- the main rate for workers aged 21 and over will increase to £6.08
- the rate for 18-20 year olds will increase to £4.98
- the rate for 16-17 year olds will increase to £3.68
- the rate for apprentices under 19 years old, or over 19 years and in the first year of their apprenticeship, will increase to £2.60
Friday 30 September 2011
Increase in the National Minimum Wage
With effect from 1 October 2011 the National Minimum Wage will increase as follows:
Thursday 15 September 2011
Do your staff enhance or damage your business reputation?
Yesterday was an interesting day. The Transport Minister has referred to rail travel as a 'rich man's toy'. Well I am neither male nor rich but I forked out for a first class ticket from Manchester to London for a 'women in business' trip to Westminster and the Houses of Parliament.
The train journey, both there and back, was anything but a first class experience. The staff on the outbound train were, at best, surly and disinterested and at worst, just plain rude. The breakfast, however, was good so that was some compensation.
On the return trip, 20 tired but happy ladies boarded the train at Euston and took up our reserved seats in 1st class, only to be told by the train manager that there was no food or provisions for us, other than tea or coffee, because we weren't expected. So how does that work when you have a seat reservation? The staff on this train, to their credit, coped very well with our complaints and did their best to pacify us. Eventually, after much protestation from 20, now unhappy, ladies some wine was conjured up, along with the odd can of coke, packet of crisps and piece of cake.
Compare this then with the staff at Westminster. The catering and security staff were exceptional. Totally professional with impeccable manners but friendly and approachable too. A difficult balance, expertly achieved. Lunch on the terrace at Westminster overlooking the river Thames was a joy. As was the opportunity to speak to the small number of MPs who graced us with their presence. What a pity the Transport Secretary was nowhere to be seen!
The train journey, both there and back, was anything but a first class experience. The staff on the outbound train were, at best, surly and disinterested and at worst, just plain rude. The breakfast, however, was good so that was some compensation.
On the return trip, 20 tired but happy ladies boarded the train at Euston and took up our reserved seats in 1st class, only to be told by the train manager that there was no food or provisions for us, other than tea or coffee, because we weren't expected. So how does that work when you have a seat reservation? The staff on this train, to their credit, coped very well with our complaints and did their best to pacify us. Eventually, after much protestation from 20, now unhappy, ladies some wine was conjured up, along with the odd can of coke, packet of crisps and piece of cake.
Compare this then with the staff at Westminster. The catering and security staff were exceptional. Totally professional with impeccable manners but friendly and approachable too. A difficult balance, expertly achieved. Lunch on the terrace at Westminster overlooking the river Thames was a joy. As was the opportunity to speak to the small number of MPs who graced us with their presence. What a pity the Transport Secretary was nowhere to be seen!
Tuesday 13 September 2011
The Agency Workers Regulations are only a couple of weeks away - are you ready?
With effect from 1 October 2011 the regulations relating to agency workers will change, bringing with them implications for both the agencies who supply staff and the companies who utilise their services.
From day 1 of appointing an agency worker you must give them access to facilities such as a staff canteen, a workplace crèche, staff common room, prayer room etc, as you would a permanent employee. In addition, you will be obliged to give agency workers access to information regarding job vacancies within the business.
After 12 weeks the agency worker will be entitled to equal treatment in relation to pay and other basic working conditions, such as annual leave/rest breaks, as your permanent employees. In addition, pregnant agency workers who have completed the 12 week qualifying period will be entitled to paid time off for ante natal appointments.
The regulations are comprehensive. There are some exceptions to the above guidelines and the 'qualifying clock' relating to the 12 week period will stop in certain circumstances. However, in others, the qualifying clock will only pause.
Whether you are a regular user of agency workers, or only an occasional user, you need to make sure you are up-to-date and compliant with the new legislation. Don't get caught out. If in doubt, seek advice.
From day 1 of appointing an agency worker you must give them access to facilities such as a staff canteen, a workplace crèche, staff common room, prayer room etc, as you would a permanent employee. In addition, you will be obliged to give agency workers access to information regarding job vacancies within the business.
After 12 weeks the agency worker will be entitled to equal treatment in relation to pay and other basic working conditions, such as annual leave/rest breaks, as your permanent employees. In addition, pregnant agency workers who have completed the 12 week qualifying period will be entitled to paid time off for ante natal appointments.
The regulations are comprehensive. There are some exceptions to the above guidelines and the 'qualifying clock' relating to the 12 week period will stop in certain circumstances. However, in others, the qualifying clock will only pause.
Whether you are a regular user of agency workers, or only an occasional user, you need to make sure you are up-to-date and compliant with the new legislation. Don't get caught out. If in doubt, seek advice.
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