Newsletter Index

Date	Contents
September, 2008	Certificate can be in electronic from from October 2008 Redundancy – Making a Fair Selection The National Minimum Wage is set to rise from 1st October 2008.
August, 2008	A formula for calculating holiday entitlement for people who don't work regular hours We examine the law around employing apprentices in your business: the benefits and the pitfalls Details of a conference covering many aspects of business risk. Picasso HR is sponsoring the Young Business Person of the Year award. Picasso HR achieves ISO9001 Certification and Registration.
July, 2008	Is it just further meddling by Government or exactly what we need to achieve a competitive workforce in a global market? From 2012 every employer who does not provide a company pension already will have to do so. And there will be automatic enrolment. Are you sure you thought about the information in your business before setting off on holiday?
June, 2008	ACAS is seeking feedback from employers and advisory bodies for the draft Code of Practice for discipline and grievance. We look at what this means in practice. The Courts are close to making a decision on whether to allow employees to accrue holiday while off sick, and on whether they can take it while they are still absent. Launch of Picasso Security - the art of risk management
May, 2008	Picasso HR can give your managers the skills to motivate and empower your staff, not drive them away Details of what the changes mean in practice. It's unusual for a tribunal to order an ex-employee to make a big payment to the company. As this former MD found to his cost.
April, 2008	What to do with the resignation letter that tells you where to go....... Bank Holiday entitlement applies to part-time employees, even if they don't work on a Monday or a Friday How the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 will enable prosecutions of large companies. HSE prosecute forklift driver for failing to take reasonable care.
March, 2008	The Employment Bill 2007 - 2008 will repeal the statutory dismissal and grievance procedures. If you make an error in an employee's written terms, it will need to be corrected properly to avoid future claims. Will the change from 'sick notes' to 'well notes' transform sick employees in the same way? Statutory pay increases from April 08
January, 2008	How to use a scoring system to manage absences From 1st February 2008 the compensation limits for redundancy pay and unfair dismissal will be increased. The case of a discrimination claim based on youth. The basic requirements for first-aid at work and reporting accidents
December, 2007	How circumstantial evidence can tip the balance in a discrimination claim. An on-line solution for management of employee information. What the tax-man considers when judging an employer-employee relationship.
November, 2007	How employee benefits can help your organisation New family-friendly rights put on hold until 2010. A recent case highlights the need to consult on the reasons for any redundancy proposal before the final decision is made Compulsory retirement in the UK has been put in doubt by a decision of the European Court of Justice.
October, 2007	How a compromise agreement can be rescinded if it is entered into fraudulently. How we can get in a muddle over sex discrimination (and how tribunals engage in fantasy to decide sex-discrimination claims!) "Elfandsafety" has been recognised by the HSE Chairman but does it take our attention from the real thing. November 7th 2007 is Ban Bullying at Work Day and National Stress Awareness Day
September, 2007	Remember the Ł1000 letter we told you about in the last newsletter? Well on the face of it this is a tale about a single sentence that cost Ł1500. But reading between the lines, there was more to it Internet access for staff restricted or not? Ownership of company contact lists when employment ends
Holding area for articles
August, 2007	The pitfalls of failing to follow redundancy practices properly. National Minimum Wage increases An employer may inadvertently create a written grievance on behalf of the employee. The importance of portable electrical appliance testing. Staff surveys and how Picasso HR can help. Anglian Business Awards 2007: This award is open to any individual aged under 35 on July 1st 2007 who has demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership.
July, 2007	Lina Hogg, MD or Picasso HR, takes part in a charity parachute jump for the St Elizabeth Hospice. The pitfalls of re-opening discussions on redundancy. New Statutory Holiday Rules Finalised - Extra entitlement for workers
June, 2007	Dinnerladies Win Again. How did they do it this time? Personality assessment - Increase your chances of recruitment success. Thou shalt not Smoke. Why there will be some surprising sights.
May 2007	How long will it be before it is an impairment under the Disability Discrimination Act? Drugs and Drug Testing in the Workplace Fixed Term Contracts and employees rights. We’ve got a problem. Employment tribunals are costing the country a fortune
April 07	Some useful clarification on Health and Safety. The implications of the Information and Consultation Regulations Guidance on the smokefree regulations due to come into force. A number of Tribunal cases are reported here. Some may surprise you.
