Our esteemed MD, Anthony Sutton, was quoted in an article in the Guardian last Saturday (28th January). His input related to an article on how much importance employers place nowadays on C.V.’s and covering letters.
At a time when the quality of the workforce being produced by schools, colleges and universities is under scrutiny, he felt that employers need to use as many options as possible to select the best candidate for the job and the way that candidates present themselves in writing is an important part.
Click this link to read the article - http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/jan/27/make-your-cv-stand-out
The Agency Workers Regulations are introduced from 1st October 2011 and unlike other significant pieces of employment legislation, there seems to have been little of this in the general press.
Agency workers form a large part of the UK Workforce and these changes could have a significant impact on many UK organisations who use and rely on agency Workers.
This newspage is not the place to go into too much detail, but in essence the Regulations mean that Agency Workers will have the right to the same basic conditions of employment and of work as your direct recruits once they have worked for the same employer for a erpiod of 12 weeks.
The 12 week period does not necessarily have to be continuous – so employers finishing the agency worker’s assignment in the hope of re-engaging them shortly afterwards will not be able to do so.
As with lots of new legislation, there are plenty of “grey” areas. Bonuses are going to present a particular problem we think.
If you would like some detailed advice and guidance on how the Regulations might affect your business call 01543 308642.
Our phenomenal assocaite and employment law guru, Lita Kirwan, was again called up by BBC Radio WM this morning for her opinion on various aspects of the current Employment Tribunal System. This followed an earlier in-depth interview with the head of Pertemps, Tim Watts, during which he voiced his opinions on the rights and wrongs of the system.
It’s great to know we aren’t the only people who seek the best advice and expertise on this topic.
Our fantastic Employment Law expert and long-standing associate, Lita Kirwan, received considered coverage in the midlands press last week. She was widely reported in the Birmingham Post & Mail and the Express and Star ahead of the introduction of the scrapping of the default retirement age.
Her suggestions on introducing “protected conversations” to enable employers and their staff to discuss future retirement plans can be found at – http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/markets/newsfeeditem.aspx?id=138489072998180
In addition Anthony Sutton was guest blogger for Enternships last week.
Enternships were heavily involved in the launch of StartUp Britain last week and their founder, Rajeeb Dey, asked Anthony for his expert advice on whether or not unpaid interns break the law under the National Minimum Wage Act.
His blog can be found at http://blog.enternships.com/?p=712&preview=true
The government has published its consultation paper for its proposed reforms to the tribunal system.
The key message is that the government is keen to resolve workplace disputes earlier and to reduce cost incurred under the current system.
Consultation lasts until 20th April 2011 and if you wish to review the paper you can find it in full on the Department for Business Inovation and Skills website at www.bis.gov.uk
The main proposals include
An extension of the qualifying periods to bring an employment tribunal claim from one to two years.
Claimants being charged a fee to lodge a claim.
All disputes being submitted through ACAS before a claimiant can bring a claim to tribunal.
For our frank opinions on the proposal contact us at info@creamhr.com and ask to receive our newsletter
It was announced this week that the Government has postponed the extension of the right for employees to request time off work for training to small and medium sized firms.
From April 2011 the right was due to be extended to businesses employing less that 250 people. This extension has been delayed to allow further assessment of the impact of this exension on smaller businesses.
Since April 2010 the right has been available to employees in businesses employing over 250 people.
We are not sure how long this further evaluation will take.
Despite considerable pressure from business groups, the government has confirmed that the current default retirement age (DRA) will be abolished this year.
The changes will beging with a transitional phase beginning on 6th April 2011 and retirements using the current DRA will stop completely from 1st October 2011.
There is an excellent practical guide on how to manage the tranistional phase and beyond on the ACAS website – use the following link http://www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2976&p=0
As we come towards the end of another crazy year, it seems appropriate for Cream HR to refelct on another year of outstanding success.
We have dealt with some of the most complex, difficult and challenging situations that we have ever faced and are delighted that in all cases we have met all of our customers needs in the way that they wanted.
As 2011 approaches we are prepared for the challenges presented by the recent introduction of the Equality Act 2010. It is highly likely that this huge piece of legislation will have a dramtic impact on the tribunal system as employees test the limits of the Act through the courts.
If any business would like a summary of the Act, please let us know. It is important that you are aware of the implications.
We would like to thank all of our customers, old and new for their support over the past 12 months and very much look forward to maintaining our unblemished track record during 2011.
Cream HR is delighted to announce that it has become an Associate Member of the Aluminium Federation – or ALFED as it is known. Over recent years we have developed significant knowledge and expertise in this industry sector and after detailed negotiations with Mr Will Savage the Chief Executive Officer of ALFED, we reached an agreement which will involve Cream HR offering its services to ALFED members. ALFED will promote Cream HR services to all of its members as a recommended support organisation in the areas of HR and Employment Law
On Tuesday 13th October 2009, Anthony Sutton was invited to co-present at a Northern Lights Business Networking event at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. He co-presented with Senior University Fellow, Julie Hardy. The title of the presentation was “Getting Recruitment Right!”
The Northern Lights is a highly successful business incubation unit and network that is run from the University and supports students, graduates and businesses throughout the North West.
Tuesday was extremely well attended with about 60 businesses present to see the presentation. Although a huge topic to present at such an event, the information and delivery gave the Northern Lights lots of positive insight to help their ongoing development.
