House of Commons Update - The temp debate is set to continue
The debate on the Temporary and Agency Workers (Equal Treatment) Bill ended inconclusively this month and the Bill will now be considered by a House of Commons Committee.
During the Bill debate, Andrew Miller MP, who has tabled the Bill, highlighted his concerns that temporary workers do not have access to training at that they should receive fair remuneration for work of equal value. Pat McFadden MP, Minister for Employment Relations confirmed that the Government could not support the Bill. He went on to make the case that all vulnerable workers should be protected, whether they are in temporary or permanent employment and that it should not be assumed that a temporary worker is automatically a vulnerable worker.
Charles Hendry MP, speaking on behalf of the Conservatives supported the need to preserve our flexible labour market.
Commenting on the ongoing debate, Tom Hadley, the REC's Director of External Relations, said: “It’s time to move this debate on. The data provided through the REC Industry Research Unit and the lobbying activities of the REC and its members have already played a massive role in getting our message across. "The national and regional press coverage of the REC view and the fact that our data was quoted during the House of Commons debate are both good signs. The REC and other business bodies do not support exploitation of temporary workers... read more
Source The REC
Back to top
Agency worker’s claim to Court of Appeal fails
The Court of Appeal has handed down judgment on a case which confirms that only on the grounds of necessity can an employment tribunal imply a contract of employment between an agency worker and the end-user of his or her services.
In the case, James v London Borough of Greenwich, the court made it clear that is not for courts or tribunals to extend employment protection rights to agency workers and Parliament would have to be responsible for further developments on this. Commenting on the judgment, Belinda Brooke, the REC's Head of Legal Services said: “The decision of the Court of Appeal today in James and Greenwich Council is a triumph for common sense. It has been made clear that unless there is a change in the law an employment contract between an agency worker and an end user can only be implied if it is necessary to make sense of the arrangements between the two parties.
“Some commentators may have expected the Appeal Court judges to pass comment on the current law but Mummery LJ refused to be drawn in that direction and would only say that while he recognised the arguments for and against a change in the current law it was not for the courts and tribunals to comment on the merits of either argument. "REC is greatly encouraged by this decision. The Government has made its policy on the matter of employment status clear and the courts should not be used as a device to bring about policy change. ”REC would be delighted to discuss this issue further. If best practice is followed the chances for confusion in employment relationships should be limited." In the judgment, it was said that the agency worker’s services were continuously supplied to the Council through agencies over several years...
read more
Source The REC
Back to top
Encore aims to be the best
Encore Personnel Services have achieved ‘First Class’ One Star status within the Best Companies Accreditation Standard for 2008, making them one of the best companies to work for in the UK.
As featured in the Best Companies Guide, the Best Companies Accreditation recognises organisational excellence in the area of workplace engagement.
The ‘Best Companies to Work For’ survey uses key questions to gain a comprehensive view of employee engagement across eight factors and performance is defined solely by employee response. Out of the 558 organisations that participated only 307 achieved accreditation this year, with just 142 achieving One Star status.
Greg Latham, Managing Director, comments “We are delighted that we have been awarded with this prestigious accolade. An excellent place to work seems to be a true reflection felt by our colleagues across the organization, meaning we are achieving our policy to create the best working environment we can.”... read more
Back to top
Tide turns as Poles end great migration
A wave of immigration that helped to fuel Britain’s early 21st century boom is over, as the Polish plumber and thousands like him go home.
The Times has established that, for the first time since they began arriving en masse four years ago, more UK-based Poles are returning to their homeland than are entering Britain. Statistics show that only 38,680 Poles signed up to the Government’s register of migrant workers in the third quarter of 2007, a slump of 18 per cent from the previous year. Polish officials say that Poles leaving the country outnumber those coming in.
Hard statistics on the number of Poles leaving Britain do not exist. There are no embarkation controls on EU members so they are not counted out. But Polish officials, British employment agencies and the Polish media all believe that the tide of immigration has turned. Since Poland joined the EU in 2004, 274,065 Poles have signed up for work permits. They make up 66 per cent of all applications from Eastern European countries...
read more
Back to top
Besotted workers ring up bills in quest for love
 Loved up workers are costing businesses an astounding £10 billion a year.