March 07	When the Age-Discrimination rules came in last year you might have thought that it simplified the rules for employing young people. But it didn't. Top tips for reducing employer risk. Here we answer some oy your questions
February 2007	The implications of using self employed staff. Changes to Family Friendly Regulations. Statutory entitlement to Bank Holidays All Change for Pensions (but not until 2012)
January 2007	Myths of Modern Management - Discretionary Terms The cost of workplace sickness and steps to reduce it Harassment at work - an increasingly expensive and problematic matter
December 2006
November 2006	How a simple risk assessment could have saved serious injuries. Impact of Age Discrimination on Retirement New Rights for Carers
October 06	The Myths of References. The importance of taking reasonable care. Changes to the statutory holiday entitlement Importance of Risk Assessments There are new rules for calculating the number of weeks' pay due as a result of Age Regulations. Establishing a policy for whistleblowing Minimum Wage Increase
September 06	How changes to employees’ contracts are made depend on the particular circumstances. Ensuring Health and Safety: The overriding principle. Managing sickness and absence tips What are written particulars of employment and who needs them?
July-August	Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006. Maternity and Parental Leave and the Paternity and Adoption Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2006 come into force If you are a company that still relies on CVs when recruiting, from the 1st October 2006, it will be unlawful for you to discriminate against a worker because of their age. An increase in cases and litigation has turned the legal spotlight on to the issue of references. All employers, irrespective of their size, will be asked to provide references at some time and it is Recruiting and selecting staff can be a minefield at the best of times. It can sometimes be expensive, time-consuming and a considerable drain on management time. Picasso HR team expansion - Lou Cessford joins us. Picasso HR has moved
May/June 2006	Research carried out by the CIPD has shown that an induction programme is key in increasing staff retention. Who will fill the shoes of your key staff when they move on? Avoiding the pitfalls of benefits based on length of service The risks faced by employees working alone. Could your company cope with the next increase in the minimum wage?
March/April 2006	New anti age discrimination legislation to take effect from October 2006. Implications for 48 hour weekly limit When thinking about dismissing an employee with less than 12 months service, don’t act hastily and assume you will be safe. As we begin a new tax year, and spring finally feels like it is on the way, it is a good time to time to take stock and think about the year ahead. Increases in statutory payments you need to be aware of.
January / February 2006	Recent cases have shown that employment tribunals are willing to widely interpret what amounts to a grievance letter. Statutory Redundancy Payments Increased Employers have a duty of care to their employees to ensure they do not suffer injuries at work and this does include psychiatric injury
November/December 05	Could the office party become a thing of the past as employers become increasingly concerned about the effect staff celebrations could have on their business? Changes in the scope of the Disability Discrimination Act will now offer protection to workers with progressive illnesses or mental health conditions. The impact for employers of the Governments desire to help working mothers and fathers.
September/October 2005	Employment Equality (Sex Discrimination) Regulations 2005 come into force It’s not too early to start planning for the introduction of Age Discrimination Legislation Death of Worker – Director Jailed over Health & Safety National Minimum Wage - Changes that you need to know Helping to stop critical employees leaving
July/August 2005	Case: Law firm guilty of sex discrimination Non-medical professionals are now able to dispense sick notes. After hiring a new employee, the last thing you want is to dismiss them because of poor performance. Amanda Baumguertel joins the Picasso HR team
May/June 2005	The Employment Rights Act 1996 was amended in 2003 and brought into force the right for employees to work flexibly should they be eligible. Find out how it affects your company. People with lost voices and those who are fat Employers must now offer employees a second chance to appeal against decisions imposed or they will risk breaching the statutory grievance procedure. ‘I’m too stressed to come to work’ – sound familiar?
April 2005	Discussion of the forthcoming changes to the maternity pay and leave changes. Did you know…? Support for trade unions. Desk skiving. Britons work longer.
Feb - March 05	Landmark case on homophobic taunts under Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Act The pitfalls of collecting information. What happend when the truth was uncovered !
January 2005	A play in 5 scenes dishing the dirt on employment law Granting compassionate leave is not as straigtforward as it may seem. This artice outlines some pitfalls. Tsunami fundraising and the Data Protection Act. Unpaid overtime. Cost of work based personal internet use.
December 2004	Why employers need to consider the potential pitfalls of age discrimination. You may know what reasonable use of the internet and email is – but do your employees? Workplace benefits, stress release. Conflict between the operational needs of business in order to get the job done and the desire to help the sick person's recovery
November 2004	A few intersting titbits Sexual Harrassment at the Xmas Party Are employers likely to face discrimination claims? Issues employers face with emplyee smoking Don’t end up regretting your actions. You may be right but, if you don’t do follow the right procedures, you can easily end up at an industrial tribunal.
