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This section details news updates relating to Human Resources.
Pay Progression
The CIPD has issued a factsheet entitled Pay Progression.
The factsheet discusses the how pay progression is the "real" growth in pay, after pay increases for cost of living, the impact of pay structures on individual pay progression, methods of determining pay progression (service related increments, age-related increments, individual performance-related pay (merit pay), team performance pay, organisational performance, competency pay, skills-based pay, market rates, incidence of pay progression arrangements), controlling pay progression and other issues which may arise in the process.
The factsheet can be viewed here
Pay Structures
The CIPD has issued a factsheet entitled Pay Structures.
The factsheet looks at the rationale for pay structures, multiple v single pay structures, types of pay structures, the incidence of pay structures and creating and revising pay structures.
The factsheet can be viewed here
Employers' Liability Insurance
The Health and Safety Executive have updated their guidance on employers' liability insurance.
"Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969. A guide for employers" discusses what employers' liability insurance is, the position on employers' liability insurance if the employer has employees abroad, how much cover will be required, telling employees about employers' liability insurance, retention of insurance certificates and what happens if an employer does not have employers' liability insurance.
The guidance can be viewed at here
National Minimum Wage Rates from October
The national minimum wage rates are increased from 1st October to workers aged 22 and over - £5.73 per hour, workers aged 18-21 - £4.77 per hour and workers aged 16-17 - £3.53 per hour.
Redundancy: a simplified guide
'Redundancy: a simplified guide' has been produced by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, the document claims that it "provides an overview of procedures, rights and entitlements in redundancy proceedings".
To download a copy of the leaflet (195 KB) click here
Recruitment, Retention and Turnover Survey
The CIPD has published the 2008 version of its annual survey on "Recruitment, retention and turnover"
It covers recruiting employees, checking candidate applications, web 2.0 and recruitment, diversity and labour turnover.
To view the survey click here
Employee Turnover and Retention
The CIPD has updated its factsheet on employee turnover and retention.
The factsheet discusses when employee turnover becomes problematic, explains how to measure employee turnover and retention and how to cost employee turnover, sets out why people leave organisations and provides advice on improving employee retention
To view the factsheet click here
Job Evaluation: Considerations and Risks
ACAS has issued an advisory booklet entitled Job evaluation: considerations and risks.
The booklet discusses what job evaluation is, the issues an organisation needs to consider before it undertakes a job evaluation exercise, building a job evaluation scheme and includes an appendix on job evaluation and the law
To view the booklet click here
Teamworking
The CIPD has updated its factsheet on teamworking.
The factsheet looks at what a team is and the different types of team, discusses the benefits of teamworking, looks at the stages of team development, identifies the characteristics of effective teams, looks at team roles (personality types) and team selection, discusses team size, team leadership, team training and learning and team reward.
To view the factsheet click here
Smoking at Work
The CIPD has updated its factsheet on smoking at work.
The factsheet looks at the legal position and discusses the effect of the new legislation, what the smoking ban means for employers, the effect of the smoking ban in Scotland and Ireland (where smoking has been banned in the workplace for some time), discusses how to develop a policy and the enforcement of the ban and outlines the penalties for failing to enforce a smoking ban.
To view the factsheet click here
Psychological Testing
The CIPD has updated its factsheet on psychological testing.
The factsheet looks at what psychological testing is, training on test use, tests delivered online, establishing a policy on test use, selecting a psychological test, issues to be considered in test use, monitoring, psychological testing and disability and legal matters.
To view the factsheet click here
Working Time and Leave
The CIPD has updated its factsheet on working time and leave.
The factsheet discusses hours worked (including overtime)and the UK's long hours culture, holidays (including the legal position) and special leave (including public duties, court service, trade union duties and activities, military training and service as a member of the Territorial Army, maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave and personal and domestic leave).
To view the factsheet click here
Creating a Learning and Development Plan
A workbook about how to create a learning and development plan for a third sector organisation has been produced by sector support umbrella body NAVCA. The Get Skilled Workbook is aimed at those working with local groups.
To download the workbook (1.59MB) click here
Support for Portuguese Workers in the UK
A web site specifically for the large number of Portuguese workers in the UK has been launched by the TUC. With input from Citizens Advice, it explains the rights workers can expect at work and also contains information about social issues such as housing and health.
The Portuguese language site is at http://www.trabalharnoreinounido.org
Employee relations
The CIPD have updated their factsheet entitled "Employee relations: an overview".
It considers at the concept of industrial relations in the sense of the relationship between employers and employees collectively, discusses what this means for employers, "employee engagement", the competencies needed for employee relations, management of workplace conflict and looks at the value of employee relations.
To view the factsheet click here
Talent Management
The CIPD have updated their factsheet entitled “Talent management: an overview".