This is according to HR experts Croner, which found that 37 per cent of people use communication lines at work, including the telephone and email, to conduct their personal relationships. Office email systems were the most popular means of personal communication amongst the 1,198 British adult workers surveyed, with 22 per cent of respondents saying they had used them to conduct a personal or romantic relationship with their loved ones.
Work land-lines (21 per cent) came next in the list, with personal email accounts (18 per cent) and social networking sites (11 per cent) accessed via the office computer and work mobile phones (6 per cent) following on. It's men not women who are the main culprits, with 39 per cent admitting they use work communications to keep in touch with loved ones on a daily basis and, of these, 7 per cent admitted to doing so every single hour of the working day. read more
Source HR Zone
Back to top
UK manufacturing output falls 0.2%
 UK manufacturing output fell by 0.2 per cent between November and December, suggesting that the effects of a slowing economy are now spreading to the once-resilient manufacturing sector.
Data from the Office of National Statistics on Thursday showed that there were widespread decreases in output across manufacturing. However, these were largely offset by a significant increase in output of 1.6 per cent in the electrical and optical equipment industries. Markets had been expecting a very modest rise in output.
For the fourth quarter as a whole, manufacturing output decreased by 0.1 per cent while output of the electricity, gas and water supply inustries increased by 1.7 per cent. Mining and quarrying output increased by 0.3 per cent compared with the previous quarter. The ONS noted that month-on-month data on manufacturing output can be volatile. Nevertheless, analysts immediately pronounced them as further evidence of a gloomy outlook.
“These numbers are softer than expected and provide a modicum of extra grease to the wheels as the Bank of Englad continues to roll along its current easing path,” Richard McGuire, fixed income strategist at RBC Capital markets wrote in an early note.
The Bank is expected to announce the conclusion of the two-day meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee later on Thursday. For 2007 as a whole production industries’ output was 0.4 per cent higher than in 2006.
Source The Financial Times
Back to top
How to increase take-home pay through salary sacrifice
Employers may recall Gordon Brown's final Budget speech when he announced that the basic rate of income tax would be cut "from 22 down to 20p". What was less obvious was the discreet removal of the 10p starting rate for income tax and the increase in the National Insurance upper earnings limit by £3,900 on top of the normal inflation-linked rise.
What this means is that employees earning less than £15,000 will pay more tax and NIC whilst those earning £41,500 or more will be much better off. Read on to find out how to increase your employees' take-home pay through salary sacrifice.
For example, a part-time worker earning £7,000 will pay £161.50 a year more tax and NI against someone on £41,500 who will find themselves £297 in pocket. Some of the low-paid may see these losses offset by increases to child benefit and child tax credit, provided that they qualify! It goes without saying that many low paid workers are going to feel very aggrieved when they see a reduction in take-home pay with their April payslips. Therefore, it would be most advisable for employers to compute what the effect is going to be on their staff and inform them in advance of the changes. At least staff will be aware that this is a situation beyond the control of their employer...
read more
Source FPB
Back to top
Dishonest CVs on the increase
Lying on CVs continues to be a serious risk for employers, with dishonesty increasingly prevalent among 36 to 40-year-olds.
A survey of 3,800 CVs conducted by employee screening specialists The Risk Advisory Group, found that in 2007 the number of candidates submitting multiple lies had increased, with the above age group most guilty. In this age range, 62.9% of CVs screened contained at least one discrepancy - an increase of more than 10% from 2006. The number of cases with three or more discrepancies also increased by 9% compared with the survey results for 2006. Discrepancies were particularly prominent in employment and academic dates, fictitious professional qualifications, omitted County Court Judgments, and undeclared directorships.
Sal Remtulla, head of employee screening at The Risk Advisory Group, said: "CV discrepancies are on the increase and becoming more serious. Many we uncover are simple errors of omission, but a significant number will be something more serious, such as bankruptcies, criminal convictions or even fraud against previous employers. "We recommend that employers re-evaluate their screening programmes and consider re-screening employees in light of this increasing threat," Remtulla said.
Source Personnel Today
Back to top
Agency workers
As MPs debated the Private Members Bill on the Agency Workers Directive, intended to protect agency workers, the Association of Labour Providers believe the proposed Bill would have unintended consequences for workers within the UK food industry.
