31/01/2010 by Geoff.

So you’ve just started a new job, you know what needs to be changed but you have no resource to implement the required change. The only route is to use outside resource - maybe use consultants! But you are concerned that this action will be seen as a sign of weakness and be criticised by your boss and subordinates so you do nothing.

This is a common dilemma but the action described is incorrect. You have used your expertise to identify the problem, not only that you’ve identified what is stopping you getting rid of the problem - what’s constraining the desired change. The correct action is to use outside resource ensuring it has a good brief - and maybe paid by results. Yes it will cost money but this will be far out weighed by your Company’s performance improvement. Not only that the cost of outside resource stops as soon as the brief is fulfilled.

Now not improving your Company performance when you know how to do it is a criticism!

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31/01/2010 by Geoff.

The earliest age for taking pension rises to 55 from April 2010. As of the 6^th April 2010, the earliest age a member of a registered pension scheme can take their pension (other than on ill-health grounds) will rise from the age of 50 to 55.

However, a member may still be able to take their pension from the age of 50, if they have a “protected pension age”.

Written by our HR Expert Simone Greasley. Contact her if you need any help in this field.

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