October 2004	Talent management provides you with the opportunity to understand what ‘talents’ lie within your organisation and maximises the potential of these talents and gain a competitive advantage. A few facts that may surprise you.
September 2004	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. A few things you may be surprised about The latest changes to the National Minimum Wage. Changes in the forthcoming Disability Discrimination Act affect more businesses. The importance of training for managers.
July/August 2004	The smaller organisation has been fortunate enough to be exempt from some areas of legislation, this however is no longer the case. An implied contract may exist - but it may not be in your favour ! Information and consultation of Employees (ICE) Regulations Jenny Newton has joined Picasso HR as an HR advisor. Picasso HR is moving
June 2004	A few days after resigning, a retraction is made. Do we have to accept the retraction? Automatic fine of Ł1000 at tribunal if employee has not had Statement of Particulars of Employment. Research has shown that over 30% of new employees on their first day continue to search for another job. Find out how to retain employees.
May 2004	Time management workshop. Information and consultation Regulations Illegal Workers: Asylum & Immigration Act Changes
April 2004	ISSBA Trade Fair 2004 Make sure you know the issues behind dismissal.
March 2004	Use of mobile phones that take photos and record conversations Avoiding Common Redundancy Pitfalls Affordable Tribunal Insurance Would your employment procedures stand up in court?
February 2004	Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) - Your responsibilities New increases to SMP, SSP, unfair dismissal and redundancy pay Conflict Resolution for Results workshop
January 2004	Attracting & Retaining talent - a challenge you can meet in 2004 Disability & Health & Safety - Can there be conflicts at work? Scenario 1- A salesman diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
December 2003	Sexual Harassment at the Christmas Party Spot Spotlight on health & safety at work & Equal Pay claim
November 2003	Is it "Poor Timekeeping" or "Time off for dependants"? New & expectant mothers – employers duties under health & safety regulations What is the redundancy procedure for employees with under 12 month’s service? “No win, no fee” – claims on the increase 'Communication skills for relationship building' Workshop Don't forget mobile phone restrictions from 1st December
October 2003	The cost of workplace sickness and steps to reduce it Working Time Regulations 1998 - employers still get holiday pay wrong Rolled-up holiday pay Young workers - special rules
September 2003	Casino worker receives passive smoking payout of Ł50,000 Risk Assessment Workshop Performance Management Tips New Equality Laws coming into force in December New managers/supervisors workshop
July/August 2003	Six-Point Stress Code draft launched by HSE The do's and dont's of workplace monitoring Minimum wage increase in October 2003 New Supervisor/Team leader workshop H & S Risk Assessment workshop in September Planting a thought! Real plants for workplace benefits
June 2003	Racism is unhealthy and unproductive but it persists in the workplace Past retirement age? You still can't sack people!
May 2003	Surely men and women are treated equally at work? Performance Development training Racism in the workplace - Employers may still be liable
April 2003	Equal pay questionnaire from the Women and Equality website Unfair dismissal Wrongful dismissal Constructive dismissal
March 2003	Mental disabilities in the eyes of employment law Asthma and employers’ responsibilities Avoiding common redundancy pitfalls Compromise agreements Tribunal Insurance - reducing the legislation risk
February 2003	New Dismissal, Disciplinary and Grievance procedures Stress, and what happens when employees cannot cope with change Coaching for excellence
January 2003	New Employment Legislation 2003 and changes to existing legislation The pitfalls of giving references
December 2002	Part-time workers regulations (Prevention of less favourable treatment) 2000 Do you issue company mobile phones? How much do employees know about their employment rights?
October 2002	Working Time Regulations - First employer prosecution Legislation changes expected for April 2003
September 2002	Fixed Term Employees Regulations 2002 New Rights for Part-Time Workers from 1st October 2002
August 2002	How confident are you and your managers about implementing a disciplinary? Pregnant workers and risk assessment
June 2002	Do long-term sick employees accrue holiday? Government launch of new "Fitness Desk Aid" for GPs
May 2002	Is it the end of the road for final salary pension schemes? ACAS Found To Be Discriminating Against Women
April 2002	How well is your organisation geared up to dealing with unexpected change? Managing Employee Data
March 2002	Parental Leave Rights: New changes came into effect on 10 January 2002 Queen’s golden Jubilee bank holiday – 3rd June 2002 The World Cup – ‘Shall I go to work or watch footy?’ - Will absenteeism be ripe in your company during the World Cup? Draft Employment Bill 2002
February 2002	Disability Discrimination (Amendment) Bill Employment Tribunal Awards Increase Record sex discrimination pay out

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