12/07/2011 by Geoff.

The Government has announced that the adult national minimum wage will increase by 15p an hour, to £6.08, from 1st October 2011.The other rates will increase as follows:

• 18-20 year olds: by 6p to £4.98 per hour
• 16-17 year olds: by 4p to £3.68 per hour
• apprentices: by 10p to £2.60 per hour

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “More than 890,000 of Britain’s lowest-paid workers will gain from these changes. They are appropriate, reflecting the current economic uncertainty while at the same time protecting the

Written by Sue Gott - HR Consultant

Posted in Business interest, Contact Us | 1 Comment »

12/07/2011 by Geoff.

As regular visitors will know we’ve written a number of postings on the subject of late payments. It is probably the most time consuming and frustrating issue small companies face. It should not be forgotten that collecting the money you’re owed can be a matter of life or death for a small business.

Some useful pointers to oil the wheels are:

• Become a pest - if you don’t ring you’ll sink to the bottom of the pile
• Get to know the people involved at your customer
• Accuracy - ensure there is nothing preventing payment
• If there is a genuine dispute resolve it before considering further action
• Consider refering to a more senior person
• A formal or legal letter (a letter before action). Perhaps remind your customer you are due interest on late payments
• Consider court action. Remember this will cost time and money. Also don’t do it if your customer hasn’t got the money to pay.

As we’ve said before be accurate and stick to your process.

Posted in Business interest, Contact Us, Tips and Ideas | 1 Comment »