It defines "talent management" as "the systematic attraction, identification, development, engagement/ retention and deployment of those individuals with high potential who are of particular value to an organisation."
The factsheet discusses the alignment of a talent management strategy with a corporate strategy, involving the right people, attracting talent, developing talent, managing talent and evaluation of talent management
To view the factsheet click here
Leadership
The CIPD have updated their factsheet entitled “Leadership: an overview".
It looks at what leadership is and identifies the attributes which effective leaders have, discusses how leadership differs from management, defines 3 different levels of leadership, discusses the development of leaders and the role of the "strategic leader".
To view the factsheet click here
Employers’ Liability Insurance Certificate
As from 1st October 2008, the rules requiring an employer to display an employers’ liability insurance certificate will be changed so that the certificate can be made available in electronic format as long as it is readily available to relevant employees.
This change is included in the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) (Amendment) Regulations 2008, the new Regulations will still allow employers to keep the certificate displayed in the workplace at each place of business if this method of the preferred one.
It should be noted that an employer will still be required to retain a copy of each certificate for 40 years and that a fine of up to £1,000 may be imposed for a failure to display and/or provide a copy of a certificate to an inspector on request.
Job Evaluation
The CIPD have updated their factsheet on job evaluation.
The factsheet gives introductory guidance on a definition of job evaluation, looks at the two main types of scheme - analytical and non-analytical, highlights some of the major schemes and providers, suggests an implementation process and includes the CIPD viewpoint.
For more information click here
Employment Tribunals
The CIPD have updated their factsheet on employment tribunals.
This factsheet gives introductory guidance on the role of employment tribunals and the facilities for settling claims, how a claim is made and progressed, ongoing and future developments and gives an overview of compromise arrangements.
For more information click here
Contracts of Employment
The CIPD have updated their factsheet on contracts of employment.
This factsheet gives introductory guidance on contracts of employment and the legal position, outlines the key types of contracts, summarises the key requirements of the written statement of particulars and provides some action points to consider when drafting or amending contracts.
For more information click here
Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations
The CIPD have updated their factsheet on the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations.
The factsheet looks at what issues will be subject to information and consultation, what constitutes "consultation" and how employers should prepare.
For more information click here
Changes to Pensions During Maternity Leave
Changes to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 that came into effect on 6 April 2008 have the effect of requiring employers to continue pension accrual and contributions whilst an employee is absent on unpaid maternity leave.
The Government's position is that "the employer need not continue pension contributions during unpaid leave unless the contract of employment provides otherwise". However, some legal advisors believe that the legal position is not quite that straightforward and employers and trustees are advised to seek professional advice on reviewing their pension arrangements and scheme rules.
Guidance on Discipline and Grievance
Acas has issued draft guidance to accompany its new Code of Practice on discipline and grievance. The Code has been revised to reflect changes being made to workplace dispute resolution due to upcoming employment law, and has also been streamlined to 12 pages. The guidance is more detailed and somewhat longer. While this is only draft, the importance of the Code is such that it is worth taking into account.
For more information click here
Supporting Those Dealing With Mental Health Issues
The Shaw Trust has created a web site to provide information and advice on how to support staff who are dealing with mental health issues.
This may be a useful resource for managers and personnel departments
To visit the website click here
Personal Liability to Pay Disability Compensation
Claims for discrimination can be brought not only against the employer, but also against individual workers who have carried out discriminatory acts or instructed or induced others to do so.
An example of this was in a case in 2007 when the Chief Executive of a charity for deaf people was personally required to pay compensation to an employee. The employee was a sign language teacher with severe hearing impairment. The Chief Executive persistently refusing to use sign language in her presence and the teacher resigned, bringing claims for less favourable treatment and harassment on grounds of disability and constructive unfair dismissal against the charity, its Chief Executive and her supervisor.
The charity and supervisor reached an amicable settlement with the employee, but the Chief Executive did not and was required by the tribunal to pay her £2,310 for injury to feelings.
Awards against individuals are unusual in discrimination cases, but they can and do happen.
National Minimum Wage
The CIPD has updated its introductory factsheet on the National Minimum Wage. It provides basic information on current rates, the operation, scope and enforcement.
To view the factsheet click here
Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Rights
The CIPD have updated their Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Rights factsheet.
It discusses the law in this area, looks at maternity rights, paternity leave and pay,* adoption pay and adoption leave, the recovery of Statutory Maternity Pay, Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay and what an employee may do if any of these rights are breached
To read the factsheet click here
Job Evaluation
The CIPD have updated their on Job Evaluation factsheet.
It gives a definition of job evaluation, comments on when it should be used, looks at the types of job evaluation scheme, discusses the design of job evaluation schemes and suggests an implementation process.
