments for availability and employee contributions.
Most workers are dissatisfied
More than half of British private sector workers are dissatisfied with their jobs, with low pay identified as the primary complaint. Despite a 3.8% increase in average earnings, 51% of unhappy employees cite inadequate salary as their biggest gripe, while long working hours and poor working environment also contribute to job dissatisfaction.
Workers on holiday find it difficult to forget the office
Most office workers struggle to unwind on holiday, with 86% finding it difficult to switch from work mode in the first few days. A study reveals that over half of employees need at least half their vacation to forget office demands, citing presenteeism culture and career concerns.
Employers warn that further rights for temp workers will damage job market
A CBI survey warns that an EU directive granting temporary agency workers equal pay and conditions could reduce temp assignments by up to 297,000 jobs across the UK. The proposal would require host firms to negotiate workers’ contracts directly, though the EU suggested rights apply only after six weeks. The TUC disputes these predictions, citing similar warnings made before minimum wage and working time regulations were introduced.
Many employees are dissatisfied with working hours
Nearly one in five UK workers want to change their hours, with most preferring shorter working weeks for reduced pay, according to National Statistics research. Older workers and managers most commonly desired reduced hours, while young and part-time workers typically wanted more employment.
School’s out – but dad’s in!
The government launches the ‘Give an Hour’ scheme to encourage fathers to spend more time supporting their sons’ education. Electronics retailer Comet offers employees one hour of paid leave in September for educational activities with their children, while a new guidebook provides fathers with learning ideas and activities to try together.
HR Zone Any Answers Digest #13 – Best and worst managers… benchmarking rewards… Data Protection… diversity
This HR Zone digest covers key workplace topics including leadership and diversity development, benchmarking reward packages, Data Protection training guidance, and best practices for managing staff. Readers share questions and expert advice on HR challenges from August 2002.
