HR Newsletter December 2011 Call 07762 771290
EMPLOYMENT LAW AND TRIBUNAL REFORM

The government is set to radically alter many aspects of employment law and the employment tribunal process. We have put together a list of the proposed changes which can be accessed here. We shall keep you fully informed with developments as and when they happen.

DELAY FOR PENSION AUTO ENROLMENT

The government has recently announced a delay in pension auto enrolment for small to medium sized businesses.

Auto-enrolment is the government policy designed to ensure that all workers are automatically enrolled in a workplace pension scheme and benefit from a minimum amount of employer contributions, unless they decide to opt out.

The initiative will apply to all employers from October 2012 in stages, starting with the largest organisations.

The government has confirmed that the policy will go ahead as planned for these largest employers, but for those with between 2,999 and 50 employees there will be minor delays in the date on which auto-enrolment applies to them (their 'Staging Date')with new Staging Dates to be specified in the New Year.

More importantly, the government has delayed the Staging Dates for businesses with fewer than 50 employees until after the next election in 2015, citing the difficult economic conditions.

TOP TIPS - HOW TO MANAGE AN EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL

1. When dealing with employees ensure a paper trail of the actions you are taking; document meetings, confirm in writing, etc.
2. With disciplinary issues ensure a full investigation is done, the hearing is fair and dismissal is only a last resort when you are sure of your facts; give the right to appeal.
3 . If you receive an ET1 don't delay in submitting your ET3 response.
4 . Ensure you meet all the tribunal office requirements and deadlines without fail.
5 . Act professionally throughout in all communications whether written or verbal.

 

Email: info@sjbealehrconsult.co.uk

THE OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY
Although employers may wish to thank their employees for all the hard work they have done over the previous year, the Christmas party needs to be handled carefully. We have put together some brief guidelines to help avoid any problems. To read click here

 

INCREASE IN STATUTORY MATERNITY AND SICK PAY RATES

The changes expected to come into force on 9 April 2012 are:

Statutory Maternity, Paternity, Additional Paternity, Adoption Pay and Maternity Allowance will increase from £128.73 to £135.45; and

Statutory Sick Pay will increase from £81.60 to £85.85.

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WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING OVER THE RECENT MONTHS

  1. Settling a claim of unfair dismissal disability discrimination, TUPE and unlawful deduction of salary on the day of an employment tribunal hearing.
  2. Advising on disciplinary situations.
  3. Quoting for job evaluation projects in the education sector.
  4. Providing training on communication & dispute resolution.

PSYCHOMETRIC PROFILING - LET US HELP

Need to find out those hidden qualities of the candidates you are interviewing and find out if they will really fit in?

Then consider the use of psychometric profiling as an addition to your interview process or as part of a holistic assessment day.

We use DISC profiling which is quick and easy to use with online access to candidates then giving you the reports you need to make your recruitment decisions.

Call 07762 771290 for more details.

 

Employment Law Training

Are your managers confident with employment law and tackling staff problems? If not we offer critical training in essential employment law skills which will reduce conflict and protect your business from costly employment tribunal claims.

Our interactive workshops cover all areas of employment law and HR - recruitment & selection (avoiding discrimination), data protection, managing grievance, discipline, & dismissal, the Equality Act, redundancy management, termination of contracts including retirement, managing performance, etc.

Our workshops can be delivered to a group or on a 1:1 basis either on your premises or off site. We offer flexible learning with full or half day workshops or bite-sized sessions to fit in with your timetable delivered by an highly experienced employment law trainer with practical HR management experience.

Call 07762 771290 now for more details

Copyright © SJ Beale HR Consult Ltd    

SJ Beale HR Consult Ltd, Moulton Park Business Centre, Redhouse Road, Moulton Park, Northampton, NN3 6AQ

Tel: 07762 771290

Email: info@sjbealehrconsult.co.uk

Website: www.sjbealehrconsult.co.uk

Registered in England and Wales; registered company no. 6211388

                

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