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Issue 1 - October 2003
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 out of Payment Via Employer of Working Tax Credit from November 2005, we now have more details of how this will happen in practical terms.
Financial Loss for Jury Service
There are new rates for financial loss paid to employees for undertaking jury service.
Fines Attachment of Earnings
No software spec to be provided.
Phasing out of Payment Via Employers of Working Tax
Following the announcement in the Budget on phasing out of Payment Via Employer of Working Tax Credit from November 2005, we now have more details of how this will happen in practical terms.
Regulatory Burdens
Much was made in the Chancellor's Budget speech of plans to reduce administrative and regulatory burdens.
Issue 9 - August 05
opinion column
Steve Foster Opinion Column - Part 9
If you enter the term 'Human Capital Management' (HCM) into any internet search engine, you will get over 20 million hits on this subject. In the last few years, HCM has moved from an obscure economics term into mainstream management language, to the point where some HR functions are now re-naming themselves as the 'Department of Human Capital Management' (for example, NASA).
special feature
Terror Attacks - The HR Response
Following the terror attacks in London on 7 July HR, Professionals have had to step up the emphasis on Health and Safety and Security issues in the workplace.
Legal Eagle
Legislation Tracker.
industry specials
Home Computing Initiatives
Home Computing Initiative schemes (HCI) have rapidly become one of the largest growing employee benefits.
Bullying and Harassment
From a practical perspective, it is those making a complaint who usually defines what they mean by bullying.
IPPM news
90% of large employers comply with online filing
In the latest Notes for Software Developers published in July, HMRC confirmed that 935,000 returns for 2004/5 were filed online, with over 90% of the 11,000 large schemes who were required to file online having done so.
The Surcharge notices cometh
Let's not forget that e-payment is at the end of its first year too. HMRC announced in July that the issue of default surcharge notices to large employers (250+ employees) who paid their monthly PAYE/NIC payments late or not in full more than twice in tax year 2004-05 had begun.
Issue 10 - October 05
opinion column
Steve Foster Opinion Column - Part 10
In the previous edition of TransformHR, we looked at Human Capital Management (HCM) and how organisations are recognising the unique contribution that people make to organisational success.
special feature
Safety First
The world certainly is the oyster for many a business traveller - travelling to the far corners of the globe in the crusade to take over the world!
industry specials
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
Reminder - Changes to the National Minimum Wage
From 1st October 2005 the main Adult Rate of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will increase from £4.85 per hour to £5.05 per hour.
Work Permits and Entry Visas - Ensuring Compliance
As a result of the ever increasing population of foreign neighbours that wish to work in the UK, are you aware of who will require a work permit or entry visa?
Casual Workers
The use of casual workers has become increasingly popular.
Single White Female?
A recent high profile case demonstrates the importance of all staff understanding and adopting non-discriminatory behaviour.
IPPM news
Waiver for Euro IV diesel cars
Over the last month we have heard from members who are concerned about advice that they have been given by HMRC contact centres.
Changes expected in 2006
Legislative changes in the pipeline for April 2006.
Issue 11 - January 06
special feature
Coming soon ... the Statutory Code of Practice on Racial Equality in Employment.
In April 2006, the Code of Practice for Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Promotion of Equality of Opportunity in Employment will be replaced by the Statutory Code of Practice on Racial Equality in Employment.
industry specials
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
Age Discrimination in Employment
The new age discrimination law is scheduled to be implemented on 1 October 2006.
Licensing law impacts on employers
On the 24th November 2005, the new licensing laws came into effect to allow pubs and clubs to open 24-hours and alcohol to be served around the clock. Over three quarters of the licensed establishments in England and Wales applied for the extended opening hours.
Childcare Vouchers
On the 6th April 2005 the Government introduced new tax and National Insurance (NI) savings for employers and employees when childcare vouchers are purchased through the Company's payroll, known as "Salary Sacrifice".
Introduction of rights in the workplace for same sex couples
On 5 December 2005 the Civil Partnership Act came into force allowing same-sex couples in the UK to legally register their relationship.
IPPM news
Pre-Budget Report(PBR) - December 2005
Ok so what was in the PBR, all 264 pages, that really is of interest for us (that is not saying that it wasn't all a gripping read of course!)
industry sector - schools
Sorting out the bullies . . .
Bullying appears to be a daily news occurrence: the UK appears to have a serious problem in schools ranging from low level name calling to physical attacks and even death threats. Recent events have confirmed bullies attacking victims armed with scissors and pencil sharpener blades.
Issue 12 - March 06
special feature
Coming soon... Age Discrimination Legislation
Further to the article which appeared in the last edition of transform-hr.com on the subject of Age Discrimination, and as October 1st 2006 fast approaches, there are many areas that need to be reviewed now in order to be fully prepared to implement the new Age Discrimination legislation.
industry specials
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
Bonus Payments during Maternity Leave
The question of whether you have to award bonus payments to employees who are on maternity leave is a complex and grey area.
The Gender Pay Gap
It has recently been reported that the pay gap between men and women's earnings still rages on.
Smoking in the Workplace
Smoking will be banned from enclosed public places, such as workplaces, in Scotland with effect from 26 March 2006.
What constitutes a grievance
The Employment Act 2002 (Dispute Resolution) Regulations 2004 came into force on 1st October 2004 introducing statutory grievance procedures for employees to follow.
IPPM news
VAT Recovery - fuel purchased by employees
Following a challenge by the European Courts on the treatment and VAT recovery by employers on fuel purchased by their employees, new secondary legislation has been introduced, specifically by repealing the Value Added Tax (Input Tax) (Person Supplied) Order 1991 and replacing it with a new Order to be known as the Value Added Tax (Input Tax) (Road Fuel Purchased By Employees) (Order) 2005.
Launch of Employment Status Indicator tool
The ESI tool which can be used in working out the employment status of individuals or groups of workers has now been launched and is now available for use via the above link.
Scottish Arrestment tables
Amended Scottish arrestment tables are likely to come into force on 6th April 2006.
HMRC - Employers Bulletin Issue 22 February 2006
The latest Employers Bulletin has been published; it has been redesigned based on the findings in a recent HMRC employer survey, where employer's comments were obtained with an aim at improving the bulletin.
industry sector - schools
Ethnic Monitoring for Schools
The benefits that diversity can bring are widely documented, but so too are the problems that trying to achieve a truly diverse workforce brings along the way.
Forgive and Forget?
Recent recruitment 'faux pas' have led Ruth Kelly, Education Secretary, to revisit and revise the way staff are recruited into schools.
courses
Issue 13 - May 06
opinion column
Steve Foster Opinion Column
Creating a 20-20 Vision for your e-HR system.
special feature
The Training Cycle
It is that time of year again when budgets are being reviewed and agreed and the annual appraisals are taking/have taken place.
industry specials
Managing Absence in the Workplace
Any efforts to reduce absence levels are doomed for failure if people are not treated fairly and a consistent approach applied.
Coming soon... Age Discrimination Legislation
Following the article on Age Discrimination which appeared in the last edition of transform-hr.com, the government has made an announcement in respect of statutory redundancy payments - and the use of the variable multiplier for calculating payments - following implementation of age legislation on 1st October 2006.
Do any of your employees have caring responsibilit
Draft regulations are in place on the forthcoming Flexible Working (Eligibility, Complaints and Remedies) (Amendment) Regulations, which will give employees who have caring responsibilities for adults, the right to request flexible working.
Proposed increases in Family Friendly Legislation
The current statutory pay for maternity, paternity and adoption leave has just increased from £106.00 to £108.85 per week with effect from April 2006.
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
IPPM news
PAYE and NICs alignment
The Chancellor announced in his budget speech, that a consultation will take place later in the year to consult on the complexities of National Insurance compared to the legislation surrounding income tax.
Low Pay Commission report (LPC)
The Chancellor has accepted the LPC report which can be found on the above website address.
Bank holidays
Although the LPC has made reference to the possible extension to statutory leave entitlement to include bank holidays (8) to the existing 20 days leave, the Government has not announced an implementation date or indicated whether it will be staged.
Computer Schemes
In the main body of the budget report is one small paragraph that was not expected, in respect of computers on loan to employees.
Mobile phones
The budget report also states that the tax exemption on mobile phones is also refocused to deliver on the objectives, by only allowing one mobile phone available for private use tax-free per employee.
Company Car tax
The minimum charge rate for calculating benefit in kind for company cars will be reduced from 140g per kilometre to 135g per kilometre from 2008- 09.
VDU users, eye tests and glasses
Currently employers are required by law to provide, or meet the cost of, eyecare tests and/or corrective glasses for VDU use for their employees.
Lord Carter report
There were no real surprises here. Lord Carter has recommended that all UK businesses that are 'IT literate' should be corresponding with HMRC electronically by 2012.
How HMRC is working to make life easier for business
In 2005 a consultation was launched which set out the vision of the service that HMRC aspired to provide for small businesses and sought their views on how best to capture the benefits, of the merger with Customs and Excise, to reduce the administrative burdens posed by the tax system.
industry sectors - schools
Getting it wrong…the new laws against ageism
On 1 October 2006, legislation outlawing age discrimination will come into force in the UK.
Fixed Term Contracts
The use of fixed term contracts is fairly common practice, allowing schools to meet staffing needs when flexibility is required.
Issue 14 - July 06
opinion column
Steve Foster Opinion Column
Human Capital Technology: The next generation of e-HR.
industry specials
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
Rolled-up holiday pay is now deemed unlawful
A recent ruling from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the case of Robinson-Steele v R D Retail Services Limited has meant that under the Working Time Directive, the use of rolled-up holiday pay is now unlawful.
The Importance of an Induction
When we get a new addition to the family, many an hour is invested to ensure they are welcome and looked after, yet when we have a new employee, this important ritual is sometimes forgotten.
IPPM news
Facility to provide new employer registration details
HMRC have undertaken a successful small pilot and as a result have made an online facility available for new employers and agents. This is so that they can provide new employer registration details on order to request a PAYE scheme to be opened.
Annual Statements
Every employer has a responsibility to submit annual returns which include details of any student loan deductions made from employees' salaries.
HMRC - Employers annual return covering more than one ECON number
IPPM members have reported problems when an employer has more than one Employer Contracted Out Number (ECON) number present HMRC have advised that a new scheme should be allocated for each one.
Statutory holiday entitlement
The DTI has published the following press release: The Government proposes to extend the current statutory holiday entitlement to reflect the number of permanent bank and public holidays.
HMRC - Important amendments to the E14 (2006)
Important amendments to the E14 (2006) - What to do if your employee is sick and E14 Supplement (2006) What to do if your employee is sick - Special cases.
Forthcoming changes to statutory payments
Following on from the article on 'Important amendments to the E14', HMRC have published some comprehensive information of how the new Age Discrimination Law due to come into affect on the 1st October 2006 is expected to affect Statutory Payments.
industry sector - schools
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups: Tough new measures
A new Bill has recently been published that proposes major changes to the safeguarding of vulnerable groups.
Whistleblowing
In the case of Bolton School v Evans, it was found that while an employee is protected against detrimental treatment relating to a protected disclosure, it does not necessarily protect them against actions taken by them in relation to that disclosure.
Issue 15 - Sept 06
special features
Age Discrimination - are you ready?
Age Discrimination in the workplace will become unlawful on 1 October 2006 when the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 comes into force. It is recognised that with the introduction of this new piece of legislation, many employers may need to change their attitude towards employing older workers. Government research shows that discrimination currently takes place in the workplace because of age, and therefore this article aims to explain why a change in attitude is needed.
industry specials
Legals Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
New Corporate Manslaughter Bill
On 21st July 2006 the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill was introduced into Parliament to tighten up on the current laws regarding fatalities in the workplace.
steve foster opinion column
Barriers to e-HR
Stuck at Phase One.
