19 March 2008

European Commission consults on European Works Councils

The Commission has invited the European social partners (ETUC and Business Europe) to consider how to improve the ways in which European Works Councils (EWCs) operate with a view to revising the European Directive governing this area.

Informing and consulting - is your business covered from 6 April 2008?

From 6 April 2008, if your business employs between 50 and 99 employees, you may come under a new obligation to inform and consult your employees about work-related issues.

Case law update - EAT rules on meaning of 'religion or belief' under discrimination legislation

The EAT has provided clarification of the meaning of 'religious or philosophical belief' under the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 - we look at the case.

Case law update - Is homophobia in the workplace discriminatory if the victim is not homosexual?

The EAT has held that homophobic banter does not amount to discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation where the victim was heterosexual and accepted that those who were ‘teasing’ him did not actually believe that he was homosexual.

Case law update - Dismissal for undergoing IVF treatment may amount to sex discrimination

The ECJ has held that the dismissal of a woman in connection with IVF treatment could amount to sex discrimination. We look at the implications for emloyers.

The rules on maternity benefits are changing

Changes to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 have been published in March which pave the way for new rules on benefits during maternity leave. We look at the implications for employers.

EEF launches search for new Midlands Director

Following a ballot of members, which overwhelmingly supported a re-structuring of its business, EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, has announced the launch of a recruitment process for a new Director of its operations in the Midlands .

Manufacturers welcome Extended Diplomas

Proposals announced to introduce a fourth tier of Extended Diplomas were welcomed by Britain’s manufacturers as a further attempt to ensure the new curriculum delivers excellence.

Chancellor urged to reduce corporation tax as survey reveals increased tax burden on business

It is vital the Chancellor resists the temptation, to plug the hole in the government’s finances by increasing business taxation in his Budget, according to EEF West Midlands.

Manufacturers support Bank's refusal to slash and burn

EEF West Midlands supported the decision to leave interest rates on hold, believing the Bank is right to take a gradual approach to further reductions given the potential risks from inflation.

Lack of tax strategy fails to impress EEF West Midlands

EEF West Midlands gave a mixed reaction to the Budget statement. While welcoming the measures announced as part of the Enterprise White Paper, they expressed disappointment at the lack of any announcement on the future direction of tax policy.

Regulatory measures in Budget can be most significant step yet to address burdens on business

Measures announced in the Budget on Regulation, if carried forward, could represent one of the most significant steps yet taken to address regulatory burdens on business according to EEF, the manufacturers organisation.

Manufacturers welcome proposals to address culture of sickness absence

Britain’s manufacturing employers have strongly endorsed the government proposals announced today to promote rehabilitation and get people back to work, believing they will make a significant contribution to the culture change needed to tackle unnecessary sickness absence.

Inflation Figures

Latest data has been released. Next published data available 15 April 2008.

Click below...

Retail Prices, Tax Prices, Consumer Prices.

EEF Technology Centre needs your help

Are you having a spring clean of your stores department and considering throwing away any unwanted kit?

Find out more...

80 days before REACH pre-registration begins – are you ready?

From 12 March there remains only 80 days before the formal requirements of REACH begin in earnest. Pre-registration starts on 1 June and continues for six months, closing on 30 November. This is a critical period for manufacturers and/or importers of chemical substances, preparations and some articles. We look at what you need to do.

Budget 2008 Representations to HM Treasury

Twenty organisations representing manufacturing and its financing have combined with EEF to produce this submission.

Weekly Policy Briefing - 7 March

EEF's weekly developments in policy & representation

Apprenticeships - Discussion and workshop

To be held on Friday 18 April 2008 at EEF Technology Centre. We are in the process of reviewing the apprenticeship models we currently deliver. We would very much appreciate your input and thoughts, through informal discussion, about new approaches to the delivery of apprentice programmes.

Find out more...

Train to Gain

EEF Technology Centre has secured funding for West Midlands based companies (of any employee size) to train and assess employees against the NVQ Level 2 and 3 standards.

Find out more...