David Camp, ALP director, says: "This Bill would increase the cost of UK food production and reduce our price competitiveness in comparison to foreign growers and packers. It would further accelerate the trends for retailers to source fresh vegetables and meat from overseas and for suppliers to set up production and packing plants abroad. This would be bad for the UK economy and bad for the migrant workers denied the opportunity to work in the UK.
"Alternatively, food producers would look at ways to control their labour costs to remain competitive. This would be done in two ways. Firstly, by reducing pay, holidays and sick pay for permanent workers to enable the increase for agency workers so that overall the cost impact is neutral. Secondly, by outsourcing all unskilled basic work to agency workers, redefining grading systems and terms and conditions packages as required to circumvent the ‘broadly similar’ and ‘comparable direct worker’ elements of the Bill." Camp added that in its current form the Bill would work contrary to its intentions and ensnare conscientious employers and agencies in red tape and legal mires.
Source The Recruiter
Back to top
If you have liked what you have read so far why not recommend
a colleague as a subscriber to our monthly enews. By clicking
here you can nominate by simply detailing the email addresses
of any colleagues you think would be interested in this free subscription.
|
Issue 45 – February 2008
Welcome to the February issue of encore enews bringing together recent news items relating to the world of work – a magazine read by 5000 recruiters every single month!
This month’s Business Round-Up
Opus Land is to lease the 450,000 sq ft Opus Maximus warehouse in North Lincolnshire to CanPak of Poland. 04-Feb-2008 Opus Land, Opus 49, High St, Henley in Arden, West Midlands, B95 5AA
Tel: n/a
www.opusland.co.uk
Asda is to create up to 450 new jobs at its Wincanton-run distribution centre at the Redhouse Business Park in Doncaster. 05-Feb-2008 Asda, Asda House, Southbank, Great Wilson Street, Leeds, LS11 5AD
Tel: 0500 100055
www.asda.co.uk
The Works, the chain of 317 discount bookshops with 1,600 staff, has gone into administration through Kroll. 04-Feb-2008 The Works, Midpoint Park, Sutton Coldfield, B76 1RN
Tel: 0121 3136000
www.theworks-art-books-
music.com
DHL is to set up a 37,000 sq ft logistics unit for its pallet network services business at Summit Park in Glasshoughton, West Yorkshire. 04-Feb-2008 DHL, Orbital Park, 178 Great South West Road, Hounslow, TW4 6JS
Tel: 0870 1100300
www.dhl.co.uk
Teva UK is to set up a new 262,000 sq ft headquarters and pharmaceuticals distribution centre at the ProLogis site in Glasshoughton, Leeds, later this year.
15-Feb-2008
Teva UK, 18 Bruntcliffe Way, Morley, Leeds, LS27 0JG
Tel: 0113 2380099
www.tevauk.com
Akzo Nobel is to shed 109 of the 650 jobs at its factory in Darwen, Lancashire, in order to transfer industrial paints production to Sweden at the end of the year.
14-Feb-2008
Akzo Nobel, Strawinskylaan 2555, 1070 AS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Tel: +31 205027555
www.akzonobel.com
Your Energy is considering plans to build a wind farm with up to 12 turbines at Yelvertoft near Rugby.
15-Feb-2008
Your Energy, 48 George Street, London, W1U 7DW
Tel: 020 75634747
www.your-energy.co.uk
Quebecor World has confirmed plans to close its printing plant in Corby with the loss of about 250 jobs.
15-Feb-2008
Quebecor World, 1 Saxon Way East, Oakley Hay, Corby, NN18 9EX
Tel: 01536 747474
www.quebecorworldinc.com
Stylo is to buy the stock and brand name of Dolcis out of administration, including the temporary right to trade from 24 Dolcis footwear stores.
15-Feb-2008
Stylo, Harrogate Road, Apperley Bridge, Bradford, BD10 0NW
Tel: 01274 893845
www.barratts.co.uk
Sainsbury's is to create 150 new jobs at its non-food operation in Coventry, with vacancies in areas such as product design and buying.
14-Feb-2008
Sainsbury, 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT
Tel: 0800 636262
www.sainsburys.co.uk
Avon is to shed 180 of the 800 jobs at its cosmetics business in Corby, in order to transfer work to India.
11-Feb-2008
Avon, Nunn Mills Rd, Northampton, NN1 5AA
Tel: n/a
www.avon.uk.com
Sealy UK is to shed between 30 and 40 jobs at its bed factory in Aspatria, Cumbria.