To read the factsheet click here
Training: an Overview
The CIPD have issued a new Training: an Overview factsheet.
It defines what "learning", "training" and "development" mean, looks at training as a part of learning and examines at common learning and development techniques.
To read the factsheet click here
Tax Allowances and National Insurance Thresholds
From 6 April 2008 the basic personal allowance is increased to £5,435. The 10% starting rate for tax is abolished, and the basic rate is changed from 22% to 20% for earnings from £0 to £36,000. Higher rate remains 40%, for earnings above £36,000.
The starting point for national insurance contributions, known as the primary threshold is increased from £100 to £105 per week, and the upper earnings limit for employees' NIC from £670 to £770 per week.
For more information go to www.hmrc.gov.uk/rates/index.htm
Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay
For payment weeks starting on or after 6 April 2008, Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) remains 90% of the woman's weekly earnings for the first six weeks. For the remainder of the SMP period the flat weekly rate is £117.18 or 90% of her average weekly earnings, whichever is less.
Statutory paternity pay and statutory adoption pay are £117.18 per week or 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings, whichever is less.
The CIPD have produced a factsheet on maternity, paternity and adoption rights which can be seen www.cipd.co.uk/subjects/emplaw/maternity/matpat.htm
Statutory Sick Pay
For employees earning £90 per week or more, the Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rate for sickness absence on or after 6 April 2008 is £75.40 per week.
PAYE Forms Online Filing Changes
Organisations with 50 or more employees will need to file starter and leaver information (P45s etc) online from April 2009, with smaller employers following two years later in April 2011.
For more information click here
Employing People With Criminal Records
The CIPD have updated their factsheet on "Employing people with criminal records" The factsheet looks at what constitutes a "criminal record", the law relating to criminal records including relevant elements of the Police Act 1997 on CRB checks, risk management and makes recommendations to employers including development of a policy on employing those with a criminal record
This document can be seen by clicking here
The Environment and People Management
The CIPD have updated their factsheet entitled "The Environment and People Management" It discusses the concept of sustainable development in relation to people management, environmental reporting within the organisation, why an employer should introduce environmental policies, what sort of environmental policies can they introduce (transport, travel to work, flexible working and recycling) and how to introduce and develop environmental policies
This document can be seen by clicking here
Secondment
The CIPD have updated their Secondment factsheet which looks at what secondment is, types of secondment, pros and cons of secondment and what employers can do to encourage a successful secondment programme.
Click here to view the factsheet.
Performance Management
The CIPD have updated their Performance Management factsheet which looks at what performance management is, how it works and the tools of performance management.
Click here to view the factsheet.
Occupational Health and Organisational Effectiveness
The CIPD have amended their Occupational Health and Organisational Effectiveness factsheet which looks at the role and services which may be provided by an occupational health and suggests an action plan for implementation of an occupational health service
Click here to view the factsheet.
Managing conflict
A new guide from CIPD, draws on research "to identify the behaviours that will help line managers identify and proactively manage disputes at work".
To find out more click here
Redundancy
The CIPD have amended their factsheet on Redundancy. It includes information on the legal issues involved and managing redundancy i.e. planning and preventive measures, seeking volunteers for redundancy, individual and collective consultation, selection, notification, unfair dismissal, appeals, alternative work, time off, compensation, counselling and support.
To find out more click here
Induction
The CIPD have updated their factsheet on Induction". It includes what an induction programme is for, who needs an induction programme and the potential consequences of not having one, the basic components of an induction programme, the advantages and disadvantages of formal induction programmes and provides an example of an induction checklist.
To find out more click here
Identifying learning and training needs
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) have revised their factsheet entitled "Identifying learning and training needs”.
Training needs analysis is the systematic gathering of data to find out where there are gaps in the existing skills and knowledge of employees.
To view the factsheet click here
Developing senior managers
The CIPD have issued a factsheet entitled "Developing senior managers".
The factsheet looks at the development needs that senior managers may have.
To view the factsheet click here
Training policy and strategy
The CIPD have updated their factsheet entitled "Training policy and strategy.
It looks at the differences between a training strategy and a training policy, how to put a strategy together and how to develop policies which implement the strategy
To view the factsheet click here
Employee engagement
The CIPD have issued a factsheet entitled "Employee engagement"
They define "employee engagement" as a combination of commitment to the organisation and its values plus a willingness to help out colleagues.
The factsheet looks at how employers can build an engaged workforce, the likely outcomes of engagement and the implications for managers.
To view the factsheet click here
Mentoring
The CIPD have issued a factsheet entitled "Mentoring".
The factsheet looks at what mentoring is and how it differs from coaching, the benefits to the organisation and the individuals concerned, different types of mentoring activity and when it is appropriate to use mentoring
To view the factsheet click here
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