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Issue 1 - October 03
Issue 2 - December 03
Issue 3 - January 04
Issue 4 - March 04
Issue 5 - May 04
Issue 6 - July 04
Issue 7 - December 04
Issue 8 - May 05
Issue 9 - August 05
Issue 10 - October 05
Issue 11 - January 06
Issue 12 - March 06
Issue 13 - May 06
Issue 14 - July 06
Issue 15 - Sept 06
Issue 16 - October 06
Issue 17 December 06
Issue 18 - February 07
Issue 19 - April 07
Issue 20 - July 07
Issue 21 - August 2007
Issue 22 - October 2007
Issue 23 - December 2007
Issue 24 - February 2008
Issue 25 - April 2008
Issue 26 - June 2008
Issue 27 - November 2008

Issue 1 - October 03
 

opinion column

 

Steve Foster Opinion Column - Part 1

 

In this section on transform-hr.com, Business Consultancy Manager Steve Foster discusses the role of HR in business transformation. In part one of the discussion, he looks at the current role and impact of HR.

 

industry specials

 

Legal Eagle

 

Legal Eagle is our summary of upcoming legislation which will impact your business. In order for you to remain informed, Legal Eagle will summarise the legislation to help keep you a step ahead.

 
 

Dismissals - Employee Rights after one year's service

 

If an employee has achieved one year’s continuous service, they are eligible under the Employment Rights Act (ERA) 1996 to bring a claim for unfair dismissal if they believe that their treatment has been unfair.

 

the business challenge

 

‘To Outsource or Not to Outsource. That is the Question?'

 

Choosing to outsource a core business process is a complicated but important decision for any business. The first hurdle or barrier for many companies is the realisation that changes need to be made in their current service requirements. For many, the decision to remain competitive and reduce costs drives the initial research. Alternative approaches, such as hiring or transferring staff, can provide temporary solutions, but the need to have experienced staff and experts means outsourcing is a growing trend.

 
 

Flexible Benefits: HR Headache or Heavenly Idea?

 

The idea of one benefits model for all should not really exist. Employees have widely differing benefits needs. So why don’t all employers offer a choice of benefits to their employees? Because in the past flexible benefits have meant a lot of hard work and unnecessary administration. New technology means companies can revisit the concept.

 

latest research

 

Finding Harmony in Pay

 

Across all sectors, whether manufacturing, engineering or business services, the drive to harmonise pay is growing. Sometimes this approach is necessary to emphasise that workers are part of the same organisation and are sharing the same goals. Sometimes this is a response to legislation.

 
 

e-Recruitment: Is it Delivering?

 

UK organisations are increasingly turning to e-recruitment as a way of attracting, managing and communicating with potential employees. e-Recruitment can improve corporate image and profile and reduce costs and administration. But whilst it offers better tools for recruitment teams, it is not without its challenges.

 

IPPM news

 

Government Toughens Up National Minimum Wage Law

 

The DTI has announced new regulations to toughen up the enforcement of the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The new rules that came into force on 8th July 2003 will ensure that workers can claim arrears for past as well as current employment.

 
 

Deficiency Notices

 

The first tranche of letters under a pilot scheme has been sent out to approximately 5000 people informing them about the gaps in their National Insurance Contributions between 6th April 1996 and 5th April 2002. These are the famous Deficiency Notices that were widely covered in the press earlier this year when it was revealed that they had not been issued since 1996 because of problems with NIRS2.

 
 

New Plans to Force Employers to Consult with Employees

 

Earlier this year, the DTI announced the Government plans for improved information and consultation in the workplace. The Government has agreed a framework for implementing a European Directive on employment law with both the CBI and TUC.

 

golden rules

 

Of Outsourcing

 

This series will be a regular feature that provides top tips and advice on how to approach a business issue in the most effective way.

 

cipd update

 

CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition

 

The CIPD annual conference and exhibition will be taking place on the 22 – 24 October in Harrogate .

 
 

CIPD carries out survey on Training and Development needs in the UK

 

In a recent survey carried out by the CIPD, it was revealed that over 40% of managers feel they need more training, but that time pressure and other constraints hindered this occurring. The survey is conducted annually, using 500 managers from a variety of sectors and shows the changing requirements and understanding of training and management needs.