IPPM news
Data Provisioning Service
Karen Thomson, Head of Policy and Research attended a workshop consultation meeting recently with HMRC and other representative bodies to discuss the current DPS issues.
The Maternity & Parental leave
New regulations have been made and will come into force on 01 October 2006.
HMRC - Developer notes 2007/2008
Developers should note that the two documents 'Quality Standard' and 'Business Validation Rules' have been consolidated into one document for the 2007/2008 tax year.
PAYE P38A Internet Recognition for 2006/07
HMRC have advised developers that those wishing to gain P38A recognition for an Internet enabled software product may now forward the XML output for inspection.
Employers Contracted out number
ECONS Lobbying really does work!
Booklet CWG2 (2006)
HMRC have asked IPPM to make you aware of an amendment that needs to be made to the printed CWG2 (2006), paragraph 23, 'Trivial commutation payments relating to registered pension schemes'
HMRC Car Benefit Calculator
HMRC advise that they have discovered an error where the calculator is used to calculate the Car Benefit for Hybrid Electric.
SSP and Short-term Agency Workers
In a recent High Court judgement, HMRC v Thorn Baker Ltd, the Court found in favour of Thorn Baker who had not paid SSP to a fixed term temporary agency worker whose contract was less than 3 months.
Age discrimination
The new regulations protect employees from discrimination and harassment on the grounds of age. They also introduce a national default retirement age of 65.
Fixed Term Contracts can now become permanent
We are now at the four year point where, for the first time, fixed-term contracts can become permanent. This is set out in the Fixed-Term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002 SI 2002/2034
NI Table Letter C - Recording NI Thresholds
We recently had an enquiry from one of our members querying the guidance on how to record the earnings thresholds on forms P11 and P14 for National Insurance when you are dealing with NI table letter C.
HMRC
The P & R team has been in close contact with HMRC regarding this subject. We are pleased to say that some useful information has been published on the HMRC site.
Changes to Fire Safety Legislation
New regulations have been made and will come into force on 01 October 2006.
industry sectors
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Issue 16 - October 06
opinion column
Steve Foster
On Being Strategic.
industry specials
Employment Equality (Age) Discrimination Regulations 2006 - Questions and Answers
1st October 2006 saw the introduction of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations, this article answers a few of the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
Sickness during the probationary period resulting from a mental health condition
What happens when a new employee is absent from work for over 50% of their probationary period for a pre-existing mental illness that could constitute disability discrimination?
special feature
Costs of Discrimination
The recent EOR Compensation Guide tells us what tribunals are awarding for compensation in cases of discrimination – how does it add up?
IPP news
Introduction
The two months since the last edition of transform-hr.com really have been exciting for our profession.
National Minimum Wage
New National Minimum Wage rates apply to reference periods commencing on or after 01 October 2006. As detailed below, as a result of the EU Ruling regarding equality on the grounds of Age, the Older Workers Development Rate is abolished together with the age limit on apprenticeship exemption. See the DTI Website for confirmation of the minimum rates that you should be applying.
Work and Families Act
Up to four hundred thousand mothers and families will benefit from the introduction of the first changes under the Government’s Work and Families Act, introduced from Sunday 01 October.
Student Loan Borrowers 2004/2005
This is included for information, as employers may receive queries from employees regarding the delay in updating SL statements due to the delay in processing some year end returns by HMRC.
Write-off of Student Loans
Changes were made to procedures regarding ex-students with a loan who moves overseas following their course of higher education.
New CIS Update Bulletin
HMRC advise that the bulletin, ‘Get Set for April 2007’, is being mailed to all registered contractors in the first week of September.
New CIS – 6 Months to go
HMRC have reminded us that New-CIS is only six months away and reminding contractors of the three big changes ahead.
Form P46
It has come to light that a number of payroll departments are still using the old style form P46.
Age Discrimination
In 1999, the European Commission established guidelines...
Pay due Good Friday 06 April ‘07 (tax year 07/08)
For the first time, and the last until 2012, the first day of the new tax year falls on a Bank Holiday.
industry sectors
Schools
The Northgate HR Advice Line and the Topic of Fixed-Term Contracts.
events
Upcoming Events and Seminars
Issue 17 - December 06
special feature
Extension to Flexibility Provisions
The introduction of the Work and Families Act 2006 will shortly provide extended benefits to carers.
industry specials
Age Discrimination for Pensions
Effective on and from 1 December 2006 the anti-age discrimination regulations cover occupational pension schemes and employer contributions to personal pension plans.
Returning to work after maternity leave
This month we are focussing on the issue of 'how to handle an employee who returns to work after maternity leave'.
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
industry sectors
Bullying in the Workplace
When we hear of cases of bullying within schools, we immediately think that this is something that affects just the pupils of our schools....
Qualified Teacher Status – Your Questions Answered
Several calls to the HR Advice Line have raised concerns about the levels of knowledge regarding the Qualified Teacher Status scheme.
IPP news
Pre-Budget Report (PBR)
On 06 December 2006, The Chancellor presented his 10th PBR, which he called his ‘latest’. It has been predicted that this will be his last.
Good Friday 2007
In the last issue, we reported that Good Friday falls on 06 April next year. For an employer intending to pay on this day (normally week 1 2007/2008), this raised issues, as the payment would have strictly been made in the 2006/2007 tax year.
Deficiency Notices
IPP members made us aware of the fact that Deficiency Notices were being issued to employees with claims by HMRC that there had been underpayments of National insurance for the tax year 2004/2005.
Student Loans
The IPP have been involved in consultations recently concerning the removal of the 42 day lead time on the Student Loan Start and Stop Notices (SL1 and SL2).
Employer Talk 2007
This is a free event organised for the benefit of employers and details are published here for your information.
Expenses and Benefits 2007 (EXB Technical Pack)
HMRC have updated the Expenses and Benefits Technical pack to include 2006/07 documentation at the contained link.
Tell us what’s Happening Darling!
Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling represented the United Kingdom in Brussels in November to thrash out the wording of the Working Time Directive and to try and retain the 48-hour opt-out which is currently in place.
Queen’s Speech 2006
The Queen’s speech was delivered in November, and listed are some of the Bills that may have an impact on employers.
Summary of Responses to the Pensions White Paper
The Government has been consulting on the future of the UK pension system, the introduction of Personal Accounts, a higher State Pension Age coupled with a higher State Pension payment.
Britain’s ‘Battle of the Ages’
Ahead of the publication of the Pensions Bill, there was a warning that young workers risk growing up and facing a large deficit left by unfunded public sector schemes and the reality that they will get less than expected from the State of private sector schemes.
Changes to Statutory Payments – Some Useful Sites
The Department for Work and Pensions have released some useful links giving good advice and examples in relation to the changes to statutory payments, including Alabaster.
events
Upcoming Exhibitions and Seminars
View forthcoming events between January and March 2007.
Issue 18 - February 07
special feature
Impact on businesses for the new statutory holiday increases
The Department of Trade and Industry has recently announced proposals to increase statutory holiday entitlement in the UK to 5.6 weeks (28 days)...
opinion column
Steve Foster on High Culture and the HRMS
To a biologist, culture is something you might grow in a Petri dish; to a nutritionist, it’s something that’s important in yoghurt. To an HR systems business person, organisational culture can make or break your project.
industry specials
Statutory Changes to Family-Friendly Legislation Draws Closer - Are You Prepared?
The implementation in October last year of the Work and Families Act 2006 will see an increase to the current statutory levels of maternity and adoption leave and pay for employees who are expecting their baby on or after 1st April 2007...
Personal Pension Accounts – Update
On 12 December 2006 the Government, via the Department of Work & Pensions, published its recommendations.
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
IPP News
Introduction
01 July may seem a long way off, but once Easter is gone it will approach rapidly. The significance of the date is that’s when England will have to comply with the new smoke-free legislation.
Advisory Fuel Rates
The Advisory Fuel Rates were amended 01 February 2007.
Company Vans
This is just a quick reminder on the changes to the taxation of company vans.
HMRC / Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
The Work and Families Act provides the power to amend existing Regulations on minimum holiday entitlement.
NI Guidance for Software Developers
The Software Developers Notes 2003+ has been amended to reflect the new rates and bandings for 2007/2008.
Council Tax Regulations
Amended Council Tax Regulations have been laid which will affect Council Tax Attachment of Earnings Orders issued on or after 01 April 2007 in England and Wales.
Data Provisioning Service (DPS)
There have been problems with the HMRC’s Provisioning Service.
Limits on Payments and Awards
Payments are made to employees in certain circumstances e.g. redundancy, unfair dismissal etc.
New CIS
From 06 April 2007, the construction industry will have to work with a new way of recording and paying its subcontractors.
industry sectors
Schools
Performance Management: a time for empowerment? Only if you are prepared.
events
Upcoming Exhibitions and Seminars
View forthcoming events between March and May 2007.
events
Issue 19 - April 07
special feature
Dealing with Workplace Stress
How significant is it that an employee who complains of workplace stress, and subsequently suffers a breakdown, failed to use the free external confidential counselling support and medical assistance offered by the company?
opinion column
Steve Foster
Are you passionate enough for HR?
industry specials
Weblogs
This article offers advice to employers on handling personal weblogs in the workplace.
Do you Employ More than 100 Staff?
From 6 April 2007, your consultation arrangements will need to comply with the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004.
Are You Prepared for the Introduction of Smokefree Legislation?
From 1 July 2007, virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces in England will become Smokefree...
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
Green light for Personal Accounts from House of Commons
The Pensions Bill has passed through the House of Commons with support from both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. Next stop is the House of Lords...
schools
Ensuring your Employees have the Right to Work in the UK
The prevention of illegal migrant working in the UK is currently governed by the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
Carrying out appropriate record checks
Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, a criminal conviction becomes 'spent' in certain circumstances...
IPP news
Introduction
How quickly time has flown since the last issue of Transform HR. Easter has been and gone which can only mean one thing; yes the end of one tax year and the start of another.
HMRC - Booklet 480 Error
HMRC have discovered an error at paragraph 13.7 of the 2007 edition of the 480 booklet.
Installing the CD-ROM on Microsoft Vista
Microsoft Vista was launched after sign off of the Pre Budget Employer CD-ROM 2007. On testing it was discovered that the CD-ROM will not auto install on Vista.
Amendments to SSP1 in the Pipeline
From recent attendance by Elaine Gibson at a Statutory Sick Pay review forum, P&R wish to bring to your attention that amendment/s are to be made to the current SSP1 form.
IPP P11D Final Report
The IPP carried out research with Members and other professional bodies at the end of last year regarding experiences of the P11D / P9D process.
Flexible Working
The Employment Act has already introduced rights for some employees with children to request flexible working. From April, this right is extended to cover carers in terms of hours, times and place of work.
It Pays to File Online
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is reminding 1.7 million small employers to send their 2006-07 PAYE End of Year returns online to receive a £150 tax-free payment. Please visit the above link for further information.
Revised Legislation Planner
We have published a revised version of our Legislation Planner on the IPP website to include what’s new from the Budget Announcement.
DWP
A representative from the Better Regulation team recently spoke at our budget conference in London.
Employment Status Indicator
Message from HMRC:
This message is to make customers aware that a new release of ESI was implemented on Thursday 19th April 2007.
AEO Handbook Hits the Shelves!
As payroll professionals, we have many, many different Court Orders that we may have to operate against an employee’s pay.
