6 February 2008

Case law update - Next step in the long term sickness and holiday pay saga

The Advocate General has held that workers who are on long term sick leave should continue to accrue statutory annual leave, but that they should not be able to take this paid leave during the sick leave.

Case law update - Should you follow a misconduct or capability procedure over bizarre employee behaviour?

If you suspect an employee's gross misconduct might be due to a mental illness, is it still safe to follow the disciplinary procedure? Probably not, following an EAT ruling.

Case law update - Can the TUPE Regulations apply to transfers outside the UK?

For the first time, the EAT has considered whether the TUPE Regulations have the potential to apply to transfers of businesses outside the UK (and outside the EU). The EAT has ruled that they can.

Online dating agency for 2012 Olympics

Firms in the West Midlands are being urged to secure a slice of the estimated £30 billion worth of contracts for the 2012 Olympics. A website now has been set up to link businesses of all sizes with contracts for the games.

Companies invited to view apprenticeship training facilities

EEF West Midlands' Technology Centre in South Birmingham is opening it doors for companies in the region to talk to staff about apprenticeships.

CGT patch up fails to completely repair damage from pre-budget say manufacturers

The announcement on Capital Gains Tax is helpful in providing an incentive for entrepreneurs and investors in business assets according to EEF, the manufacturers' organisation.

Manufacturers welcome Apprenticeship Review

EEF West Midlands today gave its backing to the government's Apprenticeship Review believing it can make a significant contribution to improving and extending the apprenticeship programme.

Manufacturers can lead the way in meeting UK's climate targets

By 2020, the UK must source 15% of its energy from renewable sources and cut CO2 emissions by 16% in response to challenging targets set by the European Commission. This will create significant challenges for industry in terms of its competitiveness.

Train to Gain

The Technology Centre still has access to generous funding to support you, your company and your employees under the 'train to gain' initiative. Funding is available for both level 2 and level 3 training. For an information pack and a no obligation discussion please contact Jeff Matthews on 0121 707 1414

Business Trends Survey February 2008

The deadline for the survey is Wednesday 20 February 2008. If you have not yet completed and returned your questionaire, please return it for the attention of Andrew Richards or fax to 0121 454 6745. With thanks in anticipation.

Looking for Apprentices?

Take advantage of our free Engineering Connections website by advertising your apprenticeship vacancies at www.apprentices.co.uk. Sign up before Friday 15 February and your ad will be included in the 2008 Engineering Apprenticeship Directory, this will be distributed to schools, colleges, libraries and Connexion services in March. For more information call free on 0800 917 1617.

Engineering Apprentice of the Year awards 2008

The annual competition to find the Engineering Apprentice of the Year will soon be underway.

Economic Briefing - February 2008

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

Up to 50% refund on your HS&E costs!

SMEs within the West Midlands are likely to qualify for a refund of up to half the total cost of Health, Safety and Environmental project work involving SES during 2008.

Delivering the low carbon economy

Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge that the manufacturing industry will face. Our new report and online seminar can help you to understand the tremendous opportunities available to those who develop and deliver low carbon products and services.

Carbon Reduction Commitment Workshop - 7 March 2008

Defra invites stakeholders to attend a workshop to discuss the government's response to the Consultation on the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC).

How would your company fare in a resource efficiency league table?

The Environment Agency (EA) has published the findings of its study ' Using science to create a better place ', which assesses the capability to build and publish profiles of resource efficiency performance of the industries it regulates. How would your business fare?

Take advantage of HSE's free REACH ebulletin

Don't miss out! Receive the latest news and information on REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & restriction of Chemicals) in a free regular email newsletter from the UK's competent authority.

Delivering the low carbon economy - Business opportunities for UK manufacturers

For forward thinking companies, the transition to a low carbon economy will present tremendous opportunities for those who develop and deliver low carbon products and services.