5 March 2008

Dr Cedric Thomas

It is with great sadness that we have to report that Dr Cedric Thomas CBE, former Chief Executive of the Association, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, 26 February, he was 77.

Cedric held the office of Chief Executive at St James’s House from 1984 to 1991. Our thoughts are with his family.

Notice of Association Annual General Meeting

We have pleasure in inviting you, or another representative of your company, to attend the Association Annual General Meeting to be held at St James's House on Friday, 11 April 2008 commencing at 11.45 am (coffee available from 11.30 am).

Additional paternity leave: a step closer to the statute books

In this briefing, we update you on the government's latest decisions on how additional paternity leave and pay will operate.

Case law update: ill health retirement must be considered before dismissing an employee for long term sickness

The EAT has held that employers should give proper consideration to their ill health retirement scheme before dismissing an employee for long term sickness.

Personal accounts - how your business may be affected by the 2012 pensions reforms

In 2012, a new type of pension provision known as personal accounts will be introduced. This change will affect every employer, even those who already offer their employees a pension.

Agency Workers Bill proves MPs and Trade Unions are living in the past

EEF West Midlands is urging all MPs in the region to vote against the Temporary and Agency Workers (Equal Treatment) Bill, when it receives its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday.

Manufacturing offers ray of hope amid uncertain economic outlook

Manufacturers continue to record growth and remain optimistic about the future despite broader concerns about the economy, according to an authoritative survey of the sector published today by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation and Grant Thornton.

National Minimum Wage rate announced

The government has announced the new rates for the National Minimum Wage

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New High Growth Business Support Programme in Birmingham

Birmingham City Council is funding the new High Growth Business Support Programme (following the Enterprise City Pilot) until June 2009. This is a fully funded programme designed for high growth businesses based in the Birmingham area we could benefit from bespoke coaching and mentoring over a 12 month period.

Business Trends Survey March 2008

Details have been collected from our members who have reported on the trends of the last three months and the expected trends over the next three months.

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Pay Settlements Survey February 2008

Details have been collected from our members who have recently settled their pay negotiations.

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Economic Briefing - March 2008

EEF's monthly bulletin examines economic trends for manufacturing, engineering and technology based businesses.

EEF Technology Centre needs your help

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

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Association Golf Society membership for 2008 season

All executives of member companies who are members of recognised golf clubs are invited to rejoin/join the Association Golf Society in 2008. Society meetings offer an excellent opportunity for members to maintain or establish friendly relationships within a social and sporting environment.

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