ACAS Launches New Information and Consultation Health Check
ACAS, the employment relations service, recently launched a new tool for businesses to check how they currently share information and consult with their employees.
events
Upcoming Exhibitions and Seminars
View forthcoming events between May & July 07.
Issue 20 - July 07
special feature
Flexible working
Extended families - The right to request flexible working hours has been extended to carers of adults.
opinion column
Measure for Measure
Over the last few years, there has been a huge growth in interest in producing metrics as a way of raising the profile of people issues and to support the development of strategy.
industry special
Employing migrant workers and working holidaymakers
This article offers advice to employers on employing migrant workers and working holidaymakers.
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
Marketing Trivial Commutation
From A Day (6 April 2006) benefits from registered pension schemes may be paid wholly as a lump sum.
schools
Unions’ threat of September strike action
Unison, the NUT and PCS join forces in reaction to the Secretary of State ruling out a review of teachers' pay.
Performance Management Policy for Schools
The Education (School Teacher Performance Management)(England) Regulations 2006 come into force 1st September 2007.
IPP news
IPP Introduction
Our deadlines should all have been met by now – year-end has been safely and accurately submitted and our expenses and benefits obligations are out of the way for another year.
Smokefree UK
The time has arrived and the deadlines of The Health Act 2006 are upon us.
HMRC Employer Bulletin
EmployerBulletin is published by HMRC three times a year and the April edition at HMRC Website contains important 'need-to-know' articles.
HMRC Calculators
Here is a link to add to your Favourites in Explorer. It details all of the calculator tolls which HMRC currently have on the Website.
IPP P11D Reports
At the start of the year, the IPP carried out research with Members and affiliated bodies regarding experiences of the P11D / P9D process.
AMAP Consultation
AMAPs are the rates that employers can use to reimburse users of their own cars who undertake business journeys.
Holiday Entitlement
In June, six million workers were promised up to eight days extra annual holiday entitlement when the Government published new regulations to boost the minimum holiday entitlement.
Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill
The IPP has discussed in its magazine PayrollProfessional the plans to phase out the Child Support Agency (CSA).
Pensions News
There will be major changes to both the payroll and pension professions when the Government introduces the National Pensions Savings Scheme (NPSS) in 2012.
events
Issue 21 - August 2007
special feature
How to deal with an employee who goes off sick during the disciplinary process
Sometimes, when you are managing a disciplinary process, the employee facing the allegations may unexpectedly take sickness absence...
opinion column
Think Process
Think process, not data
industry specials
Providing feedback to unsuccessful applicants
This article offers advice to employers on providing advice to unsuccessful job applicants
Forthcoming Changes to the Working Time Regulations
Nine years ago, a statutory right to 20 days paid holiday a year was introduced. On the surface, this appeared generous...
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
research
Webster Buchanan’s Human Capital Insider explores...
www.websterb.com/hcinsider explores the people management issues that really matter to senior business managers.
recruitment
Recruitment Outsourcing
Why Outsource?
schools
Flexible working
Extended families - The right to request flexible working hours has been extended to carers of adults...
ipp news
Introduction to IPP News
Just a quick reminder that National Payroll Week (NPW) this year is from 10 - 14 September...
2006 / 2007 PAYE Tax-Free Payments
HMRC have announced that, due to the large number of claims, it is taking longer than anticipated to deal with the £150 cheque incentive payments that are due to an employer with less than 50 employees who has filed online.
Changes to Advisory Fuel Rates
HMRC announced revised rates for their Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs).
National Minimum Wage – October 2007
The National Minimum Wage 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2007 has clarified the new rates effective 01 October 2007.
Attachment of Earnings Orders Handbook Update
The online AEO Handbook has been updated with effect from July 2007 and is available on HM Courts Service Website as a pdf file.
Boost for Women and Carers – Pensions Act 2007
The Pensions Act 2007 received Royal Assent in July which will reform the State pension system and boost the entitlements of many, including women and carers.
Court of Appeal – HMRC v Thorn Baker and Others
In a Court of Appeal ruling on 27 June 2007, HMRC’s appeal against the original High Court ruling of 14 July 2006 was dismissed.
HMRC Interest Rates
HMRC have announced new rates of interest on taxes and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) which are paid late or overpaid.
New Prime Minister, New Departments
As a result of the Machinery of Government announcement, three new Departments were established by the new Prime Minister on 28 June 2007.
Online Agent Authorisation – PAYE References Starting ‘0’
There was an issue for providers acting as an agent and needing client authorisation to receive statutory notices for employers whose PAYE reference started with zero.
events
Upcoming Exhibitions and Seminars
View forthcoming events between September & November 07.
Issue 22 - October 2007
special feature
Flexible Working
Orange Future Enterprise coalition’s report on flexible working shows more than 50% of people have flexible working arrangements, but how are they working out in practice?
opinion column
I'm not human, I'm a person
I’ve been interested in the area of Human Capital Management (HCM) for some time, as regular readers of this column will know.
industry specials
Data Protection Act 1998
The Data Protection Act initially came into force in March 1998. At this time, transitional arrangements were put in place relating to manual data...
Withdrawing an offer of employment
Did you know that if you withdraw an offer of employment after having received an acceptance of the offer, it will constitute a breach of contract, even though the prospective employee has not yet started work?
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
recruitment
Social Networking - The latest craze to hit the UK
Social networking has really taken off over the last year with one website having an estimated 3 million users in the UK...
schools
Obtaining professional medical advice for employees on long term sickness absence in schools
Statistics from the CBI state that sickness absence costs UK businesses over £12 billion per year, and each employer £495 a year in direct costs for every worker employed...
ipp news
Introduction to IPP News
Pre-Budget Report 2007
We would urge caution if you were thinking of printing it as it is 286 pages long! We have identified the main points as follows...
National Minimum Wage
Confirmation of the National Wage rates from October 2007...
Statutory Holiday
The minimum Statutory entitlement to paid leave increases as follows...
Online Pension Forms
A note about pensions...
Class 1B NICs
A reminder about Class 1B National Insurance Contributions...
Error in Booklet CA33 (2007)
HMRC have identified an error in the paper version of the CA33 (Class 1A NICs on Car and Fuel Benefits)...
Software Developer Notes September 2007
Although aimed at developers, the document contains important information which is vital for keeping updated with payroll processes in the year ahead...
CIS – Important News
CIS returns - To date only 6 out of 10 have met the filing deadline, with 2/3 out of 10 sending in returns in the following month or so...
Shortfall in National Insurance accounts and the payment of Voluntary National Insurance Contributions (Class 3)
You and or your employees may have received a letter informing you of any shortfall in National Insurance contributions...
Mandatory Electronic Filing and Payments
Date Announced for Employer Size Allocation...
events
Upcoming Exhibitions and Seminars
View forthcoming events between October & December 07.
Issue 23 - December 2007
special feature
Back to the future – the revival of the modern apprenticeship
During the opening of the current term of Parliament, the Queen announced that draft legislation will be brought forward to reform apprenticeships...
opinion column
Start Making Sense
As I’ve discussed several times in this column (at risk of labouring the point), I truly believe that HR systems projects are less about managing IT and more about managing change.
industry specials
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
How to deal with the effects of alcohol misuse
With the festive season upon us, the effects of alcohol misuse may become more apparent...
Redundancy and the right to paid time off work
This article helps to clarify when employers should allow employees paid time off work to look for suitable alternative employment in a redundancy situation.
Can you apply a probationary period to an employee who is internally promoted?
Did you know that probation periods are only ever useful for somebody who is new to an organisation?
The Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006
The Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 is a further piece of discrimination legislation affecting the workplace.
How Informed Are Your Staff?
This article gives basic information, hints and tips on improving employee communication via a "Team Briefing" strategy.
schools
Schools suffer as they have to fund equal pay
Children’s education is set to become the next victim of the equal pay......
ipp news
Introduction to IPP News
Student Loan Start and Stop Notices (SL1 and SL2)
At the start of December, HMRC alerted the profession about problems on forms SL1 and SL2.
Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs)
Following representations from the IPP and other professional bodies, HMRC consulted to simplify the way in which the AFRs are published.
Queen's Speech
On 06 November, the 2007 Queen’s speech was announced discussing part of the Government’s Legislative programme for the coming year.
Amended Software Developer Notes – Series 11, Number 1
HMRC has advised that some sections of text were missing from Annex B of the Payroll Software Developers Notes published on 26 September 2007.
Payroll Software Developer Notes – Series 11, Number 2
Information on Treatment Directive Judicial Review.
Magnetic Media End of Year Specifications 2008/09
Information on submission of tax and NI returns.
PAYE Online for Employers
The technical specifications for the EDI P11D, P11D(b) and P46(Car) 2007-2008 messages are now available.
Payroll Test Data
A new version has been published.
The Income Tax (PAYE) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations 2007
Information on changes to be made to forms P46, P45 and pensions notification.
E85 Regulations
The Statutory Instrument SI 2007 No. 3068 amends the Income Tax (Car Benefits) (Reduction of Value of Appropriate Percentage) Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/1123) (“the Car Benefits Regulations”).
Medical Health Screening
In July 2007, regulations were laid to exempt employer-provided health screening and medical check-ups from tax.
2006-07 P11D(b) Interim Penalties for Outstanding Returns
HMRC commenced the issue of penalties in respect of outstanding 2006-07 P11D(b) returns on Monday 12 November 2007.
National Insurance Contributions Bill
You should be aware of the changes in respect of National Insurance and the introduction of a new National Insurance threshold called the Upper Accrual Point (UAP).
NICs Holiday Pay Scheme regulations laid
The PBR announced that the exemption on NICs to Holiday Pay Schemes was coming to an end.
NICs, Retirement Pension Forecasts and Advice for Those Abroad
The following may be of use to employers where there are employees from the UK who work or live abroad or have done so.
Additional Paternity Leave and Pay
The Work and Families Act 2006 will entitle employed fathers to a new right of up to 26 weeks’ Additional Paternity Leave which may be paid if qualifying conditions are met (new acronyms APL and P).
PAYE: 2006-07 Penalties for Outstanding PAYE Returns – Update
HMRC are pleased to confirm that letters have now been sent to all employers who submitted the 2006-07 Employer Annual Return on time but who received an incorrect penalty notice.
Statutory Maternity/Paternity Leave to 52 weeks
Addition Paternity Leave may come into force in 2010.
Statutory Payment Penalties
HMRC are undergoing a review of Powers, Deterrents and Safeguards which aims to support employers who are compliant and penalise those seeking ‘advantage’ through non-compliance.
Entitlement to Statutory Sick Pay
Information about amendments for Fixed Term Employees Regulations 2002.
Illegal Working – Changes from 29 February 2008
Information about new measures to be introduced on 29 February 2008.
Flexible Working and Work-Life Balance
Rights to be extended to Parents of Older Children
Individual Rights and Responsibilities of employees
A Guide for Employers and Employees
TUC Calls for £6.00 National Minimum Wage
TUC recommends increase in 2008.
Pensions Tracing Service
Policy and Research attended a recent National Insurance Services to the Pension Industry (NISPI) Conference and we have been asked to promote their Pensions Tracing Service (PTS).
Issue 24 - February 2008
special feature
Best practice on using CCTV footage
You've been framed – best practice advice on CCTV in the workplace
opinion column
Better equipped line managers
Are better equipped line managers the key to improving HR effectiveness?
industry specials
Redundancy and Collective Consultation
If recent reports are to be believed then 2008 is to create much uncertainty...
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
schools
Teachers will receive 2.45% pay rise
This award is the first of the government’s three year pay deals.
recruitment
Pre-Employment References
References are a useful method of obtaining information for a potential new employee...
ipp news
Introduction to IPP News
IPP Payrolling of Benefits survey
Employers have over many years requested that the P11D be abolished and Benefits in Kind be processed through the payroll.
