June 23rd, 2022 in BlogI was writing about ‘loneliness’ back in 2018 – before Covid and mass remote working was amongst us and before the global energy crisis and inflation started pressing in on people’s lives. Despite a lot of parliamentary gesturing and the setting up of the government’s Tackling Loneliness Network, the Office for National Statistics has revealed that even after the lifting of social restrictions, more people are now…
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January 12th, 2021 in BlogQUARTERLY HR UPDATE AND EMPLOYMENT NEWS – January 2021 Another challenging year ahead, navigating the direct and indirect effects of Covid-19 and Brexit – I hope this information is helpful and please feel free to pass on to others you think it may help. Latest Covid-19 Information for Employers The Furlough Scheme extension runs to 30th April 2021 and now includes employees who are unable to work because of childcare issues, even if they…
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May 15th, 2020 in BlogAwareness weeks may seem less relevant at the moment, while we battle with the challenges of Covid-19. However, Mental Health Awareness Week, running from 18th – 24th May 2020, may just be the exception! Everyone is facing increased pressures and stresses, along with different degrees of uncertainty and threat. The psychological and social impacts are not only huge now, but will be with us for a long time to come. There has never been a…
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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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October 29th, 2019 in BlogBrexit and UK Employment Law Brexit uncertainties are now set to continue beyond October, but government ministers have denied that UK employment rights will be eroded or diluted after Brexit, despite recent rumours suggesting the UK is planning to reduce its regulatory standards. In the meantime, employers are being encouraged to support their EU employees and check they have up-to-date information regarding settled status. It is still expected…
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July 3rd, 2019 in BlogBrexit and UK Employment Law All current employment legislation will still apply post Brexit. The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ensures that all direct EU-derived legislation in operation in the UK prior to the date of exit will remain in place following that date. When free-movement of labour ends, the government proposes to install a skills-based immigration policy to ensure employers can access skills that add most value to the UK…
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January 4th, 2019 in BlogWhat is Depression? The Mental Health Foundation broadly defines depression as: “A common mental disorder that causes people to experience depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy and poor concentration.” The more specific term of dysthymia is used to describe mild, but long-term depression, usually lasting two years or more. How Common is it? At any one time…
» Read moreOctober 30th, 2018 in BlogWhat is Loneliness? Throughout evolution, social bonds have been essential to human survival. Loneliness is an important natural emotion to help make people seek out the company of others. Loneliness occurs when there’s a discrepancy between the quantity and quality of social relationships desired and those actually possessed. However, it also carries a stigma in the modern world, preventing people from talking openly about loneliness and…
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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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January 8th, 2018 in BlogFor busy managers of small businesses, there’s always lots to navigate, interpret and filter around employment law. This short digest will help you focus on some of the most relevant areas likely to affect your business over the first few months of 2018. National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage Increases (April 2018) The National Living Wage will increase to £7.83 per hour and the National Minimum Wage for 21-24 year olds will…
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