 
 

Training is Not Enough to Fulfill Employee Development Needs states CIPD

 

In order to increase productivity and improve the motivation of employees, firms need to understand that developing staff means more than just sending them on training courses.

 
 
Issue 2 - December 03
 

opinion column

 

Steve Foster Opinion Column - Part 2

 

In the first article in this series (Oct 2003), we looked at some of the pressures on the HR function and the drivers for transformation. We now turn our attention to ways in which this transformation can be achieved. Our starting point is to define a vision for the HR function; for ease, we will use the model defined by David Ulrich, perhaps the best known management guru in the HR world, who identified four key roles for HR.

 

special feature

 

12 Days ‘Til Xmas

 

We are coming up to that time of year again when most people will be attending a Christmas function of some description either in the office, at an organised event or even just down at the local pub but beware, high Christmas spirit can cause problems for employers and land you in trouble if you don’t take steps to prevent it.

 

industry specials

 

Legal Eagle

 

Forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.

 
 

Entry Clearance for Work Permit Holders

 

From 13 November 2003 changes to the Immigration rules will be phased in over two years. The new rules have been brought into force to minimise the abuse of the immigration and work permits scheme and to reduce the chances for forgery.

 
 

Employment Equality Regulations 2003

 

There are two new sets of regulations outlawing discrimination in all aspects of employment and vocational training on the grounds of religion or belief and sexual orientation.

 

the business challenge

 

Is Self-Service a Viable Model for HR Departments?

 

Self-Service is set to transform how employees deal with their personal administration at work. It is beginning to develop in the same way that online banking has changed people’s relationships with banks. Both approaches have led to significant financial gain for organisations involved and changes to everyday tasks that provide more convenience and control for people in general.

 

latest research

 

The Big Internet Recruitment Question – Maire Kerr

 

Are impressive websites and online application forms any good? Do they find the right people more quickly and cheaply? The latest study by the Institute for Employment Studies suggests that getting the most out of an Internet-based system requires considerable commitment, both financially and culturally.

 
 

Monitoring Progress Towards Pay Equality N

 

This research report was conducted for the Equal Opportunities Commission. The report examines the extent of gender equality in the pay structures and practices of larger organisations. It focuses in particular on equal pay review.

 
 

Effective Rehabilitation after Work-Related Stress

 

Work related stress is a perennial concern for employers and employees. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures show that over the last six years figures have almost doubled. Stress accounted for 13.4 million work days lost each year, and over half a million people said they were affected by stress at work.

 
 

Monitoring Progress Towards Pay Equality

 

This research report was conducted for the Equal Opportunities Commission. The report examines the extent of gender equality in the pay structures and practices of larger organisations, and it focuses in particular on equal pay review.

 

IPPM news

 

Is ECOS the answer to the company car dilemma?

 

The company car is a prominent feature of the executive reward package. The 2003 Company Car Survey conducted by Monks Partnership indicates that a car features in the reward package of the majority of senior managers, regardless of the size and type of company.

 
 

Pensions for “inpats”

 

When you are looking at individuals being assigned to the UK, one key concern may involve what will happen to their pension plan participation during the assignment and how this will affect their tax position in the home and hosted countries.

 

golden rules

 

Of Introducing e-HR

 

This series is a regular feature that provides top tips and advice on how to approach a business issue in the most effective way.

 

cipd update

 

CIPD welcomes Government Taskforce Report on Human Capital

 

The CIPD welcomes the government to endorse the recommendations set out in the Accounting for People report. The CIPD would favour the government to follow the recommendations for companies to report on their approach to human capital management. However, it should not adopt a prescriptive set of measures but be a flexible and evolutionary approach based on “general principles to guide decisions”.

 
 

Survey reveals HR function is changing shape: from fire-fighter to strategic

 

A survey of 1,180 HR professionals shows that the HR function is changing. The survey presents a picture of a function with a clear sense of direction, confident of its role and committed to demonstrating its contribution to the business. It is clear the number of HR professionals is growing and its shape is changing.