Money Laundering
As you will be aware there has been confusion over the Money Laundering Regulations and whether or not payroll services are included.
Flexible working feedback requested
Imelda Walsh, HR Director of J Sainsbury plc, has asked for feedback by 31st January as part of the review she is conducting on behalf of the government into a possible extension of the right to request flexible working to older children.
Childcare FAQs updated
HMRC's FAQs on employer supported/provided childcare have been updated
New guidance on illegal working
The Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) have published a new guide on the measures that employers must take to prevent illegal working from 29th February 2008.
2008/9 tax tables published
New pay tables are available
P2 coding notices
This year the annual issue of the Notices of coding (P2) to employees will be spread over a longer period.
Advocate general rules in sick pay case
The Advocate-General at the ECJ, Verica Trstenjak, has handed down his opinion in Stringer v HMRC (previously known as Ainsworth v HMRC).
CRB fee freeze for the second year running
Criminal record bureau fees (CRB) Fees have been confirmed this week.
ID cards to be delayed?
A plan shows they won't be introduced until next decade.
AMAP rate would be 47p by now if RPI used
An interesting question this week in the House of Commons on the effect of inflation on the AMAP figures.
Points based migration and illegal working
System for foreign workers coming to the UK will come into force at the beginning of April.
ID cards for foreign workers
Compulsory ID cards will be rolled out in a pilot scheme.
Catch up time for Northern Ireland assembly...
This week the Northern Ireland assembly belatedly approved the increase in annual holiday entitlement in the province to 24 days from October 2007 and the additional increase to 28 days from April 2009.
....but a first for age discrimination claim
Whilst the assembly may be playing catch-up an industrial tribunal in Belfast has become the first to rule in favour of a claimant in an age discrimination case.
Landmark equal pay case for NHS...
A test case is due to be brought this October that could pave the way for 800,000 equal pay cases in the NHS along the lines of those being worked through by local authorities at present.
TUPE can apply abroad say EAT
Employment Appeal Tribunal considers a case of a business transferred to Israel.
Emergency Time off is just what it says on the can
Employment Appeal Tribunal makes ruling over reasonable unpaid time off.
EU delays decision on agency workers
The council met in Brussels on 5th/6th December to consider three matters of interest to UK employers...
Don’t mention pensions, employers warned
During the unopposed 2nd reading of the Pensions Bill last week the government said that it planned to table an amendment at the committee stage to make 'pension discrimination' unacceptable.
The Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order 2008
Due to be enforced in April.
events
Upcoming Exhibitions and Seminars
View forthcoming events for February & April 08.
Issue 25 - April 2008
special feature
Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations
From 6th April 2008 all employers with 50 or more employees will be required to engage with employees in ongoing consultation on workplace changes that will affect them.
opinion column
What is Transforming HR
What does it really mean?
industry specials
Disciplinary warning expired? You’re still fired!
A recent court of appeal judgement found that it was not unreasonable for an employer to consider a recently expired warning in its decision to dismiss an employee...
Changes in Maternity Pay Rules
Following a challenge by the Equal Opportunities Commission, the high court ruled that the UK law on maternity pay and benefits does not meet EU requirements.
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
schools
Bullying and Harassment in Schools
Bullying and harassment is a significant issue in schools in respect of pupils and Head Teachers have a legal duty to have an anti-bullying policy in place and to ensure all workers in the school and parents are fully informed on how to follow it.
recruitment
New illegal migrant worker penalties came into force on 29 February 2008
An employer who negligently hires an illegal worker will be committing a civil offence and be liable to a fine
ipp news
Introduction to IPP News
Error in E15 2008/9 guidance
We have spotted a small typo...
Regulations laid for illegal working penalty.....
Section 19 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 provides for a Code of Practice.
BERR confirm more details
On additional paternity leave and pay.
Border and Immigration Agency
BIA relax work permit rules for healthcare professionals...
James v London Borough of Greenwich
Court case on the status of agency workers.
New regulations on drivers’ hours
Changes in rules for the prevention of excessive hours.
Revised regulations when applying for a NINO
New regulations have recently been laid to update the list of documents that can be accepted when an individual is applying for a NINO.
End of the road for P38(S)? HMRC consults
Changes to taxation routines for students working in vacations are proposed...
SL1/SL2s suspended until April
Information on student loan notices...
NINO checking exercise
This summer HMRC will cross check NINOs between NIRS...
Bankruptcy and Diligence Act
New information on April 2008 implementation.
Payroll giving
Guidance pages updated.
Corrections to 2008/9 guidance
HMRC have published corrections to two of the employer booklets for the 2008/9 tax year as follows.
Budget highlights
Summary of the budget from March 2008.
events
Upcoming Exhibitions and Seminars
View forthcoming events for May & June 08.
Issue 26 - June 2008
special feature
Looking after the staff who stay
Redundancies – do we need to do anything special for the staff we retain?
opinion column
The future of HR
Steve Foster explains...
industry specials
Garden Leave
The subject of Garden Leave and how it impacts upon your business.
Dealing with a second period of maternity leave
An employee who is on a period of maternity leave, and who becomes pregnant during this time, will be entitled to have a subsequent period of maternity leave, even if they haven’t returned to work following the first period of maternity leave.
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
recruitment
Recruiting the right employee can be a challenge, how do you get the right person at the right time and at the right cost?
there are a number of reasons why a business will have the need to recruit...
schools
Bullying of teachers a massive and highly damaging problem
Nearly 80 per cent of teachers have been bullied over the last two years.
ipp news
Introduction
Chancellor's Statement 13 May 2008
The issue dominating all the news at the moment is the Chancellor's announcement of changes to the personal tax system.
Get your facts ready
On flexible benefits.
Progress so far
Since the announcement on 13 May HMRC have been consulting with external representatives to include the IPP Policy team and software developers in order to move forward with the changes required.
September tax changes
Things to consider.
Legislative statement
As if the mini-budget wasn't enough on 14 May the PM announced his plans for new legislation for the forthcoming parliamentary session.
Visa Less
Visa-less workers face a 10 year ban if they breach migrant worker rules.
More Support
To help people into work, and Employment Support Allowances rates announced.
ICAEW
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales calls for clarity in residence test.
New Professional Subscriptions
Now been added to HMRC authorised list.
Child benefit for inpats/expats
Leaflet has been updated.
Sending PENNOTs
You can now send over the Internet.
National Minimum Wage changes
Delayed until April 2009.
New penalties for errors on tax returns and documents
HMRC are introducing one of the first pieces of cross cutting tax legislation to make the tax system simpler and more consistent.
HMRC goes public with online learning tool on penalties
Legislation was included in the Finance Act 2007 to change the way that HMRC calculates penalties for errors in tax returns across a number of taxes that they administer including PAYE.
Homeworking Allowance
Tax free allowance increases.
Redundancy or dismissal?
An interesting recent case from the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)...
Service for disabled employees upgraded
The online Blue Badge map service, which makes it much easier for disabled people to find places to park, has now been significantly improved.
Top tips for P11ds
Deadline is 6th July.
Goodbye SSP1(L)
No longer in use from 27 October 2008.
Employment Agencies legislation
New guidance from BERR.
Payroll Giving information updated
Information updated by HMRC.
Healthy workplace guidance from ACAS
New booklet available.
Form P87
For tax year 2007/8.
BERR updates pregnancy leaflet
Updated version available.
Emergency Time Off
Case regarding child care arrangements.
Goodbye Work Permits, hello Tier 2
Tiers 2 and 5 of Points Based Migration system come into effect this Autumn.
New ACAS code on dispute resolution out for comment
Takes effect in April 2009.
New Acas website puts customers first
Newly designed website is relaunched.
New guidance on Data Protection
Good Practice Notes published.
TUPE protection for local authority staff
Nine councils to be created in April 2009.
events
Upcoming Exhibitions and Seminars
View forthcoming events for June & July 08.
Issue 27 - November 2008
special feature
Compulsory Retirement at 65
Age Discrimination or Not?
opinion column
Who's Got Talent
'Talent Management' is a term that has become popular over the last couple of years...
industry specials
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
The Burning Issue
Two Years On...
Do you have a Redundancy Situation?
This article explains the details of what is involved in redundancies...
ipp news
Introduction
BF220 Linking Letters
With all of the changes associated with the Employment Support Allowance (ESA) which was introduced 27 October 2008 we thought it would be useful to share a recent IPP member query with you...
Northern Ireland Specific SSP1
HMRC provided the IPP Policy team with information on the introduction of the new Northern Ireland version of the SSP1...
HMRC Working Together Newsletter
Issue 32 of the Working Together Newsletter, providing news on topical issues, is now available...
The Draft Pregnant Workers Directive
The EU has published the draft amended Pregnant Workers Directive...
Agency Workers Entitled to SSP
The HMRC website has announced that this legislation has now gone through Parliament...
Penalty Charges for In-year Returns
It is with great thanks to colleagues at HMRC we can bring you the following information regarding the mandation to file in-year forms online...
Issue 28 - January 2009
special feature
Effective Workforce Planning
How will your business do during 2009 and beyond?...
opinion column
Interesting Times
Whether you view this as a blessing or a curse, it is a fact that the interesting times are certainly here for those of us in HR, and Reward Practitioners in particular...
industry specials
How to Manage a Disciplinary Situation Where an Employee Reports Absent From Work
It can be a common occurrence for an employee to report sickness following a disciplinary investigation...
When Does a Grievance Become a Formal Grievance?
The Employment Act 2002 obliges employers and employees to follow the statutory grievance procedure in relation to any grievance...
Extension to the Right to Request Flexible Working from April 2009
A further extension to the right to request flexible working will become effective from April 2009...
Practical Advice on Managing Employees Back into the Workplace
It can sometimes prove a challenge for managers to get employees back into the workplace either following maternity leave or after long periods of illness...
Revised Acas Code of Practice on Discipline and Grievance
The current Statutory Dispute Resolution Procedures are set to be abolished when the Employment Act becomes law from April 2009...
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
general
schools
National Peer Mentoring Programme for Schools
It has recently been announced by the Government that a National Peer Mentoring Programme has been launched...
recruitment
Are You Up to Date with the Changes to the Points Based System?
In February 2008 a new Points Based System was introduced by the Government...
legal eagle
ipp news
Pre Budget Report
Direct Tax
National Insurance
As previously announced the structure of National Insurance will change in 2009/10 with the introduction of the Upper Accrual Point...
Statutory Payment Rates
The new 2009-10 rates for Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, Sick Pay have been released.
Tax Tribunal Goes Live
In November two new tribunals were launched as part of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007...
Employment Act gets Royal Assent
The Employment Bill got Royal Assent on 13 November and now becomes The Employment Act 2008...
48 Hour Opt-out Vote
The EC employment and social affairs committee has voted to end the UK's opt-out from the 48-hour week, by 35 votes to 13...
Jacqui Smith Unveils More Details of ID Card Scheme
The Home Secretary has announced the remit of the National Identity Scheme Commissioner who will look after the public's interests...
NI Number Cards
HMRC and DWP considering replacing cards to prevent fraud...
UK Minister Resists EU Plans to Amend Work and Families Legislation
A report detailed in a November issue of the Evening Standard looked at Employment Relations Minister Pat Macfadden's response to the EU in respect of maternity leave and flexible working...
When a Contract is Only Partly Illegal!
An interesting Employment Tribunal case was reported in November 2008...
Issue 29 - March 2009
special feature
The Economic Downturn and Key HR Considerations
With the British Chambers of Commerce forecasting that up to 300,000 jobs could be axed by 2011, how can businesses make the right HR decisions...
opinion column
HR in a cold winter
Make no mistake, times are tough and will probably get tougher for a while longer...
industry specials
Effective employer branding and successful recruiting
Everyone understands the importance of brand in a competitive marketplace...
