SJ Beale HR Consult Ltd HR and employment law newsletter February 2012


HR Newsletter February 2012		Call 07762 771290
EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL SYSTEM CHANGES FROM 6 APRIL 2012 Changes to the system will include: - Maximum deposit orders being increased from £500 to £1,000; - Maximum costs orders being increased from £10,000 to £20,000; - Witness statements will no longer be read aloud and will be taken “as read”, unless the Tribunal directs otherwise; - Tribunals have the power to direct that the parties to a dispute are responsible for paying witnesses’ expenses and that the party which loses the case should reimburse the successful party for any such costs already paid out; - Employment judges will be permitted to hear unfair dismissal cases alone. -Qualifying period for unfair dismissal increases from one to two years. This only applies to employees who start a new job on 6 April 2012. CHANGES TO INCOME TAX THRESHOLDS COME INTO FORCE FROM 6 APRIL 2012 The income tax personal allowance increases by £630, bringing it to £8,105. The threshold at which employees pay the higher income tax rate of 40% is reduced to £34,371 (from £35,001). Official tables of the 2012/13 tax rates can be viewed on the HM Treasury website. TOP TIPS ON DEVELOPING A SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY 1. Consider developing an acceptable use of social media policy to reduce organisational liability, provide clear guidelines and to comply with the law. 2. Ensure it covers network security, acceptable behaviour with emails, blogging, tweeting, smart phones and use of social network sites, data protection and discipline. 3 . Once drafted ensure you consult with appropriate staff members to ascertain their point of view for acceptance by the organisation. 4 . Once finalised ensure you communicate implementation to all members of staff. 5 . Ensure the policy is included in the induction process so that new starters know your organisations stance o the use of social media in the workplace		Email: info@sjbealehrconsult.co.uk
		STATUTORY REDUNDANCY PAYMENTS & GUARANTEE PAYMENTS INCREASE FROM 1 FEBRUARY 2012 - The maximum amount of a week's pay used to calculate a statutory redundancy payment and the basic and additional awards for unfair dismissal increases to £430. - The maximum unfair dismissal compensatory award increases from £68,400 to £72,300. - The limit on the amount of a guarantee payment payable to an employee in respect of any day also increases from £22.20 to £23.50. INCREASE IN STATUTORY MATERNITY AND SICK PAY RATES FROM 1 APRIL 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. ACAS GUIDANCE ON STAFF MANAGEMENT DURING THE OLYMPICS ACAS guidance can be accessed here
		WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING OVER THE RECENT MONTHS Giving advice on managing the redundancy process. Advising on sickness absence issues. Quoting for job evaluation projects in the public sector Providing training on data protection. HR documentation and procedures review. Tendering for a TUPE project.
TRAINING - LET US HELP Are your employees lacking certain skills? Do you think this could be addressed by training? We offer a range of training packages to ensure your employees are performing well to help your business profit. We offer workshops in all areas of HR - generalist HR skills, absence management, recruitment, data protection, managing performance, grievance & discipline, communication skills, resolving conflict, assertivenesss, time management, etc. Call 07762 771290 to discuss your requirements.	Employment law & HR Helpline from £50 per month Monthly retainer or ad hoc service Evening & weekend service available All calls and emails answered quickly Clear, practical advice for you to take urgent action Useful bolt-ons include on site support for hearings & meetings and accompanying documentation ie procedures, invite letters, follow up letters, etc. For more details click here
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