 
 
Issue 3 - January 04
 

opinion column

 

Steve Foster Opinion Column - Part 3

 

In previous issues we have examined the contribution that technology can make to reducing HR costs and improving efficiencies. Our conclusion was that technology can add tremendous value to the HR function by streamlining administration processes, generating operational savings such as reduced headcount and delivering substantial improvements in service quality. However, there are also several strategic benefits arising from the use of technology. In this edition, we will focus on how technology can support a transition to a more strategic HR function.

 

special feature

 

New Year Recruitment by Michelle Guina

 

For many employers December is a quiet time for recruitment, potential candidates are not applying for roles and it can be difficult to recruit. January sees people making New Year resolutions for all sorts of reasons and this may include finding a new job so now may be the best time to start recruiting again.

 

industry specials

 

10 Steps to Preventing Stress in the Workplace

 

Managing sickness absence is always difficult for managers. Arranging cover for absent employees, ensuring that the work continues to be done and keeping up morale in the office when the pressure is on is hard enough but how do you cope when the absence is down to stress? Would you recognise the signs of stress and if so, how would you tackle it? What if the stress was caused by the working environment or culture of the company?

 
 

Legal Eagle

 

Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.

 

the business challenge

 

Flexible Benefits: adopting the model

 

Recent interest in flexible benefits, which allows employees to create their own benefits packages and advances technology offers to implement them, has encouraged organisations to view it as an appropriate method to retain, attract and motivate their best employees. The flexible benefits model continues to be adopted by UK employers to strengthen their employment packages for employees.

 
 

Flexible Benefits: the challenges

 

The benefits of flexible benefits (‘flex’ schemes) are well documented and have been trumpeted by HR and financial specialists for the last few years.

 

latest research

 

Flexible Working Reveal Gender Differences

 

The government’s latest Labour Force Survey has been analysed by the Institute for Employment Studies to reveal home-based teleworking is popular by mothers. Teleworking brings greater flexibility for parents of young children. Yet, this way of working is shunned by fathers.

 
 

Progressing Pay Equality

 

In a recent study, research was carried out to examine the extent of gender equality in pay structures and practices of larger organisations. One of the key priority issues for the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) over the past couple of years has been equal pay. Campaigns such as Valuing Women and Just Pay and Equal Pay Kits have been developed as part of the Equal Pay Task Force recommendations. The EOC commissioned the Institute for Employment Studies to re-examine organisational pay structures using 251 medium and large-sized companies of 100 or more staff.

 

IPPM news

 

Teleworkers: Expenses and benefits for employees

 

Increasing numbers of employees are working wholly or partly at home. Around one million employees work mainly at home. The number of employees working at home is increasing by around 13 per cent a year.

 
 

Clearing the fog around statutory payments

 

Both the introduction of statutory adoption pay (SAP) and statutory paternity pay (SPP) and the implementation of changes to statutory maternity pay (SMP) have made payroll procedures much more complicated.

 

golden rules of...

 

Flexible Benefits

 

This series is a regular feature that provides top tips and advice on how to approach a business issue in the most effective way.

 

cipd update

 

CIPD survey shows lowest rate of labour turnover in four years

 

A recent CIPD Turnover survey shows that labour turnover for all employees stands at 16.1% in 2002.

 
 

CIPD report underlines challenges and opportunities for employers on employee information and consultation

 

People management experts at the CIPD have launched a case-study based report aimed at helping HR professionals ensure that their organisations comply with regulations implementing the EC Information and Consultation Directive.

 
 
Issue 4 - March 04
 

opinion column

 

Steve Foster Opinion Column - Part 4

 

Employee Self-Service : In search of the 'Killer App'

 

industry specials

 

Changes in Government Statutory Allowances

 

From April 2004 the standard rates of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) increase.

 
 

Annual Tribunal Compensation Increases

 

As of 1 February 2004 the Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2003 has increased the limits on provisions that could be made to individuals in an Employment Tribunal.

 
 

Compulsory system for resolving disputes

 

The Employment Act 2002 introduces a new compulsory system for resolving disputes in the workplace.

 
 

Legal Eagle

 

Legal Eagle is our summary of upcoming legislation which will impact your business. In order for you to remain informed, Legal Eagle will summarise the legislation to help keep you a step ahead.