The Cost of Absence
Within the current climate, businesses are looking at a variety of ways to save costs to ensure their business succeeds...
Managing Work-related Road Safety
The Health and Safety Executive estimates that up to a third of all road traffic accidents involve somebody who is at work at the time...
Survivors of Redundancies
The economic slowdown has been in the news daily for weeks now with redundancies being announced at both a national and local level...
Managing the Effects of this Process on Managers and Employees
There is plenty of guidance on the technical aspects of managing restructuring and redundancy in organisations but there is another aspect that needs to be considered...
Equality Bill – Sword of Damocles?
The inclusion of the Equality bill in the Queen’s December speech indicates that laws relating to diversity and discrimination will soon change dramatically...
Managing attendance during adverse weather conditions
Many of us would have enjoyed the recent snowfall more had it fallen over the festive period...
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company...
general
schools
Catching the Criminals
Launched in 2002, the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) continues to enable schools to identify unsuitable individuals...
recruitment
Recession vs Recruitment!
During a recession it is not unusual for a business to implement a recruitment freeze...
Recruiting Non-EU Migrant Workers
legal eagle
ipp news
Introduction
New powers for Information Commissioner
As expected Justice Secretary Jack Straw has announced that the Information Commissioner is to be given the following new powers...
Keeping Britain working
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell and Health Secretary Alan Johnson have responded to Dame Carol Black's report earlier last year on workplace health with a package of initiatives...
ID cards
The first ID cards, or Biometric Immigration Document to give them their full title, were issued to foreign nationals before Christmas...
ESA for the terminally ill
The government has confirmed that new claimants of Employment and Support Allowance...
Rapid Response Service
Those of you who have digested the contents of the Pre Budget Report small print may have wondered what the government's Redundancy Rapid Response Service referred to, actually is...
The reform of apprenticeships new compensation rates published
BERR has published the new compensation rates that took effect on 1 February 2009.
Advisory Fuel Rates
New rates were released on 1 January 2009...
Car fuel benefit multiplier
No rise confirmed...
Medical check concession to be formalised
Due to the IPP involvement in the HMRC Employment Consultation Forum (ECF) the IPP Policy team in conjunction with ICAEW lobbied HMG regarding the show stopper news back in 2007 that the legislation relating to health screening and medical checkups was to be tightened up...
Residence and domicile - more FAQs
MEPs vote to end opt-out
European Parliament scraps opt-out from the Working Time Directive...
ESI revamped
HMRC have released a new version of their Employment Status Indicator tool...
E18 guide to childcare
This has, at last, been updated to reflect the changes to registration that came into effect in September of this year...
Dispute resolution - tidying up the loose ends!
Government response to dispute resolution system...
Jobcentre Plus
Help for employers...
SMP Calculator on the HMRC website
HMRC working to resolve issue...
Updating personal details for PAYE by email
Details can be amended via secure service...
Employer Bulletin
Issue 31 now available...
Employment award increase
Northern Ireland order brought into line with England and Wales...
Managing in a recession
New guide produced by ACAS and the CIPD...
Status case turned on 'master/servant' relationship
Littlewoods' win their appeal...
Further immigration categories to get ID cards
ID cards are being extended from 31 March 2009 to those applying for further leave to remain in the United Kingdom...
SSP1 exclusion codes
Employer Helpbook for Statutory Sick Pay has a new section...
Right to time off for training
Bill to be added to Employment Rights Act...
Guidance on extension to flexible working rules
New publication available...
Surrogacy and employment rights
A reminder of what rights surrogate parents have...
Increases in employment awards
As is customary, the 1 February saw changes to limits and awards under employment rights legislation...
How to order hard copy SSP1 Forms
The Policy team attends the HMRC Statutory Payments Working Group and this includes representatives from BERR and DWP. A number of IPP members have asked how do they order hard copy forms SSP1 and SMP1...
Interest Rate Cut
HMRC have announced a change to the official interest rate used to value some benefits in kind...
ECJ rules in favour of holiday for long term absentees
Ruling published after case...
BERR statement of Common Commencement dates for 2009
Legislation to come into effect in April...
Legislation Schedule
Issue 30 - May 2009
special feature
Advice on managing an employee signed off with stress
Following on from the article in the last edition of transform-hr.com on managing sickness, this article focuses on the impact of employees suffering from stress, what the symptoms are and how you can manage their absence in a way that is conducive to enabling the individual to return to the workplace effectively...
opinion column
The Big Debate: Integrated v Separate HR and Payroll Systems
Organisations often agonise over the best approach to running their HR and Payroll systems, with a common question being whether to have a fully integrated HR and Payroll system or to operate entirely separate systems, one containing HR data and one running payroll. Let's explore the arguments either way...
industry specials
Pitfalls of Lay-offs and Short-time Working
In the current economic climate, employers are able to make use of lay-offs and short-time working to deal with temporary work shortages or adverse trading conditions before the requirement to make redundancies is reached...
New Rights for Agency Workers
The Agency Workers Directive, currently undergoing initial consultation, will provide agency workers with the right to equal treatment in relation to basic working and employment conditions after 12 weeks in a given job...
Time Off Work to Train
An extension to the right for employees to request time off work to train is expected to be introduced in 2010 as part of the Children, Skills and Learning Bill...
Redundancy Pay Increase
As part of the 2009 Budget, Alistair Darling has announced an increase to the maximum amount of a "week's pay" for the purposes of calculating statutory redundancy payment entitlement...
Time Off Work for IVF Treatment
An employer who is faced with an employee undertaking IVF treatment can turn out to be a difficult issue for an employer to manage...
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
general
schools
National Peer Mentoring Programme for Schools
To ensure the government’s commitment to significantly improve the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, the government have formed a new organisation - the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) to process and monitor applicants who apply to work with vulnerable people...
recruitment
Why Outsource?
Recruitment is a key part of the HR lifecycle but is often time consuming and costly...
legal eagle
ipp news
Introduction
Tax Changes
Announced in the budget were changes in tax rates, personal allowances, and pension tax relief. The IPP has confirmed with HMRC on how these changes will be operated by employers, specifically payroll...
Redundancy rate change
There will be a change to the weekly Statutory Redundancy Rate...
Budget illustrative tables
Naming and Shaming defaulter taxpayers
Who is affected...
Penalties for Late filing of Returns and Late Payment of Tax
Taxpayers affected by the measures are those who do not file their tax returns or pay their tax liabilities on time for...
How will the Penalties be applied for PAYE and CIS?
Penalties for late filing of CIS returns include...
HMRC e-learning modules for penalties
HMRC has pulled together a landing page for the seven e-learning modules that have been used to train its own staff on the new penalties regime that is now in force...
Right to Appeal
Reducing burdens on business
Since 2006, the Government have implemented or committed to new measures that will deliver administrative savings to business of around £540 million per annum, made up of...
Supporting Business
HMRC is committed to supporting business, particularly through these challenging times, highlights include...
Gender pay audits - a role for payroll?
With the recent publication of the Equality Bill payroll departments may well find that they are the ones who will be called on to provide the statistics to enable an analysis of gender pay statistics to be included in annual reports...
Extend maternity rights further says EU commission
The Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Department (BERR) has issued a consultation on the European Commission's proposals to reform the Pregnant Workers' Directive to provide for better work-life balance and employment protection for pregnant women and new mothers...
National Minimum Wage
The government has been under continuous pressure from the British Hospitality Association not to implement the change to National Minimum Wage regulations in October, which outlaw the inclusion of tips in National Minimum Wage pay however they are paid...
New penalties for those who underpay their workers
Employers will now face a penalty if HMRC discover they have failed to pay workers the NMW...
Scottish Parliament Revokes Earnings Arrestment Changes
Earlier this year, the Scottish Parliament announced that from the 6 April 2009 employers would need to operate Earnings Arrestment Orders using new guidelines...
48 hour opt-out
Back in April a meeting took place between delegations from the European Commission, Members of the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers...
Working Time guidance
In light of the increase in annual leave to 28 days (5.6 weeks) from 6 April 2009, BERR have updated their guidance...
Flexible working extension
The regulations to support the extension of flexible working to parents of children up to 16 years old was published in March and came into effect on 6 April 2009...
Updated online filing Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA)
This makes interesting reading if only to register the amount of investment the government has already made to support online filing and the future spending plans...
Tribunals Reform
Changes to the tax appeals system and new internal review process...
New Adjudicator
HMRC has appointed Judy Clements as the Adjudicator, taking over from Dame Barbara Mills...
Employer CD-ROM 2009
HMRC has issued the following statement...
New compliance checks - fact sheets
HMRC have published a series of fact sheets to help customers understand the new framework for compliance checks...
Guide for pension and annuity payers
HMRC has published additional guidance on more unusual scenarios that pension payrolls may come across...
State pension age for women
The DWP have begun writing to women born after 5 April 1955 who will be affected by the move to a new state pension age of 65...
Consultation on auto-enrolment into pension personal accounts
A consultation and impact assessment has been published by DWP that looks at the practical arrangements by which employers will be required to...
Loss of pension tax relief
Issue 31 - August 2009
special feature
A Year of Jobs Market Recession
The enormous human impact of the first full year of the jobs recession is now known...
opinion column
HR: Beyond the Recession
How the downturn impacted on HR professionals...
industry specials
'Fit Notes' to replace the traditional 'Sick Note'
Proposals are in place to change the format of the traditional 'Sick Note' to enable doctors to provide employers with advice to keep employees at work...
Redundancy and maternity leave – the importance of getting it right
In the current economic downturn, redundancy is high on the business agenda as employers look at ways to improve their chances of survival...
Swine Flu: Prevent and Plan to Protect your Business
On 11th June 2009, Margaret Chan, Director of the World Health Organisation, declared that the world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic...
Use of Social Networking Sites in the Workplace
There are increasing numbers of people using social networking sites, such as Twitter...
Information and Consultation of Employees
Are you an employer of 50 or more employees, or do you want to evaluate your current communication processes?...
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company.
general
schools
New Rights for Job Applicants
A ruling by the Information Commissioner, means public sector employers must be prepared to provide data from rival applicants...
recruitment
Writing a Job Description and Person Specification
How writing a job description and person specification can benefit your business...
legal eagle
ipp news
Courts to enforce Tribunal awards more quickly
Creditors may be able to comission high court enforcement officer...
Requirement to top up PHI payments
Following a case between HMRC v Stringer and Others...
Serial litigants
No longer under the radar...
Date set for Heyday hearing
The final stage in a three-year legal battle to scrap the default retirement age of 65, will begin at the High Court later this month...
Equality Bill to contain new definition of gender reassignment
In a debate in the House of Commons on the Equality Bill, the Solicitor General Vera Baird confirmed that the Bill will contain a new definition of gender reassignment...
Equality Bill
Small print alarms churches...
Junior doctors on target to meet 48-hour rule
Rule will apply to junior doctors from August...
Warning - Tax refund notifications
Bogus emails claiming to come from HMRC are circulating...
Identity Theft
Several IPP members have recently reported that a number of their staff have received letters from HMRC tax credit office entitled ‘Safeguarding your personal details’...
Data protection breaches increase
ICO release new report...
EU blue card scheme
Most European members have signed up...
Fit Note
Is it fit for purpose...
Recession means more work for payroll
Survey reveals cut in pay or benefits...
Final salary or final scheme?
Only four blue chip firms offer Defined Benefit schemes for new members...
HMRC’s implementation plans for their new PAYE Service
HMRC is changing the way it processes PAYE records as part of ongoing improvements to customer service and internal processes...
