2 May 2007

May Day Bank Holiday
Although these offices will be closed on Monday 7 May 2007, there will be skeleton cover on the employee relations and the health and safety duty desks.

hr & legal

Acas have just released their latest publication called Flexible Working and Work-Life Balance.

This comprehensive document provides a useful insight into flexible working, from drawing up a policy to planning shift rotas.

Tribunals – minimising the risks

A half day seminar to take place on Tuesday 5 June 2007 for all those who have responsibility for handling a tribunal claim and liaising with representatives, and anyone who may be asked to appear as a witness.

Just 3.5% of employment claims upheld by tribunal

Just 3.5% of all claims against EEF West Midlands members were upheld last year. In its annual publication of Employment Tribunal statistics, EEF West Midlands also reveal that the number of claims brought against its members fell by 10% last year.

Lapsed disciplinary warnings – can these ever be taken into account by employers?

Employees guilty of misconduct are commonly issued with formal warnings. The ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures indicates that final warnings should normally have a time limit of 12 months. Legislation specifically states that the ACAS Code should be taken into account by employment tribunals, and the Code is used by employment tribunals as a guide to ‘good sound industrial practice’.

Survey reveals biggest annual decline in Trade Union membership since 1998

The DTI has recently published the latest figures on trade union membership in the UK based on the Labour Force Survey for December 2006.

Consultation on Paul Thornton’s Review of Pensions Institutions

A copy of EEF’s response to the consultation document on the emerging issues arising out of Paul Thornton’s Review of Pensions Institutions has recently been submitted to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

DTI’s further consultation on increasing annual holiday entitlement

EEF’s response to the DTI’s further consultation on increasing annual holiday entitlement has recently been sent to the DTI.

Court of Appeal ruling on sick leave pay

Court of Appeal ruling means employers will rarely be obliged to pay disabled employees more than non-disabled employees whilst on sick leave.

Why great care is needed when contemplating increasing an employee’s disciplinary penalty on an appeal

Premier Foods plc v Garner provides a tale of caution for employers thinking of increasing a disciplinary penalty on appeal. In this case, the employer’s failure to recommence the statutory dismissal procedure resulted in a finding of automatic unfair dismissal.

When might an individual be entitled to compensation for a breach of the Data Protection Act?

If you collect, use or store personal information about your employees in a way that breaches the Data Protection Act 1998, what factors will affect whether that individual can be compensated for your breach?

Part-timers’ entitlement to bank holidays

The Court of Session has recently considered whether part-time employees who do not work on Mondays are entitled to a pro-rata apportionment of extra time off in respect of Monday bank holidays.

health & safety

NEBOSH National Certificate (Level 3) in Construction Safety and Health

A 15 day block release course to be held on 11-15 June, 2-6 July and 13-17 August 2007.

This Certificate is recognised as the standard qualification in health and safety for the non-safety specialist. It consists of two two-hour examinations on completion of the course and a practical assessment which is normally carried out at the candidate’s place of work on completion of the course and must be submitted for an assessment within seven working days of the programme.

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

A one-day practical workshop to be held on Tuesday 12 June 2007.

This workshop will enable delegates by syndicate exercises and practical learning to develop an understanding of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) and be able to carry out a practical and documented COSHH risk assessment.

CDM Roles and Responsibilities

A half-day practical short course to be held on Wednesday 13 June 2007.

This half day training session, will enable you to understand the complexities of CDM and help you decide if current or future projects need to comply.

'Lighten the Load' - Europe wide health and safety campaign

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work is running a campaign on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Find out how you can get involved.

Mental Health - Line Managers’ Resource

EEF is taking part in a review of the popular Line Managers’ Resource previously published by the mind out for mental health campaign.

environment

EEF Responds to RIA on the Water Framework Directive

EEF has responded to the Regulatory Impact Assessment for a proposed Daughter Directive to the Water Framework Directive.

EEF responds to EA consultation on a Unified Charging Framework

EEF has welcomed the Environment Agency (EA) consultation on a Unified Charging Framework (UCF) as a positive step forward in the way that industry pays for the services that the EA provide.

education & skills

UK Skills Competitions - call for employer support

What can you do to help the UK win medals in the Skills Olympics?

policy & representation

Future of the DTI

EEF believes that the current structure of the DTI and business support structure is not sustainable and needs reform. In particular, the current overlap with the Treasury as to which department is responsible for driving the productivity agenda and promoting economic growth causes confusion.

Export Support & UKTI Strategy

UK manufacturers have become more dependent on exports as the decisions by major UK customers to buy from abroad or offshore production have weakened growth in the home market. While the home market remains important, exporting offers the best opportunities for expansion for many companies.

Energy Policy

Energy has risen to the top of the business and political agenda for the following reasons 1. The increased cost of electricity and gas which are now the highest in Europe 2. The need to develop a long term energy strategy for the UK to ensure a competitive and secure supply 3. The need to address climate change, reductions in emissions and promote energy efficiency Following EEF pressure government set up the Business Energy Forum in the autumn of 2005 to monitor the situation short term through the winter of 2005/06.

other

Telecommunications – improving efficiency and saving costs

A half day workshop to be held on Tuesday 5 June 2007 at St James’s House.

In the past few years there has been a major shift in the way that telecommunications services have been provided to businesses. There has been a proliferation of mobile telephony service and devices and also widespread acceptance of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as a way of communicating.

Preparation for Retirement

A one day seminar to be held on Wednesday 20 June 2007.

The seminar is suitable for all employees, regardless of status, who want to prepare for their retirement. We would recommend employees should be within 10 years of anticipated retirement age. A programme is enclosed; this sets out to highlight some of the areas where retired people may run into difficulties or fail to make the wisest decisions regarding the financial resources available to them.

Wayne’s marathon effort was grand display

We would like to congratulate Wayne McCormack who raised over £1000 for Children with Leukaemia by running the London Marathon.