 

the business challenge

 

Online Recruitment: easing the recruitment process

 

How can organisations manage their recruitment process and cope with hundreds or thousands of applications effectively and in a timely manner? This is a question that many of today's businesses have considered aiming to reduce administration time spent on managing recruitment and interviewing future employees and talent.

 

latest research

 

Evaluations of Employer Training Pilots

 

The Employer Training Pilots (ETP) were established in six Learning and Skills Council areas in September 2002 and were intended to run for one year.

 
 

e-HR - a study into the concept and challenges

 

This study was carried out to provide a guide to the concept of e-HR and its application. The study also describes some of the models and identifies a number of challenges.

 

IPPM news

 

Class 3 National Insurance contributions paid at the higher rate

 

Between April and September this year the Inland Revenue will be making repayments of part of the voluntary Class 3 contributions that have been paid for the tax years 1996-97 and 2001-02.

 
 

Pensions Bill - what the papers said

 

Feedback on DWP's flagship Pensions Bill won't have made comfortable reading for Secretary of State, Andrew Smith.

 

golden rules of...

 

Golden Rules of e-recruitment

 

This series is a regular feature that provides top tips and advice on how to approach a business issue in the most effective way.

 

cipd update

 

CIPD survey on flexible working requests

 

A recent survey by the CIPD shows that the flexible working regulations introduced in April 2003 have proved to be user-friendly for organisations in both the private and public sectors.

 
 

CIPD focus on reducing stress in the workplace

 

There is a clear link between unwelcome or excessive change in the workplace and the amount of stress felt by employees according to the CIPD.

 
 
Issue 5 - May 04
 

opinion column

 

Steve Foster Opinion Column - Part 5

 

KPIs and ACCOUNTING FOR PEOPLE

 

industry specials

 

Immigration (Restrictions on Employment) Order 2004

 

The Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 came into force on 27th January 1997 making it a criminal offence for any employer to employ someone whose immigration status prevents them from working in the United Kingdom (UK).

 
 

Legal Eagle

 

Legal Eagle is our summary of upcoming legislation which will impact your business. In order for you to remain informed, Legal Eagle will summarise the legislation to help keep you a step ahead.

 

the business challenge

 

Key performance indicators: helping HR grow busine

 

When senior management teams consider the core strengths of the organisation, they often focus on manufacturing, sales, distribution and/or customer service.

 

latest research

 

Monitoring the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

 

This article looks at the findings of the research study undertaken by the Institute for Employment Studies on behalf of the Disability Rights Commission in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions and the Equality Commission.

 
 

Managers as Developers of Others

 

This article is based on IES research which observed the characteristics, methods and support used by managers to help the development of their employees.

 

IPPM news

 

Appealing against electronic payment default notices & Class 1a date

 

The first deadline for mandatory epayment of monthly remittances to the Revenue is just around the corner for large employers i.e. those with over 250 employees in a single PAYE scheme.

 
 

Refunds of Class 3 National Insurance contribution

 

Between April and September this year the Inland Revenue will be making repayments of part of the voluntary Class 3 contributions that have been paid for the tax years 1996-97- 2001-02.

 

golden rules of...

 

of Key Performance Indicators

 

This series is a regular feature that provides top tips and advice on how to approach a business issue in the most effective way.

 

cipd update

 

Government should extend flexible working rights to all

 

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, one of the UK's leading research organisations on work-life balance issues, urges the Government to consider extending the right to all workers when it reviews the legislation three years after its introduction.

 
 

Budgeting for Training

 

The findings of the CIPD's Training and Development 2004 survey reveal 2003 was a better year for training managers in the private sector than in the public sector.

 
 
Issue 6 - July 04
 

opinion column

 

Steve Foster Opinion Column - Part 6

 

Transforming HR: Getting the timing right

 

special feature

 

Statutory Maternity Pay Calculations

 

A pregnant employee is entitled to up to 26 weeks leave, known as Ordinary Maternity Leave (OML), regardless of the length of service.

 

industry specials

 

Changes to the National Minimum Wage (NMW)

 

From 1st October 2004 the main Adult Rate of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will increase from £4.50 per hour to £4.85 per hour.