Contacting missing debtors
New guidance from HMRC released...
House of Lords decision in sickness and holidays case
Employers are now required to pay salary in lieu...
Barclays loses overpayment case
There are salutary warnings in the case of a part-time Barclays employee that reached Ashford Employment Tribunal...
Increase in annual leave costs
Minister of State reveals savings from employment regulations...
Dads unaware of paternity rights
Companies urged to review policies towards families...
October redundancy increase will be held for February 2010
Week's pay for statutory redundancy pay will not be impacted by decreasing RPI...
One third of us pay taxes late say PAC
Cases of unpaid taxes rose last year...
New redundancy pay calculator
Government agrees amendment on anonymous CV
Issue 32 - October 2009
special feature
Paid holiday and long term sickness absence
The House of Lords recently ruled that staff accrue paid holiday while on sick leave...
opinion column
Into the Dragons’ Den with your HR Business Case
Many readers of transform-hr.com will also be watchers of the BBC programme "Dragons' Den"...
industry specials
£1000.00 Cash Back for New Recruits
In order to provide additional support to the 1.58 million people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance...
Absence Management
Organisations increasingly recognise the significant costs associated with high levels of absence alongside the disruption to their business on a day to day basis...
The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007
A small company has become the first organisation to be charged with corporate manslaughter...
Effective Dismissal Dates
If you dismiss an employee for gross misconduct and confirm the decision in writing, when is the effective dismissal date?...
Using tips to pay the National Minimum Wage
The Government has announced that it will not be possible for employers to count tips and service charges towards payment of the National Minimum Wage...
"Courageous Conversations"
It is not uncommon for HR Departments to be asked to support and advise managers who need to reduce staffing costs and choose to do this by restructuring...
An Alternative to Redundancy?
The CBI has warned that unemployment could rise to over 3 million by next summer unless urgent action is taken to save jobs and businesses...
schools
Appropriate representation at formal disciplinary hearings
It is widely recognised that employees have a statutory right to be accompanied and represented at any formal disciplinary hearing...
recruitment
Graduate Recruitment
Graduate recruitment is now an option for all employers...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company...
ipp news
Reports, reports, reports!
In the final days before government recess we were deluged with reports from government departments and public bodies...
HMRC strike will expose job cut impact say PCS
Staff began overtime ban in July...
Bookmark this one!
Benefits and expenses guide is online...
Scam emails reach a peak
After the second Self Assessment payment at the end of July, HMRC noticed a sharp rise in scam emails purporting to offer tax refunds...
Online regulations published
As expected three sets of regulations have been published to require PAYE schemes with fewer than 50 payees to file their end of year returns online for 2009/10...
Swine flu impact on SSP self certification
The following note has been provided in conjunction with HMRC and the British Computer Society (BCS)...
Staying with Swine flu
What you need to think about...
Tips top-up £82m per year
Union blacklister receives fine
Knutsford Crown Court has fined Ian Kerr the owner of the company implicated in the construction industry blacklisting scandal, £5,000...
Termination payment was contractual says Tribunal
Government Committee supports scrapping default retirement age
Ahead of the imminent High Court hearing of the Age Concern and Help the Aged judicial review of The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 and the age 65 default, the cross-party Commons Work and Pensions Committee has called for it to be scrapped immediately...
Childcare regulations laid
Definitions of 'qualifying childcare' have been amended...
DWP website
The new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) website has gone live...
ID cards - government backtracks on compulsion
Cards not compulsory for UK Nationals...
Junior Drs Derogation regulations laid
BIS guide to TUPE transfers
Consultation on gender pay reporting
Reforming the Medical Statement
Consultation on Draft Regulations...
Consultation on employment status in the construction sector
Statutory maternity leave
Salary sacrifice and non-cash benefits...
Agricultural Wages Order
Companies urged to review policies towards families...
Data protection fees amended
Agency Workers equal rights
Redundancy is not the only way - CBI
Stonewall guide to managing diversity in the workplace
CRB fees reduced
Ireland unveils package of employment support
The Irish government has submitted proposals to the EU social partners on a package of measures to support employment during the recession...
October regulations laid for NMW and redundancy rises
Review of domestic hours' rules
DfT publishes consultation...
£140m of MOD payroll errors
NAO found incorrect payments...
Private sector employees take fewer days off sick
Pay reviews show downward trend
Are you complying with the National Minimum Wage rules?
Rise in prosecutions for employing illegal workers
Redundancy alternative
Data Protection fines from April 2010?
ICO to get power to issue fines...
COP on tips published
Minimum Weekly Earnings for Apprentices
Guidance on the employment of children
Document clarifies employment rules as school leaving age increases...
New Acas Code of Practice for trade union duties and activities
Guidance on VAT increase
Issue 33 - December 2009
special feature
Default Retirement Age is Lawful
The default retirement age of 65 is not unlawful but should be scrapped, a judge has ruled in the long-running Heyday legal case...
opinion column
Performance Management
In an economic downturn organisations will look at saving costs but what about getting more for your money? Are you maximising your biggest resource: your employees?
industry specials
Best practice advice when an employee dies in service
Death is not something that any employer wishes to consider beyond ensuring that life assurance is available and the pre-requisite health and safety regulations are in place to protect staff...
Collective Consultation during Redundancies
Throughout 2009 there has been much uncertainty for employers in the field of employment...
Guidance on Redundancies involving Fewer than 20 Employees
According to Tribunal Services statistics, there has been a 153% increase in the number of claims for 'failure to inform and consult on redundancies' in 2008/2009...
Employment Law: What’s new in 2010?
A summary guide to forthcoming employment legislation to be introduced or amended in 2010...
Self Certification of Sickness Absence
Over the last few months, the Government has been closely monitoring the number of swine flu cases in the UK and the strain the pandemic has put on the National Health Service...
Managing bereavement in the workplace
However inconvenient to your business, it is important to deal with issues of employee bereavement sensitively and sympathetically...
Sick whilst on holiday? No problem, take the holiday again!
Two recent decisions by the European Court of Justice have thrown the rules relating to annual holiday entitlement into turmoil...
Identity Cards – Who Needs Them?
It has been a year since the introduction of the Identity Card for foreign nationals. Now the Identity and Passport Service is introducing two more...
schools
The end of List 99 and the introduction of the new Vetting and Barring Scheme
The government's new Vetting and Barring Scheme for England, Wales and Northern Ireland became operational in October 2009...
recruitment
Reviewing your Recruitment Requirements
There has never been a better time to review your recruitment requirements...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company...
ipp news
Microsoft creates Christmas payroll 'nightmare'
No surprises or certainty in Queen's speech
New Bank Holiday?
Financial Services Bill
Flexible working requests to prospective employers?
Childcare vouchers
Limit tax relief for high earners, says TUC
ID cards formally added to 'statutory excuse list'
Getting to grips with ID cards
Resident labour market test to change
Employment agencies leaflet
Right to request time off to train
Pay benchmarking data published
In-work benefit advice
Four weeks' paternity leave?
EU ministers agree longer parental leave
Preventing harassment at work
Safeguarding vulnerable workers in Scotland
Advisory fuel rates
Relaxation on VAT increase
TUC calls for £6 per hour NMW
And at the other end of the scale...
BCC calls for halt to employment legislation
The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act
Call for evidence on default retirement age (DRA)
Tax refunds for students
Serial litigants - database launched
TUC Publishes Guidance on Medical Reports
Blacklisting of Union Members
Pre-Budget Report
Issue 34 - February 2010
special feature
Professional Networking Sites
The professional networking site 'LinkedIn' continues to grow in popularity but are such business networking sites an asset or a liability?
opinion column
Too Hot to Handle - The Rise and Fall of Salary Sacrifice
industry specials
Agency workers' Regulations 2010
At the moment, most agency workers are not protected in the same way as direct employees. This is soon to change...
Childcare Vouchers
Childcare vouchers are a method for parents to pay for childcare facilities using salary sacrifice...
Strategic Reward Management and Integrated HR Systems
How critical is the role of Reward in the implementation of a new HR system?
Extension to Parental Leave
The European Union are proposing an extension to existing parental leave rights...
The Use of Mobile Phones Whilst Driving
Driving is one of the most dangerous work activities...
Greener Transport Options
The role that employers will have to play, should the UK government stand by its commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% over the next 40 years, could be significant...
schools
Overview of a Redundancy within a School
With the allocation of the School Budget there may be difficult decisions ahead regarding staffing levels...
recruitment
Recent changes to employing migrant workers
The rules for advertising vacancies in order to employ migrant workers have recently changed...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company...
ipp news
Indication of 6 May Election
UK economy emerges from recession
Staff absences due to snow…
New rates for statutory payments
Increase in credit card payment fee
Tax credits calculator updated
HMRC fail to collect £11bn say Public Accounts Committee
HMRC tightens up two popular salary sacrifice schemes
Forthcoming changes to the car benefit rules
HMRC Dispensations – new online application form
A change to the student loan box on form P46
New termination payment rules for civil servants
Pre-claim conciliation - a free Acas service
Employees can lose holiday by failing to comply with notice requirements
UK Identity Cards - Is your business ready for the new identity cards?
Pay gap narrowing but still unacceptably high
Gender pay gap reporting - immunity
Employer supported childcare
Proposals to let parents decide who looks after the baby
Government publishes Family Friendly Green Paper
Uprating leads to downrating!
New version of 'Using your own vehicle for work' published
Right to Request Training Guidance Published
UK workers are giving away £27 billion of unpaid overtime
Pre-employment health questionnaire ban backed by HR chiefs
£500,000 fines for serious data protection breaches
Record number of taxpayers filed their SA tax returns online this year
Massive upsurge over tax return e-mail 'phishing' scam
National Insurance rebates
BIS Publishes Guidance on Annual Leave and Sick Leave
New medical statement – consultation response
Salary Sacrifice - employer-provided canteens
Flexible working for all?
Union to hold strike ballot over redundancy 'cuts'
Firms must publish complaints data
Launch of Apprenticeship Week 2010
Minimum pension age to rise to 55 from April 2010
Issue 35 - April 2010
special feature
Employing People with Disabilities
Nearly one in five people of working age in Great Britain have a disability...
opinion column
Pressure from all sides
Bonuses regularly make the headlines these days. What does the increased scrutiny mean for performance-related pay schemes?
industry specials
Blacklisting Trade Unionists
It became unlawful to compile, sell, use or supply blacklists as a result of the Employment Relations Act 1999 (Blacklists) Regulations 2010...
Forthcoming Legislation - The Bribery Bill
Whilst bribery is already criminalised, the law is currently fragmented and very old...
Conducting Return to Work Interviews
The introduction of the new ‘Fit Note’ scheme will focus greater attention on managing absence in the workplace...
The Equality Bill
Despite significant progress made in equality of employment over recent years...
Maintaining the Safety, Health and Wellbeing of Lone and Mobile Workers
With the continuing advancements in technology, previously desk-bound employees are now able to work in any location and at any time...
Believe it or not
The Equality and Human Rights Commission website lists all religions and beliefs recognised under the Equality Act 2006...
