18 April 2007

hr & legal

ACAS has produced two revised guides:

EEF Response to Consultation Paper on Emerging Issues from the Review of Pensions Institutions

In January 2007, the government appointed Paul Thornton to lead an external review of the organisations involved in the regulation and protection of workplace pensions and to present his findings and recommendations in spring 2007. EEF has responded to the consultation document on the emerging findings.

EEF Response to DTI Consultation Document on 'Workplace Representatives - A Review of their Facilities and Facility Time'

In this response, EEF has argued that there is no clear evidence in the DTI consultation document to justify making changes to the current legislation on the facilities and time off arrangements for workplace employee representatives.

Case law update: EAT judgment on religious discrimination

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has recently ruled that a Muslim teaching assistant was not subjected to direct discrimination on the ground of religion or belief by a requirement that she remove her veil while teaching. It also held that although the ‘no veil policy’ was indirectly discriminatory on the ground of religion, it could be justified.

Can You Take into Account the Views of a Third Party During a Redundancy Exercise?

In Loosley v Social Action for Health , the EAT found that in some limited circumstances it is legitimate for an employer to take into account the views of a third party when considering to whom it will offer alternative employment.

health, safety & environmental services

EEF response to third Environmental Permitting Programme consultation

EEF responded positively to DEFRA's third consultation on the Environmental Permitting Programme. The consultation canvassed for views on the three specific EPP guidance documents but also presented an opportunity to respond on general issues of concern.

Control of Contractors

A half day practical short course to be held on Tuesday 22 May 2007. This course will enable you to properly control contractors so that financial and safety risks are effectively managed.

Fire Marshals’ Duties

A half day course to be held on Tuesday 5 June 2007. This course will outline the duties of appointed Fire Marshals. The content of this course will reflect current legislation and the impending Fire Safety Order.

Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace CIEH Level 2 – Accredited course

This course replaces the CIEH Foundation Certificate in Health and Safety in the Workplace. Good health and safety standards rely on employers and employees working together. This qualification provides essential knowledge and an understanding of health and safety for all employees working in any business sector.

Information & Research

Inflation indices

Latest data has been released. Next published data available 15 May 2007.

>Click below
Retail Prices, Tax & Prices, Consumer Prices.

Framework for Excellence launched to give employers clear view of further education

The new framework which will enable employers and learners to assess the quality of further education has been launched by the government

Delivering World-class Skills in a Demand-led System

We have published our response to the DfES / LSC consultation on proposed changes to Further Education.

Other

People Seeking Employment

View the latest people who are looking for employment and/or member companies who are making redundancies and advertising their personnel.

Association Contacts

Attached is the latest version of Association Contacts – April 2007.

Chance to increase sales and form new partnerships with overseas buyers

UK firms will have the chance to increase sales and form new partnerships with overseas buyers at this year's Environmental Technologies trade exhibition (ET), part of Sustainabilitylive! 2007. UK Trade & Investment will be organising one to one meetings at the event with UK suppliers and delegates from some of the world's fastest growing environmental technology markets.

Warwick Business School investigating companies’ employee consultation practices

Academics from Warwick Business School are seeking medium-sized enterprises to take part in a research project investigating companies' employee consultation practices.

Expansion to Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) announced

Industry and Regions Minister Margaret Hodge recently announced an expansion to the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS). The successful, highly regarded business diagnostic service will offer all small and medium sized manufacturing firms up to four days free advice from April next year.

Employers Annual return deadline is 19 May 2007

A reminder that all employers must send an Employer's Annual Return (P35 and P14s) to HMRC, if they have engaged an employee and deducted PAYE and National Insurance. The deadline for filing of returns with HMRC is 19 May 2007.