 
 

Fair Piece Rates for Output and Home Workers

 

From October 2004 employers will have to pay their output workers, or home workers, the national minimum wage for every hour they work or, in effect, "a fair piece rate".

 
 

Legal Eagle

 

Legal Eagle is our summary of upcoming legislation which will impact your business. In order for you to remain informed, Legal Eagle will summarise the legislation to help keep you a step ahead.

 

the business challenge

 

Knowing what you want from your supplier

 

Technology is changing the face of HR and that the wish list for the perfect supplier is growing. So what are the key criteria for choosing a supplier?

 

golden rules of...

 

Achieving buy-in.

 

This series is a regular feature that provides top tips and advice on how to approach a business issue in the most effective way.

 

cipd update

 

Is HR getting the best out of IT?

 

CIPD report that HR information systems are key to improving the efficiency of HR administration. But are the IT systems in UK businesses pulling their weight, and how can HR departments make the most of their investments?

 
 
Issue 7 - December 04
 

opinion column

 

Steve Foster Opinion Column - Part 7

 

As we have explored in previous editions, the Human Resources (HR) function is under a great deal of pressure to perform - internally, there is pressure from management to add value to the organisation and do 'more with less'.

 

special feature

 

12 Days till Xmas

 

We are coming up to that time of year again when most people will be attending a Christmas function of some description either in the office, at an organised event or even just down at the local pub but beware, high Christmas spirit can cause problems for employers and land you in trouble if you don't take steps to prevent it.

 
 

Information and Consultations Rules

 

The UK is implementing this directive through the ICE regulations.

 

industry specials

 

Employment Tribunal Changes

 

On 1st October 2004 the Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 2004 came into effect.

 
 

Annual Employment Tribunal Compensation Increases

 

As of 1 February 2005 the Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2004 has increased the limits on provisions that could be made to individuals in an Employment Tribunal.

 
 

Legal Eagle

 

Legal Eagle is our summary of upcoming legislation which will impact your business. In order for you to remain informed, Legal Eagle will summarise the legislation to help keep you a step ahead.

 

reminder

 

Compulsory Systems for Resolving Disput

 

The Employment Act 2002 introduces a new compulsory system for resolving disputes in the workplace.

 

the business challenge

 

The arguments for HR Outsourcing

 

The traditional reason companies outsourced HR was to reduce costs - either avoidance of the set-up costs for a new HR department or reducing the cost of an internal department. Now, the drivers are more sophisticated and the benefits are more substantial.

 

IPPM news

 

Debt Arrangement Schemes are Unlucky Thirteen for Employers

 

On the 30th November new regulations came into effect in Scotland that introduce a new type of pseudo court order.

 
 

Local Income to be Introduced in Scotland

 

On 11 November 2004, a Bill was introduced for an Act of the Scottish Parliament to abolish council tax.

 
 

Alabaster ruling now set in stone

 

From April 2005 a woman will be entitled to have her average earnings for SMP.

 

reminder

 
Issue 8 - May 05
 

opinion column

 

Steve Foster Opinion Column - Part 8

 

Organisations can sometimes feel that they have not achieved the planned benefits from their investment in technology. While it is easy to point the finger at technology, more often than not, it is not software which is the problem but the way in which it has been implemented.

 

special feature

 

Age Discrimination - 2006

 

On the 1st October 2006 the UK will see the implementation of one of the most significant pieces of anti-discrimination legislation...

 

industry specials

 

European Works Councils

 

The EU Directive on European Works Councils is probably the most important legislative initiative.

 
 

Legal Eagle

 

Legislation Tracker.

 
 

Redundancy Consultation

 

Consultation in general is a mechanism for providing employees with information and a voice on key matters that affect their employment.

 
 

Changes in Government Statutory Allowances

 

From April 2005 the standard rates of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) and Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) have been increased and the new rates will be...

 

IPPM news

 

Alabaster Rules

 

Confusion on effective dates.

 
 

Childcare Tax Relief

 

Remember that to qualify for the new Childcare tax/NICs relief childcare must be registered or approved.

 
 

Phasing out of Payment Via Employers of Working Tax

 

Following the announcement in the Budget on phasing o