June 2010 Football Tournament
The June football tournament is nearly upon us and has the potential to cause disruption for many employers...
schools
Managing Fixed Term Contracts
The Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations provide clear guidelines on how employees must be treated...
recruitment
The line between Positive Action and Positive Discrimination
While "positive discrimination" is unlawful, "positive action" is a legal practice...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company...
ipp news
Electronic P60’s
VAT for agents and advisers
VAT cheque payments by post – important changes
Naming and shaming tax evaders
Regulations Prohibiting the Blacklisting of Trade Unionists
Monetary penalties for data protection breaches
New £5.93 minimum wage rate and new rate for apprentices
Reform of the Tax Treatment of Employer-Supported Childcare
Euro MPs vote for 20 weeks paid maternity
Fit note guidance published
Fit note support via Occupational Health Adviceline
In Sickness and in Health – Good work and how to achieve it
Parental leave to be extended to four months
BIS Campaign launches to remind dads of their rights at work
Holiday leave lost due to illness should be carried forward
Dress Codes and Religious Discrimination
Changes to contractual terms
Employers allowed to claw back bonuses and payments from departing staff
Asda demands equal pay for temporary staff
Collective consultation process
False self-employment in construction: taxation of workers
Acas urges businesses to improve employee engagement to boost workplace morale and the bottom line
Acas predicts new face of workplace conflict to emerge post-recession
Acas pre-claim conciliation (PCC) service proving popular
Data protection warning
UK student visa system fraud exposed
Vetting and Barring Scheme Guidance Published by HR chiefs
Small Business Credit Adjudicator task force launched
Pay and Work Rights Helpline – New Video Service
Compulsory charge to fund social care service
New Immigration Fees
New Rules for Tier 1 and Tier 2 and other changes to the Immigration Rules
New Highly Trusted Sponsor Scheme for Tier 4 sponsors
Pensions - Personal Accounts / NEST update
Contracting-out to be abolished by 2012
training courses
Details of courses that we offer
We have a wide range of courses available, all designed to equip your managers and staff with the knowledge and skills they need to successfully meet their responsibilities...
Issue 36 - June 2010
special feature
The Equality Act and Gender Pay Gap Audits
The Equal Pay Act has been in place since 1970 and requires that there is equal pay between men and women...
opinion column
Solving the panic over equal pay
The concept of equal pay seems simple enough to understand at first...
industry specials
Appraisals
The aim of an appraisal is to review the employee’s past performance...
Managing employee relations issues during the disciplinary process
For many employers, dealing with employee relations issues following the identification of a disciplinary case is a familiar challenge...
Changes to the UK points based system
Since its introduction in 2008, there has been considerable amendments to the UK points based system...
Keeping the heat off employers during summertime
The summertime is almost upon us, with the Met Office again predicting the possibility of a "barbecue summer"...
Whistleblowing
Since 1999, 'whistleblowers' have been able to make a complaint to an employment tribunal if they are dismissed...
Increased sanctions for non-compliance with data protection legislation
The Data Protection Act 1998 is in place to ensure that employers handle information relating to employees in a lawful manner...
Tired of being sick - Take a holiday
The interaction between holidays and sickness...
schools
Pre-employment health questionnaires
The majority of employers understand the potential implications of asking discriminatory questions during a recruitment interview...
recruitment
Recruiting apprentices in your business
Apprenticeships are used throughout various businesses in the UK...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company...
ipp news - budget predictions
Capital Gains Tax
Child tax credits
Default retirement age
Families
Immigration
Income Tax
Legislative administrative burden
National Insurance (NI)
Tax break for married couples
Pensions
Relations with the EU
Unemployment
VAT
ipp news - HMRC update
PAYE: No employer annual return to make for 2009-10
HMRC employer bulletin
Modified PAYE for expatriate employees
Employer Annual Returns submitted using magnetic media
Change in bonus rates for SAYE share option schemes
Company cars - advisory fuel rates updated from 1 June 2010
Self Assessment forms on HMRC’s website
HMRC formally launches tax toolkits
ipp news - cases
NHS contractor may have used up to one thousand illegal immigrants
Equal pay
Salary sacrifice and voucher schemes – unpaid VAT
Equal pay tribunal
ipp news - hr
Has your company been affected by the volcanic ash cloud?
New Medical Statement - SSP and phased returns to work
TUPE
Fines for employing illegal workers double to £22.1 million
The World Cup at work
ipp news - pensions
Automatic enrolment
High income excess relief - technical guidance
Issue 37 - August 2010
special feature
Default Retirement Age
The default retirement age is to be scrapped on 1 October 2011 under proposals announced by the Government on 29 July 2010...
opinion column
Working from home
Liberal Democrat Transport Minister, Norman Baker, wants employees to be allowed to work from home once a fortnight to help cut transport congestion. He'd like employers incentivised to promote flexible working...
industry specials
Eldercare Vouchers
Following the success of childcare vouchers, are Eldercare Vouchers something that the Government may look to introduce?...
Extending Flexible Working Rights
Recent research has shown that 47% of workers surveyed rated flexible working arrangements as the most important preferred benefit...
Health at Work – Coping with an Ageing Population
Although the 2006 Age Regulations outlawed discrimination on the basis of age, stereotypes about older workers still remain in the workplace...
Termination of Employment
A contract of employment can be terminated either by resignation or by dismissal...
The Vetting and Barring Scheme is Halted
The Government has called a halt to the next phase of the Vetting and Barring Scheme...
schools
Managing Stress in Schools
It is estimated that nearly 30% of workers experience a mental health problem in any one year...
recruitment
The National minimum wage is set to change……..are you ready?
The National Minimum Wage applies to nearly all workers with a few exceptions...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company...
ipp news - Consultations and Reviews
PAYE Simplification
Pension Reforms Review
Annuity purchase requirement and ASPs to be scrapped
When should the SPA increase to 66yrs?
Government launches review of fair pay in the public sector
ipp news - Other Areas the IPP are working on
Public Sector pay freeze
Public Sector pensions
Pensions tax relief
NICs Holiday for new businesses
Childcare Vouchers
Student taxation
ipp news - Employment Law Cases
Rise in number of employee tribunal claims against employers
ECJ rules on pregnant workers’ pay
Caps on Redundancy Payment not Age Discrimination - Kraft Foods v Hastie
High Court ruling clarifies employers’ position on funding obligations
ipp news - General
London Living Wage to rise to £7.85 an hour
Payroll technical specifications for ASPP
HMRC claws back record £92.3m from fraudsters
CIPD calls for a minimum training wage of £2.50 for graduate interns
Wage increases for agricultural staff
Fake Fit Notes in Circulation
Graduate Tax
Tax free lump sum
Chancellor may drop Pre-Budget Report
New Legislation to Limit Civil Service Redundancy Payments
Identity Documents Bill 2010-11
Equality Act will come into effect in October as planned
Bribery Act implementation
Vetting and Barring Scheme registration halted
Company Tax Returns: changes to the paper returns HMRC sends out
Employer provided company cars - changes from April 2011
Corporation Tax agents: getting an agent code and changing your details
ipp news - Immigration
Migrants marrying UK citizens must now learn English
New Immigration Controls Announced
Temporary immigration controls announced
Migrant workers - employers to pay for private healthcare under new proposals?
Electronic border control system in chaos
Changes to Tier 4 of the points-based system
ipp news - Pensions
Working Age to Pension Age - consultation
Pension transfers for people aged 50 to 55
Switch to CPI indexation will cut benefits of 12 million DB members
Government clarifies changes to indexation rule
TPR Statement on CPI
Issue 38 - October 2010
special feature
The Equality Act 2010 and Disability Discrimination
Some of the key changes relating to disability discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 are...
opinion column
BEWARE THE TIME BANDITS!
According to research estimates, the average American worker wastes an average of 1.7 hours at work every day, costing business an eye-watering $759 billion annually...
general articles
Bribery Act 2010
New bribery laws could put workers behind bars and hit companies with unlimited fines when the Bribery Act 2010 is introduced next year...
Raising awareness of caste discrimination
The introduction of the Equality Act in October 2010 will allow secondary legislation to be introduced to combat discrimination in education, employment and the provision of goods and services, where there is evidence to show that there is a problem...
Compromise Agreements
Employers are now increasingly using compromise agreements as a way to prevent future employment tribunal claims, particularly in relation to redundancy situations...
Handling Grievances during the Disciplinary Process
Have you ever been nearing the end of a disciplinary meeting when an employee suddenly raises a grievance?...
Court Ruling on Salary Sacrifice Retail Vouchers
Salary sacrifice is an arrangement whereby an employee gives up part of their cash remuneration in return for their employer's agreement to provide a non-cash benefit...
Social Networking – The New Staff Notice Board
Many employers have opted to restrict or prevent employees from accessing social networking websites during working hours...
schools
Changing the Terms of an Employment Contract
The world we live in is constantly changing and transition and development are often key to success...
recruitment
Graduate Training Schemes
Graduate Training Schemes are widely used throughout various businesses in the UK...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company...
ipp news - Consultations and Reviews
Improving the operation of PAYE
Time to Train regulations under review
Civil Servants redundancy pay
ipp news - Employment Law Cases
Holiday pay tribunal
Taxation of awards
Rules on working time to self-employed lorry drivers
VAT and Salary Sacrifice retail vouchers
UK Gift Card & Voucher Association press release
Employers are breaking the law if they do not pay interns
Workers should have been consulted on pay changes in TUPE
ipp news - Equality Act 2010
Secrecy clause
Full guidance for employers
Discrimination forms
ipp news - General
Thousands found fit for work
New guidance available on supporting the long term back to work
National Minimum Wage - travel and subsistence tax relief schemes
Wage increase for agricultural workers confirmed
Pre-budget report to be scrapped
ipp news - HMRC
HMRC Reconciliation
Guidance published on regional employers NICs holiday for new businesses
Cycle to work scheme – simplified approach to valuing cycles
Employer CD ROM
ipp news - Immigration
Government plans reviews of immigration system
New guidance for employers on preventing illegal working
Evidence of indefinite leave to remain
Immigration fees set to increase again in November
ipp news - Pensions
Phasing out the Default Retirement Age - Consultation
Restriction of pensions tax relief
Abolition of contracting out on a defined contribution basis
Issue 39 - November 2010
special feature
Avoiding Disability Discrimination in Recruitment
The Equality Act 2010 has introduced new restrictions on employers about when they can ask an applicant for information about their health at the recruitment stage...
opinion column
Talent Management: Ego and The X Factor
In this edition of Transform HR, I’ll be taking a sideways look at talent management and examining perceptions of what it means to be 'talented'...
general articles
Additional Paternity Leave regulations receive approval
The government has removed any uncertainty over whether the Additional Paternity Regulations 2010 will take effect next year...
Employer Guidance on the Equality Act
The much publicised Equality Act came into force on 1st October 2010 and consolidates 9 separate laws...
Harassment in the Workplace following the Introduction of the Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 was introduced on 1st October 2010 and provides protection for a number of key areas referred to as "protected characteristics"...
Pros and Cons of References
Employment references are considered a useful selection tool to predict future performance when information is obtained about a job applicant’s performance in a similar role...
How to avoid racial discrimination
In an increasingly diverse workforce, the potential for workplace discrimination rises...
Remuneration during Maternity Leave
The Employment Rights Act 1996 (Section 71) states that during a period of maternity leave, a woman is entitled to receive...
