April 8th, 2022 in BlogI first wrote about ‘in-work poverty’ back in 2016, referencing research from the Joseph Rowntree Organisation highlighting the growing number of households experiencing poverty, even when at least one person was working. Sadly, there is an even greater need to raise awareness and tackle similar issues, with rising inflation, soaring energy bills and new taxes. A recent You Gov Survey provided a worrying insight into the financial…
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November 30th, 2021 in BlogOn the eve of the government’s consultation deadline for “Making Flexible Working the Default”, will we see radical changes to the way we work? After all, the government has stated that it wants to take a world class approach to flexible working to ensure the opportunities and challenges of the post Covid-19 economy are maximised. In contrast, the TUC has criticised the government’s proposals, stating that they will not be the ‘game…
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October 2nd, 2020 in BlogQUARTERLY HR UPDATE AND EMPLOYMENT NEWS – Oct 2020 What a year! There are more challenges ahead for small businesses, but I hope the following Coronavirus information will give both support and guidance. However, if you only click on one link, please make sure it is on this one: ‘Tackling Racism at Work’. Latest Coronavirus Information for Employers Job Support Scheme JSS (1st November 2020 – 30th April 2021) This govt support package…
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September 28th, 2020 in BlogYou can’t tackle racism with just an Equal Opportunities Policy Many organisations are having to consider their future viability and survival post Covid-19, which isn’t going to be easy. However, there is a real danger that some will continue the traditional trajectory of either ignoring race issues or rationalising that racial problems don’t affect their business. In a rural and very white county like Shropshire (95.4% of residents in the…
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July 6th, 2020 in BlogThere are big challenges for small businesses in the months ahead, as they confront the obstacles of the coronavirus pandemic alongside the uncomfortable realities of systemic racism and the need to implement anti-racism measures. Important Coronavirus Information for Employers Flexible Furloughing (1st July 2020) Furloughed staff are now permitted to return to work for some of the time, if paid at their normal rate. No new employees or…
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June 29th, 2020 in BlogCan and should businesses remain the same in the aftermath of Covid-19 lockdown and the recent highlighting of systemic prejudices prevalent in our society and organisations? The challenges of recent months have created great uncertainty and fear over the likely depths of recession as well as how best to respond and tackle uncomfortable truths about racism. Against this rather ominous backdrop, thankfully, there is a growing number of economists…
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April 6th, 2020 in BlogI hope the following information will be helpful, for both immediate and longer-term reference. Take care Important Coronavirus Information for Employers The gov.uk guidance pages remain the best source of up-to-date information for employers: General Employer Advice (6th April 2020) Job Retention Scheme (furloughing) (4th April 2020) Kay’s comment: Please note that the link on furloughing was updated on 4th April 2020 and includes important…
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April 2nd, 2019 in BlogA one page summary of employment news for busy managers Brexit and Employment The scheme to protect EU citizens’ right to remain in the UK, once freedom of movement ends following Brexit, is now fully open for applications after its initial pilot period. EU citizens who have already been in the UK for five years may apply for settled status, while those who have been here for under five years can apply for pre-settled status. Kay’s comment:…
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October 1st, 2018 in BlogCIPD’s Shropshire Branch Well-being Event & Exhibition (10th October 2018) This Event is being held in response to an increased demand from local businesses for more information and practical support to help improve the health and well-being of their workforce. There will be an opportunity to hear from top speakers and take part in a series of well-being themed workshops. Kay’s comment: The Event is open to members and non-members of…
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September 13th, 2018 in BlogWe live in a fast-paced, ‘always-on’ culture where modern communications preside over the way we live our lives both at work and at home, affecting our health and well-being. The increased use of communication technologies is blurring the lines between work and non-work hours and making it harder to switch off from work. Research is also showing a clear link between technology, longer work hours and health problems. People’s access to too…
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