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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Social Networking

Like all networking and blogging sites on the internet, you may believe typing messages on these sites is unmonitored and you can put on there anything you want as a business or as an employee, but with more people looking to interact in new ways over the internet one wrong sentence or phrase can be [...]

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PAYE Podcasting

Are you unaware of the forthcoming PAYE changes? Now all you need to do is tune in to the latest podcast via the following link www.hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts and the HMRC will explain it all for you. The podcast has been developed in reference to the new rules which will be in place from April 2009. Changes will [...]

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Employers beware – the real potential impact of the new disciplinary and grievance procedures

It would seem common sense has prevailed and we can stop trying to determine the correct meaning of the 3 step disciplinary and dismissal procedure – or can we? After April 6th 2009 the statutory dispute resolution procedures will be repealed and at the same time replaced by the new ACAS Code of Practice. Whilst [...]

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Unfair dismissal claims rocket

Many businesses remain unaware of the necessary steps needed to be taken in order to survive the current recession. More and more small businesses are facing unfair dismissal claims after failing to follow statutory redundancy procedures. Research from Hiscox has revealed a threefold increase in insurance claims from small businesses being sued by employees for [...]

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Pension contributions….

5th April 2009 will spend the end of tax year, and for some of you that will coincide with YOUR year end; therefore if you are wanting to maximise your pension contributions for the year, you may want to get in touch VERY soon. But then again, even if it isn’t your year end, [...]

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Increase in Compensation Limits…

The annual increase in compensation limits has just been published (for dismissals and other trigger events occurring after 1st February 2009). The key increases are: • compensatory award: £63,000 to £66,200 • a ‘week’s pay’: £330 to £350 • maximum redundancy payment: £9,900 to £10,500 This Order increases the limits applying to certain awards of employment tribunals, and [...]

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Flexible Working…

Changes to the flexible working laws will allow an extra 4.5 million people the right to request flexible working hours. But what, during this time of economic hardship, will this mean for small businesses? Specialist HR adviser, Sheila Hudson, from the HR Dept looks at how the flexible working changes could impact your business. From [...]

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