Retirement after the abolition of the Default Retirement Age
The government has announced it will abolish the Default Retirement Age in April 2011 bringing an end to forced retirement at 65...
schools
Review into Banning Teachers from Racist Organisations
The government recently ordered a review to establish whether teachers should be banned from being members of legal organisations which may promote racism...
recruitment
Reducing Recruitment Costs
With the UK still suffering the effects of the recession, rising recruitment costs and the pressure on businesses to reduce costs could be having a serious impact...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
Here is a summary of forthcoming legislation that could affect you and your company...
ipp news
Introduction
ipp news - Consultations and Reviews
PAYE Discussion Document
Bribery Act 2010
Scottish Rate of Income Tax
ipp news - Employment Law Cases
NHS introduce scheme linking sickness to annual pay rises
Car allowance NICs reclaim
Father’s rights at work
A teachers continuity of employment is not broken by summer holidays
Compulsory retirement and age discrimination
Poor employer reference led to future loss of earnings claim
BA crucifix case goes to European court of human rights
Redundancy during maternity leave
Government considering an increase in unfair dismissal qualifying period
ipp news - Equality Act 2010
The new Equality Act is now law
Codes of Practice
ipp news - Family
Employer Supported Childcare
Child benefit to be scrapped for higher rate tax payers
Right to request flexible working
Additional Statutory Paternity Pay – Eligibility forms and records
European Parliament votes in favour of 20 weeks maternity leave on full pay
ipp news - General
CIPD launches stress guide for employers
Government will not amend Agency Workers Regulations
ipp news - Immigration
Additional certificates of sponsorship required for Tier 2 sponsors
Updated guidance for employers on preventing illegal working
ipp news - National Insurance
National Insurance cards will no longer be issued
Guidance published on regional employers NICs holiday for new businesses
National Insurance Contributions Bill 2010
Gap in your National Insurance record?
ipp news - National Minimum Wage
Increase in NMW from 1 October
Employers who flout NMW laws will be named and shamed
TUC calls for NMW of £6.14
ipp news - Pensions
End of transitional period for pension schemes
Changes to the Registered Pension Schemes Manual
Treasury announces changes to restricting pensions tax relief
Automatic Enrolment
National Employment Savings Trust (NEST)
Government publishes details on how the SPa will rise to 66 by 2020
New retirement guides
ipp news - Taxing Matters
Change in the tax treatment of business entertainment of overseas customers
New D1 tax code to be introduced for additional rate tax payers
Issue 40 - January 2011
special feature
Managing Workplace Stress
Workplace stress is a major issue and can cause disruption for employers if left unmanaged...
opinion column
How to be Happy at Work
general articles
DVLA Policy Change
Up to 42,000 UK drivers could be affected by a change in policy following a recent decision by the DVLA to end the “grace” period for submission of a driving licence for endorsement...
Pitfalls of Employing Foreign Workers
Information published by the UK Border Agency has shown that around 117 employers in the London and South East Region alone were penalised for employing illegal workers as of 30th September 2010. This figure is just a small proportion of the number of employers who employ illegal workers...
Employment Tribunals – Lessons from the Statistics
Each year, the Employment Tribunal (ET) and Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) statistics are released. The latest statistics, covering April 2009 to March 2010 highlight some useful actions for employers to help avoid future tribunal claims...
Avoiding Redundancy Pitfalls
Making an employee redundant is never an easy task for employers. Set out below are some of the essential features of a fair and effective redundancy procedure...
Maternity Leave Returners
Returning to work after a period of maternity leave can be a traumatic process, especially if the employee has been absent from the workplace for a whole year of maternity leave...
Redundancy and Maternity Leave
Many people hold the view that making an employee redundant whilst on maternity leave is unlawful. However, this is a common misconception and, although there is legislation that must be adhered to, the options can be easily explained...
schools
Managing performance
Do you think there is a difference between performance management and managing performance?
recruitment
Recruitment Process Outsourcing for Growth
Recruitment is an area which is usually the first to suffer in a recession, with companies reducing requirements and putting in place hiring freezes across the business. Although best practice advises against such hasty reactions, fiscal prerogatives and the scale and speed of the latest recession was such that many organisations had no choice but to sever all such activities...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
CIPP news
Consultations
Finance Bill 2011 – Draft Clauses
Employment Law Cases
Employment Rights
Family
General
Immigration
National Minimum Wage
Pensions
Statutory Payment Rates and Thresholds
Tax Code News
Issue 41 - April 2011
special feature
Performance Management
After the default retirement age is removed, managing performance effectively will become increasingly important...
opinion column
Talking about my generation
general articles
The Agency Workers Regulations 2010
The Agency Workers Regulations 2010 are due to come into force on 1st October 2011…
The Coalition Government’s Plans for Employment Law
The Coalition Government's agenda for employment law will inevitably have to strike a balance...
Age Discrimination
Age Discrimination laws make it unlawful to directly or indirectly discriminate against employees...
Types of Leave
Throughout the employment relationship, there are various types of leave that may be requested by employees...
Update on the Vetting and Barring Scheme
The Vetting and Barring Scheme launched in October 2009 with the intention of creating a register to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children or vulnerable adults...
Workplace Relationships
Valentine’s Day celebrations have come and gone for another year, which brings to mind the issue of personal relationships at work...
schools
An overview of the public sector equality duty
The Equality Act brings together all previous equality legislation in England...
recruitment
Using positive action when recruiting or promoting
When recruiting or promoting, positive action provisions in the Equality Act will soon permit employers to treat individuals with a protected characteristic more favourably...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
CIPP news
Consultations
Further Reviews
Employment Law cases
General
HMRC
Immigration
Pensions
Issue 42 - May 2011
special feature
Dealing with Violence in the Workplace
It is widely recognised that, in line with the Health & Safety at Work Act, all employers have a legal duty to ensure...
opinion column
The Return of the Apprentice
general articles
Managing Strike Disruption
In March this year, a reported 500,000 people took to the streets of London to protest against government spending cuts...
Pros and Cons of Compromise Agreements
Employers are increasingly using compromise agreements when ending an employee's employment to avoid the risk of a tribunal claim...
How to Manage Underperforming Employees
A recent survey into managing underperformance found that four fifths of organisations believe that underperformance in their workforce is a problem...
Dealing with a Flexible Working Request
Flexible working relates to an organisation’s working arrangements in terms of the working hours and pattern and location of work...
Succession Planning
Succession planning is vital to the future of any company, large or small...
Question and Answer Guide to Maternity
The law surrounding maternity leave can appear complex and difficult to understand...
The Statement of Fitness for Work
The Statement of Fitness for Work was introduced in April 2010 with the intention of providing practical and simple fitness for work advice to employers...
schools
Considerations for managing the workforce without a retirement age
The transitional arrangements to phase out the Statutory Default Retirement Age of 65 are now in place...
recruitment
Simple Steps to Compliant Recruitment
Recruitment can appear a daunting process for employers...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
Employee Benefits
Putting employee benefits on the agenda whilst the economic uncertainty continues
As we begin to exit the recession the business agenda now more than ever...
Document Management
Has anyone seen my employee file?
HR files contain every sensitive piece of information you can imagine...
CIPP news
Consultations
Further Reviews
Employment Law cases
Expenses & Benefits
HMRC
Immigration
Pensions
General
National Minimum Wage
Issue 43 - August 2011
special feature
Are you prepared for the Agency Workers Regulations 2010?
The Agency Workers Regulations 2010 come into force on 1st October 2011...
opinion column
Creating a Talent Blueprint
general articles
Managing Time off Work during the Olympic Games
In a year's time, London will be preparing to host the Olympic Games for the first time in over 60 years...
Pros and Cons of Sabbaticals and Career Breaks
A sabbatical is a voluntary arrangement where an employee takes paid or unpaid time off over and above their usual annual leave allowance...
Blowing the Whistle
Whistle-blowing has been in the news yet again...
Further Changes to Family Friendly Legislation, but not until 2015
There have been a number of changes in family friendly legislation over recent years...
Internet and Email Use at Work
The use of the internet and email is well established in many workplaces...
schools
Consultation on Performance Management and Capability Procedures for Teaching Staff
Under the Education Act 2002, Headteachers are required to complete an annual assessment...
recruitment
Stay ahead of the game when recruiting and retaining your staff
The success of your business depends on having the right number of staff in place, with the right level of skills and abilities...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
Employee Benefits
Document Management
CIPP news
Consultations
Further Reviews
Employment Law cases
General
HMRC
Immigration
Pensions
Issue 44 - September 2011
special feature
Managing unexpected HR issues in challenging circumstances
The August riots in cities and towns across the UK resulted in unexpected disruption to some of the country’s major retail businesses...
opinion column
Social Media
What’s Next For HR?
general articles
Employing Military Reservists
The government recently announced plans to use more volunteer soldiers from the Territorial Army on the front line...
Termination Payments and Ex Gratia Payments
The Employment Appeals Tribunal has recently issued a decision highlighting a potential pitfall for employers...
Holidays and holiday pay
Some of the most common questions about holidays and holiday pay are answered below...
Protecting your Personnel Records
When an employee joins the organisation, you will receive a vast amount of data from them...
schools
Legal representation at disciplinary hearings
The Supreme Court makes a ruling regarding the right to legal representation at internal disciplinary hearings...
recruitment
Question and answer guide to advertising job vacancies
Is it illegal for an employer not to advertise its vacancies internally?...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
Employee Benefits
Document Management
CIPP news
Consultations
Further Reviews
Employment Law cases
General
Issue 45 - November 2011
special feature
Managing the effects of further public sector strikes
In June this year, thousands of schools and public sector facilities closed for the day as a result of strike action...
opinion column
Using New Technology: Why Some Lead and Others Are Dragged
As I write this, I’m looking at a newspaper photograph of a large group of people queuing up to buy the latest iPhone. Some have camped out overnight to be one of the first to obtain the latest version of this iconic technology; the line snakes around the block and police have erected special barriers in anticipation of enormous demand...
general articles
Holidays and Sickness Absence
More uncertainty for employers over the interaction between statutory holiday and sickness absence...
Varying Contractual Terms and Conditions of Service
In the current economic climate, employers may find it necessary to vary the terms and conditions of service for certain employees...
Managing adverse weather conditions
As in previous years, we can reasonably expect to encounter periods of extreme weather conditions over the forthcoming months...
Subject access requests under the Data Protection Act
With a limit of 40 calendar days in which to respond, it is important to know how to recognise and respond to a subject access request...
Suitable alternative employment
An employer would not opt to go through a redundancy exercise unless it was absolutely necessary...
Work Related Stress
Stress occurs when pressure becomes unbearable...
schools
2010 / 2011 Tribunal Awards and Statistics
Statistics have recently been published to show the number of claims and awards made by the Employment Tribunal Service...
recruitment
References and Statements about Former Employees
An employer owes a duty of care to the recipient of a reference to ensure that it is true, accurate and fair...
legal timetable
Legal Eagle
Employee Benefits
Document Management
CIPP news
Better Regulation
Red Tape Challenge
PAYE General
Employment Tribunals
Expenses and Benefits
Salary Sacrifice
National Minimum Wage
Integration of tax and NICs
Real Time Information
Powers, Deterrents and Safeguards
Single Compliance
Pensions
Public Sector Pensions
Issue 46 - December 2011
special feature
Reform of the Employment Tribunal system
As part of its drive to reduce unnecessary burdens on business, the government intends to make reforms to the current Employment Tribunal system...
opinion column
general articles
Agent Provocateur?
Could the recent Agency Worker Regulations have a detrimental impact on your organisation? ...
Dealing with an ET1 Tribunal Claim
In an ideal world, the best way to avoid an employee making an Employment Tribunal claim against you is to ...
Internships
An internship is a system of on-the-job training, similar to an apprenticeship...
Working Time Regulations - Rest Periods and Breaks
The Working Time Regulations came into force in October 1998 and implement the European Working Time Directive into UK law...
How long should employers keep HR records?
As an employer, there are certain records that you must keep and others that it is good practice to keep where they relate to employees...
Social Networking and Employment
Smart phones, the internet, tweeting and blogging have become part of the 21st century working world...
schools
Sickness absence and the disciplinary process
It can be frustrating when a member of staff goes off sick during the disciplinary process...
recruitment
Grabbing the 10 second Window
As employment prospects weaken, it is more important than ever to offer employees a good outplacement service and support should they become at risk of redundancy...