New guide for pension scheme trustees from OPRA
OPRA has published an updated guide for pension scheme trustees covering key responsibilities including contributions, investment, member information, and regulatory reporting. The new edition incorporates feedback from the first 1997 version and OPRA’s four years of regulatory experience, with printed copies available free from June.
TUC welcomes justice for asbestos victims
The TUC welcomes the government and insurance industry’s agreement to provide full compensation for asbestos victims following the collapse of Chester Street Holdings Ltd. The deal ensures affected workers and families receive rightful payouts after months of uncertainty about their claims.
Government and insurers agree asbestos compensations
Government and insurance industry have reached an agreement to ensure asbestos victims receive compensation following Chester Street’s insolvency in January 2001. The arrangement covers former private and public sector employees affected by the collapse, with payments funded through the Policyholder Protection Board and a new Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Intercultural Services – a word from the author
Intercultural Services is a comprehensive buyer’s guide for HR managers seeking to prepare employees for cross-cultural challenges in today’s global business environment. The book provides concepts, resources, and contact information for over 300 intercultural service providers, helping organizations select and evaluate training programs and diversity services.
Survey highlights low employer awareness on equal pay
A CIPD survey reveals that despite women earning 80% of men’s hourly wages, 61% of employers don’t perceive equal pay as a workplace issue. Union and employee pressure are the main drivers of change, while few organizations have taken action to address pay gaps.
Training
Trainers can facilitate effective learning and motivation through various evidence-based strategies, including active engagement techniques, clear goal-setting, personalized feedback, and creating a supportive learning environment that addresses diverse learner needs.
The whistleblowers website – use with caution!
A new whistleblower website called Fraudhotline.net aims to help employees confidentially report corporate fraud, but experts warn of potential misuse and privacy concerns. While the service could encourage reporting of genuine financial crimes, anonymity might also enable unfounded accusations against companies and colleagues.
HSC: Employers should face compulsory incident investigations
The HSC proposes requiring all employers to investigate reportable workplace accidents, ill health, and near misses. The HSE estimates this could save society £1.8 billion annually by preventing incidents and reducing costs to businesses by £600 million.
Learning and Motivation
Explore effective trainer strategies for facilitating learning and motivating learners. This discussion examines practical approaches to enhance engagement and educational outcomes in training environments.
NVQ Heaven!
Fusion Group Manufacturing celebrates achieving NVQ level 1 certification for eight operatives in Polymer Processing Operations after two years of dedicated training. As an approved NVQ centre, the company offers experience and guidance for others pursuing similar qualifications.
REC aims for consistency in agency Induction training
The REC’s Accredited Induction Scheme ensures consistent, high-standard training for recruitment consultants. Companies with formal induction programs can achieve REC accreditation, validating their training against benchmark standards and enabling consultants to earn the nationally recognized Foundation Vocational Award in Employment Agency Practice.
Monks: It is easier, cheaper and quicker to sack staff in the UK
UK redundancy rules make it easier, cheaper, and quicker to dismiss staff compared to much of Europe, according to TUC General Secretary John Monks. He argues that minimal consultation requirements represent outdated employment practices rather than genuine business constraints.
CBI chief rejects redundancy ‘damaging myths’
The CBI’s director-general rejected misconceptions about UK redundancy laws, stating that companies don’t close British plants solely due to redundancy costs and that meaningful consultation requirements already exist. He also opposed a proposed EU directive on information and consultation, calling it unnecessary red tape that would overlay existing rigorous requirements.
Government consults on new draft pension regulations
The UK Government has launched a consultation on draft regulations to simplify occupational and personal pension contracting-out legislation. The proposals reduce reporting requirements, ease restrictions on small pension amounts, and allow greater flexibility, including overseas transfers, while maintaining member benefit protections.
New – Diary listings service for Conferences and Events
A diary listings service for conferences and events worldwide, enabling users to submit event details, include hyperlinks, and allow readers to request information directly. This service promoted across multiple business websites helps reach targeted audiences.
TUC urges government not to give up on flexible working
The TUC urges the government to implement flexible working rights for parents despite employer opposition, arguing that companies benefit from more productive and satisfied staff. Evidence shows strong public support for legal rights to reduced hours, particularly among mothers returning from maternity leave and fathers working excessive hours.
New Maternity Rules announced by Byers
Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers announced new maternity measures including extending unpaid leave to one year, simplifying regulations for employers and employees, and launching a website to help working mothers understand their entitlements.
Employment and the Law
HR Zone provides comprehensive employment law resources including legal guides, contract templates, government employment information, and news coverage. Access services from law firms, consultants, and organizations like OneClickHR and Compactlaw, plus ask questions in the community forum.
New newsfeeds and directories for HR and Training professionals from UK Government
UK Government HR and Training information is now available through TrainingZONE and HR Zone. New resources cover employment advice, pensions, benefits, management practices, taxation, and learning accounts, organized across dedicated resource centers for easy access.
TUC drops action as Government settles parental leave issue
The TUC has withdrawn its European court case against the government over parental leave after officials agreed to cover legal costs and grant extra time for previously excluded parents to take their leave. The settlement marks a government climb-down on the issue.
