Are you ready to communicate?   The whole way an organisation communicates with its employees is about to be turned on its head from March 2005 because of the European Information and Consultation Directive.

Did you Know?   A few things you may be surprised about

Be prepared for National Minimum Wage Changes   The latest changes to the National Minimum Wage.

Changes in Disability Discrimination Act   

Management skills – are you equipped to succeed?   Unfortunately, though, it seems most companies assume that people can simply be promoted to be managers and left to get on with the job.

Are you ready to communicate?

The whole way an organisation communicates with its employees is about to be turned on its head by the introduction in March 2005 of the European Information and Consultation Directive.

In the beginning, the regulations will apply to companies that employ over 150 people, but they’ll roll out progressively to cover any firm employing more than 50 people by 2008.

On Thursday 25th November, Picasso HR and Stratton Public Relations, in conjunction with the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, are running a morning seminar all about the Directive and what it means for businesses throughout the area. 

Essentially, the regulations aim to create a transparent working environment in which staff have access to information about the employer’s activities and financial situation, and about changes that may affect their employment. It will also make it illegal to consult with staff only when the decision to make redundancies has been taken. The new directive will ensure that Directors will have to disclose when job cuts are one of a number of possible options being considered.

To add insult to injury, a fine of up to £75,000 can be levied for non-compliance on a company, if they fail to follow these new regulations properly.

It’s not all doom and gloom though, as there are positive aspects of this new legislation which, if implemented properly, and in consultation between the bosses and employees, can actually benefit the commercial viability of an organisation.

Places are limited at the seminar which will take place at the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce’s offices at Felaw Maltings, Ipswich. The cost for a place is £35 + VAT, but if you are Suffolk Chamber member the charges will be reduced to £30 +VAT. If you want to book a place or just want to find out more about the new Directive, please ring

01473 890037 or email lina.hogg@picassohr.com .

Did you Know?

The costs of getting it wrong……..    Failure to comply with current legislation can be costly.  Did you know that sex, race and disability awards are unlimited: two record payouts last year were:

• £1.37million for sex discrimination
• £761,867 for sex discrimination
• Unfair dismissal compensation can be awarded up to £55,000.

The entitlement to a 20 minute break under the Working Time Regulations, must be taken in working time, not at the start or the end of a day.

According to the UK’s Whinge Report, managers are longing for just a few words of thanks, they are drowning in paper work and are calling for more flexible working – the lack of praise means that 40% of mangers felt exploited, while one in 3 want to leave and work elsewhere – Look out for Picasso HR’s article in October regarding Talent Management.

Be prepared for National Minimum Wage Changes

The latest changes to the National Minimum Wage are due on 1st October 2004, this will affect how you pay all employees aged 16 and over. For more information changes to the minimum wage and other changes due to come in on 1st October, follow the link.

From 1st October 2004 The National Minimum Wage will be set as follows:

• Workers aged between 18 and 21 inclusive years old: no less than £4.10 per hour
• Workers aged 22 years old and over: no less than £4.85 per hour
• Workers aged 22 years old and over who have started a new job with a new employer and do accredited training should be paid no less than £4.10 per hour for the first six months only
• A new rate for 16 and 17 year olds will mean they should be paid no less than £3.00 per hour, although this excludes apprentices.

If your business pays any employees (particularly homeworkers) using a piece-rate system, then you also need to be aware of the changes on October 1st 2004 to the minimum you can pay per unit. If you would like to now more please call Jenny Newton on 01473 890037

Changes in Disability Discrimination Act

Changes in the forthcoming Disability Discrimination Act affect businesses which

• have fewer than 15 employees,
• or provides goods and services to the public.

The changes may mean you need to make reasonable structural or layout changes to your workplace to avoid breaking the law. For a better understanding your obligations under this Act, call us on 01473 890037

Management skills – are you equipped to succeed?

The UK has around 4.5 million managers – people whose ability to lead and motivate people is key not just to success of the companies they work for, but to the economy overall.

So you would think companies would want to be sure their managers were properly equipped to do their job, wouldn’t you? Unfortunately, though, it seems most companies assume that people can simply be promoted to be managers and left to get on with the job. Relatively few receive any formal training.

It sounds damning, doesn’t it? And I’m sure you’re thinking: “It’s not like that here”. But are you sure?

Look at what two Secretaries of State have to say, for example:

“Many businesses say their managers are not up to scratch and lack the skills and qualifications to lead their workforces effectively”
Estelle Morris, Education & Skills

“Too many new companies fail because they do not have the right management skills. Success … relies on strong and well-developed leadership abilities, but you cannot create these overnight”
Patricia Hewitt, Trade & Industry

They could be wrong, but I doubt it – their statements are based on extensive research. So, just in case you think your management skills could be improved, here’s how Picasso HR can help. Our approach is based on the individual and is designed to help management teams and individual managers quickly develop the skills they need. In some cases, we’ll recommend public training courses, but in others it may be that in-house workshops and one-to-one coaching are more effective. Our goal is to work with you to give your business the result it’s looking for – a skilled management team that motivates your workforce to succeed.

The information in this newsletter is of a general nature and is not a substitute for professional advice. You are recommended to obtain specific professional advice before you take any action.

For further information, advice or assistance on any of the matters raised in this newsletter please contact Picasso HR on 01473 890037.

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