General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (25th May 2018)
In preparation for GDPR, all businesses should have carried out an Information Audit and be working through a plan of action to ensure the personal data they process and store is kept secure at all times. Here are 8 practical steps you can take to ensure you are looking after the personal data of your employees and workers:
- Introduce GDPR to your staff and let them know how you are using and storing personal data
- Remove blanket consent clauses from contracts of employment and worker agreements
- Spring clean your personnel folders (paper and electronic copies)
- Develop a relevant Data Protection Policy
- Update IT, security and confidentiality policies
- Write and issue Privacy Notices to employees, potential employees and workers
- Check you have a suitable Subject Access Request form
- Clarify your HR documentation retention timeframes
Kay’s comment: I can help you develop your own privacy notices, subject access request form and data protection policy. There are plenty of FREE resources on the ICO website to help you communicate GDPR and personal data security to your employees eg posters, stickers and e-Learning https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/resources-and-support/posters-stickers-and-e-learning/ . The ICO also has a FREE GDPR helpline specifically aimed at SMEs 0303 123 1113 and the NCSC has useful cyber security infographics available from https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/infographics-ncsc
National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage Increases (April 2018)
The National Living Wage has increased to £7.83 per hour. The National Minimum Wage for 21-24 year olds has increased to £7.38 per hour; for 18 to 20 year olds to £5.90 an hour; for 16-17 year olds to £4.20 an hour and the apprenticeship rate has increased to £3.70 an hour.
Kay’s comment: Please note the Childcare Voucher Scheme has been extended by a further 6 months, make sure you keep your employees updated.
Statutory Rates Increase (April 2018)
Statutory Sick Pay has increased from £89.35 per week to £92.05 and Statutory Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Pay has increased from £140.98 per week to £145.18.
Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) (2020)
The Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill is currently progressing through Parliament and will entitle employees who lose a child under 18 years of age to two weeks’ leave, paid at the statutory rate if they have 26 weeks’ service. Currently employed parents have a right to take a reasonable amount of unpaid time off to deal with an emergency involving their children, but no specific paid time for a bereavement.
FREE RESOURCES
HR Article: Neurodiversity at Work
HR Article: 7 Management Principles for Small Businesses
HR Article: Tackling Gender Issues and the #MentorHer campaign
Please Note: The information contained in this e-newsletter is provided for your general use only. It should not be treated as a substitute for obtaining professional employment advice on specific issues.