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06/09/2010 by admin.
Some of us count ourselves as ‘self – employed’, others as an ‘employee’, but now we can be classed as a ‘Worker’.In a recent court case ( Yorkshire Window Company v Parkes ), though Parkes was described as ‘self – employed’ the court held that he was a ‘worker’, and therefore could claim to be paid statutory holiday pay under the Working Time Regulations.No mention of NI contributions, maybe the Inland Revenue will catch up with this one soon – Heads behind the parapet I think.
Regards John
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06/09/2010 by Geoff.
How does this sound for typical characteristics of a boss:
If this seems pretty accurate then what’s a solution other than a change of managment style?
One answer is make the business a co-operative!
In this instance all employees own the business and you’d be surprised how much their drive, commitment and motivation changes. It can remove the characteristics above. It also can give the Company an edge and provide a good marketing tool.
Its an an alternative business model and one where a group of like minded people are a tremendous resource. It can also provide a more sustainable business with ready made replacements available.
Having said all of this, as with all businesses, you need to do your sums - will it work and make a profit? - you can’t expect people to invest in a romantic notion.
A co-operative means abiding by its founding principles and rules which includes giving all members a say in how the business is run. It should also be noted that the boss no longer is the only person with a stake in the business.
If you want to know more there’s a website www.co-operative.coop/enterprisehub and a nationwide network of experts who offer free business support and advice.
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23/08/2010 by admin.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), state that a third of employers expect to cut jobs in the next three months.
CIPD research shows that 36% of public sector employers are planning staff cuts. It reports that “across all sectors employers are expecting to make an average of 5.5% of their workforces redundant, up from the 3.6% average cut being considered three months ago. This data comes from a survey of 600 companies.
Written by our HR specialist Simone Greasley
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13/08/2010 by admin.
The Government has announced the timetable for the implementation of the new Bribery Act 2010. This will now come in to force in April 2011.A new and controversial offence of “failing to prevent bribery” will be introduced, which will apply to all businesses operating in the UK. This includes partnerships, limited companies and all commercial entities.
The Government will engage in a short consultation exercise in September this year. This will be published in early 2011 to allow businesses time to familiarise themselves with the guidance before the Act commences in April 2011.
Wriiten by Simone Greasley - HR and Recruitment Consultant
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13/08/2010 by admin.
The Equality Act will become law in October 2010. It will cover the same groups that are protected by existing equality legislation – age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership and pregnancy and maternity. It also extends some protections to groups not previously covered and seeks to strengthen equality law.
For the employer the Equality Act will ensure consistency in what you need to do to make your workplace a fair environment for all.
Reported by Simone Greasley our HR and Recruitment Specialist
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27/07/2010 by admin.
So what are they?
For information definitions worth considering are:
Under the Review requirements of the Companies Act, a ‘Small Company’ is one that does NOT exceed 2 of the following:-- Turnover £6.5M- Balance Sheet £3.26m- 50 employees A ‘Medium – sized Company’ is one that exceeds the small company parameters, but does NOT exceed 2 of the following:--Turnover £25.9M-Balance Sheet £12.9M-250 employeesThankfully,
I still work for a Small Company!
Written by John Hill one our financial people.
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27/07/2010 by admin.
On 22nd July, Theresa May, Minister for Women and Equalities, suggested that the coalition Government may postpone or re-write the Labour Government’s regulations on extended paternity leave for fathers………………………………….
Further information is awaited with interest.
Information supplied by Simone Greasley - HR and Recruitment Consultant
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19/07/2010 by admin.
The 2009-10 Employment Tribunal statistics show a significant increase in the number of age discrimination claims. 5200 claims were recorded compared to the previous year of 3800 claims.
It appears that employees are becoming increasingly aware of their rights in this area.
Reported by Simone Greasley our HR and Recruitment specialist
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12/07/2010 by admin.
Claims to Employment Tribunals have dramatically increased this year, reports the Tribunal Service on the 2009-10 statistics. Claims have soared to 236,100 in the twelve months to the end of March 2010.
The increase in claims is largely as the result of multiple claimant claims. The largest single category of claims were those relating to Working Time – 95,200 claims. Unfair dismissal claims rose from 52,700 to 57,400 and breach of contract claims rose from 32,800 to 42,400.
Reported by Simone Greasley our HR and Recruitment specialist
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06/07/2010 by Geoff.
On 15th June 2010, the Home Secretary, Theresa May announced that the new vetting and barring scheme for, people who work with children or vulnerable adults is to be “brought to a halt” pending review.
Update from Simone Greasley HR and recruitment specialist
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