Experts in Business

What is Swine Flu?

Swine flu is a form of influenza that originated in pigs but can be caught by, and spread among, people. It has similar symptoms to normal flu, typically the type we are exposed to in winter months. It is worth noting that there is currently a low risk associated with swine flu and the sensible [...]

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Five ways to avoid redundancy!

1. Introduce flexible working - you may have to cut employee hours but if pitched correctly they’ll appreciate the continuation of work. 2. Prohibit overtime – those who rely on overtime may leave. However the employees who stay will still have work to do and you avoid a potential redundancy situation. 3. Change shift [...]

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Outsourcing in the Recession…

Outsourced HR is a fast growing area in this time of recession. Many organisations are beginning to realise that frequent HR tasks such as recruitment and selection are a lengthy process and many no longer have the time or resources to ensure that tasks are performed correctly. Outsourcing provides the opportunity to exploit in-depth HR [...]

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A clear vision for driving business forward

An EU directive is looking into harmonising rules concerning driving licences. In addition to ensuring an HGV driver in Spain is not too young to drive his lorry legally in Germany, the directive is focusing on safety issues such as eyesight tests. Specialist HR advisor,Sheila Hudson, from the HR Dept looks at how such issues [...]

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Are you up to date with recent changes to maternity leave entitlement?

Employers of expectant mothers whose babies were due on or after October 5 this year, found out that it is not just her that is starting out on a new journey. As a result of a ruling made by the High Court last year, October 5 marked the due date of changes that employers should [...]

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Minimum hassle for the Minimum Wage

Legal compliance is a cause of anxiety for many small business owners, and the rules relating to the National Minimum Wage is a classic example. Refusal to pay the national minimum wage is a criminal offence which could result in a fine or even a prison sentence. The National Minimum Wage applies to almost all workers. [...]

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Points based immigration system

As of the 27th November employers who wish to bring non-European Economic Area skilled and/or temporary workers into the UK will need to be a licensed sponsor. Sponsors will be responsible for providing all migrants with certificates of sponsorship and ensuring that their sponsor obligations are fulfilled. To obtain a sponsorship licence you must be: • A [...]

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Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008

On the 16th October 2008 the Health & Safety (Offences) Act 2008 received Royal Assent and will come into force on the 1st April 2009. This new piece of legislation has been in the pipeline for a while, and will give further back up to the Corporate Manslaughter Act, to ensure companies provide a safe place [...]

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