22-Feb-2008
Sealy UK, Station Road, Aspatria, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 2AS
Tel: 0870 7473259
www.sealy.co.uk
Trade Appliances, the kitchen appliances supplier with 66 staff in Huthwaite, Derby and Northampton, has gone into administration through Grant Thornton.
22-Feb-2008
Trade Appliances, Common Road, Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire, NG17 2JL
Tel: 01623 445070
www.trade-appliances.co.uk
Knowaste is seeking a suitable site in the Midlands or Wales to build a disposable nappy recycling plant, as part of a GBP 20m plan that could include two additional plants over the next five years.
22-Feb-2008
Knowaste, PO Box 32, Monmouthshire, NP25 4RY
Tel: 01600 860280
www.knowaste.com
Weatherseal is to create 100 jobs at its double glazing factory in Winsford, in order to transfer production from its recently-acquired Zenith Staybright business in Norfolk.
21-Feb-2008
Weatherseal Windows, Winsford Ind Est, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 3PZ
Tel: 0870 1261911
www.weatherseal.co.uk
JDS Group, the joinery, metal and plastics manufacturer with 350 staff in Oxfordshire, Norfolk and the West Midlands, has gone into administration.
20-Feb-2008
JDS Group, Park Road, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7BP
Tel: 0845 4000111
www.jdsgroup.co.uk
AVE Rail Products, the manufacturer of train interiors with 70 staff in Derby and Stockport, has gone into administration through Moore Stephens.
20-Feb-2008
AVE Rail Products, Carriage Works, Litchurch Lane, Derby, DE24 8AD
Tel: 01332 257500
www.averail.co.uk
Explorer Group is to shed 75 of the 415 jobs at its caravans factory in Consett.
18-Feb-2008
Explorer Group, Delves Lane, Consett, Co Durham, DH8 7PE
Tel: 01207 699000
www.explorer-group.co.uk
JP Bananas is to close its fruit packing plant in Bridgwater with the loss of 81 jobs, in order to transfer the work to its sites in Bolton and Dartford.
20-Feb-2008
JP Bananas, 12 Newtons Crt, Crossways, Dartford, Kent, DA2 6QL
Tel: n/a
www.jpfruit.com
Emile Tissot is planning to close its frozen foods factory at Stafford Park Industrial Estate in Telford next month, with the loss of 47 jobs.
20-Feb-2008
Emile Tissot, Stafford Park 10, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 3BE
Tel: 01952 417776
www.emiletissot.com
Apetito is planning to close its pie factory in Dudley in March, with the loss of up to 77 jobs.
22-Feb-2008
Apetito, Canal Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8RJ
Tel: n/a
www.apetito.co.uk
Grampian Country Foods, the meat and poultry supplier with 25,000 staff, is expected to receive takeover bids from Vion of the Netherlands, Sadia of Brazil and US-based private equity firm CCMP.
20-Feb-2008
Grampian Country Foods, 7 Bain Sq, Kirkton, Livingston, EH54 7DQ
Tel: 01506 400400
www.gcfg.com
KK Fine Foods is planning to build a new GBP 1.7m cold store and production facility at its ready meals factory on Deeside Industrial Park this year.
18-Feb-2008
KK Fine Foods, 10th Ave, Deeside Ind Park, Flintshire, CH5 2UA
Tel: 01244 286200
www.kkfinefoods.com
Honda is to invest GBP 80m in the expansion of its plastic car parts and metal castings factory in Swindon.
21-Feb-2008
Honda, 470 London Rd, Slough, SL3 8QY
Tel: 0845 2008000
www.honda.co.uk
Antonov is setting up a new vehicle engineering design centre with 30 staff on the Heathcote Industrial Estate in Leamington.
21-Feb-2008
Antonov, Keystone Centre, Croxton Rd, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 1JD
Tel: 01842 768320
www.antonov-
transmission.com
TPF Group, the print management firm with sites in Brentford, Northampton and Guildford, is planning to shed up to 30 jobs.
22-Feb-2008
TPF Group, Avro House, Harlequin Avenue, Brentford, TW8 9EW
Tel: 020 83261580
www.tpfgroup.co.uk
Newsletter sign up
Sign up here for Encore enews:
Recommend this newsletter to a friend »
Archive: 2008
Archive: 2007
Archive: 2006
|
