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Portable appliance testing (PATS)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Under Health & Safety Regulations all electric appliances that have a plug (classed as portable appliances) should be inspected and tested on a regular basis. This includes appliances such as hand tools, heaters, extension leads, microwaves and kettles etc. The PATS testing requires specialist test equipment and should be done by a competent person. H-ELP Systems can provide this service. Do contact us for more details.
Redundancies
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
In this current economic climate, you may have to contemplate making some staff redundant. If so, you need to ensure that you follow the correct legal procedures for the selection, consultation and dismissal. Failure to do this could result in a costly claim for unfair dismissal or even discrimination.
Don't forget, part-time and fixed-term employees have the same rights as permanent employees and therefore you cannot simply select them for dismissal, they have to be considered together with the rest of the pool of permanent employees.
Do contact us for advice is you are contemplating making any redundancies.
Statutory changes
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
From April 2009 the following will apply:
Sick Pay:
SSP Increases from £75.40 to £79.15 per week
Maternity Pay:
For the first 6 weeks payment is 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings. The remaining weeks it is the lesser of £123.06 a week or the earnings-related rate of 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings
Paternity and Adoption pay:
The weekly rate is the lesser of £123.06 a week or the earnings-related rate of 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings
Statutory Paid holiday:
Minimum paid holiday increases from the current 24 days to 28 days, for those working a 5 day week.
National Minimum Wage:
Increased penalties come into force for non-compliance to pay NMW to workers
Right to Flexible Working:
The rights to request flexible working by an employee, who has responsibility for a child, has been extended to children up to the age of 16 (previously it was for a child under the age of 6 or 18 if registered disabled)
Fire Safety
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Failure to comply with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Regulations 2005 is a criminal offence and can result in significant fines; not to mention adverse publicity. The Fire Service has the power to make a visit to your premises, and can issue enforcement or even prohibition notices. As an employer you have a legal duty concerning fire safety in your workplace. This includes conducting risk assessments, identifying potential sources of ignition and flammable materials, having processes in places for the safe use, handling and storage of hazardous substances, together with written procedures concerning fire safety precautions and evacuation. The fire service and insurance companies are becoming increasingly concerned by the increase in company related fires, and in particular arson attacks. Many fires could be avoided by ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are conducted and potential fire hazards removed. Some fires are started deliberately outside the business premises and often spread to and destroy the business itself. Therefore it is important that waste materials such as paper, pallets and other flammable materials, which can be easily ignited, are not left outside next to the company building or accessible to potential arsonists.
If you don't have your fire assessment in place that complies with the Regulations, do contact us – we can help you with this
Mediation
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Under the new ACAS Code of Practice for disciplinary and grievance procedures, it is recommended that alternative solutions to handling disputes are considered, such as mediation. Not only does this process have a high success rate, but it can significantly reduce the risk of lengthy and costly employment tribunal claim. At the same time it restores the working relationships between those in dispute which has to be a win-win solution for all.
H-ELP Systems can provide a professional mediation service. Do contact us for more information.
