Every now and then I put my thoughts down here, my top tips and techniques. I hope you find them useful. Contact me and let me know what you think.

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8 September 2022 - HM Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96.

published 10 Sepetmber 2022

There’s only one item of news at the moment following the sad death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Everyone will respond to this in their own way, and it is important to be respectful of how different people feel.

From a business perspective, there has been an announcement that the date of the state funeral, Monday 19 September will be a bank holiday. So what does that mean to you?

Government Guidance

Guidance notes have been issued by the government, for ease of use, I’ve included them here:

Does this bank holiday mean individuals can have the day off work?

This is a matter for discussion between individuals and their employer. There is no statutory entitlement to time off for bank holidays, but employers may include bank holidays as part of a worker’s leave entitlement.

The government cannot interfere in existing contractual arrangements between employers and workers. However, we would expect that many workers will be able to take the day off on the bank holiday. We also expect employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take the day of the funeral off work.

Some employment contracts ask individuals to work some Saturdays/bank holidays. Can these individuals take this bank holiday off work?

This is a matter for discussion between individuals and their employer.

If an individual will have to work on the day of the funeral – can they take an additional day’s holiday another day?

This is a matter for discussion between you and your employer.

If an individual will have work on the day of the funeral – will they be paid extra?

This is a matter for discussion between you and your employer. There are no statutory rules regarding extra pay on bank holidays.

 

If an individual has annual leave booked for the day of the funeral – will they be able to reclaim this leave?

This is a matter for discussion between you and your employer.

Will this bank holiday apply everywhere in the UK?

Yes, this bank holiday will apply in all parts of the UK.

Is this an official bank holiday, or does it have a special status?

This bank holiday is official and applies in the same way as all others.

Will there be a bank holiday for the Coronation?

No decision has yet been made. A decision will be made nearer the time.

Will the bank holiday to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral be an annual holiday?

There are currently no plans for an annual holiday.

Will schools be closed on the day of the bank holiday?

Yes, schools will be closed, we are not asking them to remain open on the day of the bank holiday.

 

What does this mean for our business?

It will be an individual decision whether or not you close your business for part or all of the day on 19 September and whether this day is paid.

Most contracts specify 8 paid bank holidays and there has already been an additional bank holiday this year for the Queen’s 70th anniversary.

What is important is that you talk to your staff as soon as possible and let them know what your decision is regarding arrangements for next Monday.

AS always, if you would like any more information on this or other HR/ training matters, please contact me, gillian@hatherlow.co.uk or call me on 07718 656206.

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Fit Notes are changing 1 July 2022

published July 2022

In order to reduce pressure on doctors, particularly GPs, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have proposed that nurses, occupationaltherapists, pharmacists and physiotherapists should be able to certify and issue fit notes.

For anyone who has been off work with illness for more than seven days, a fit note provides evidence to their employer about the absence and any relevant advice on how to support the employee to remain in or return to work.

The new rules will come into force from 1 July 2022, lifting the requirement that only doctors can issue the notes.

The aim will be to support and empower better conversations about work and health between employers and staff by making it easier to get this advice certified by the most relevant healthcare professional.

This change follows legislation changes in April 2022 which removed the need for fit notes to be signed in ink. This change makes it possible for eligible healthcare professionals to certify fit notes digitally and also for patients to receive their fit note via digital channels (where GP IT systems support this).

If you’d like a letter to send to your staff or a notice to display, please let me know, gillian@hatherlow.co.uk

 

Heat waves - looking after your staff

We had our first heat wave in June and it’s unlikely to be the last of 2022. How can you be ready for the issues the hot weather can cause in the workplace? Here’s some tips:

1. Keep everyone cool!

Whilst the law does not say how hot or cold your workplace should be, temperatures need to be ‘reasonable’. Keep staff cool by allowing them to switch on fans and air conditioning or ‘dress down’ on hotter days if possible.

2. Remember more vulnerable workers

Some members of staff may be more affected by hot weather, such as those with a disability or pregnant women. You can help by allowing these employees to take more breaks, move to cooler areas or even work from home temporarily.

3. Prepare for transport disruption

Hot weather can cause issues in the daily commute, and you should try to be more understanding if staff are late for work. For example, trains may go slower to prevent tracks from buckling. Employees should also be encouraged to plan ahead of their journeys and make allowances for delays.

4. Be ready for holiday requests

Everyone can’t be off at once and leave requests are likely to overlap, for instance during the school summer holidays. It is a good idea to have a first-come, first-served system in place. That way, you can help to avoid one employee being prioritised over another.

5. Look out for unauthorised time off

Employees who are refused a holiday request may take the time off anyway. Alternatively, you may suspect a member of staff is ‘pulling a sickie’. It is important not to jump to conclusions and conduct a full investigation into the absence. From here, it may become a disciplinary issue.

6. Check on your homeworkers

You aren't expected to install air conditioning in your employees' homes, but they should have the same rights as those working in the office. For example, more vulnerable staff should take more breaks, even when working remotely.

 

Don’t forget, if you have any questions, please get in touch

Best Regards

Gillian

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Video Interview

to see my interview with Jonathan Davies recorded on 22 May 2020, talking about how Covid-19 has impacted on how I'm working, Click here

Top tips for Business Owners and Managers during Covid-19

published 21 May 2020

 

Right now, it's important to motivate and engage your staff with your immediate plans for your business, whilst reassuring them about their safety. Whilst there is always uncertainty about the longer term, it’s about getting people to focus on now and what can be controlled. This might mean changes to your employee contracts, policies, and procedures to ensure that you can run your business effectively and to be prepared for what might happen.

 

My top 3 tips are:

  1. Consult – staff won’t want to return back to the workplace if they don’t have trust and confidence in you. Listen, put a simple method in place for staff to raise concerns and respond asap. The key word with consultation is TRUST. And that means communicate, communicate, communicate – about H&S measures, any changes, how the business is progressing etc
  2. Lead by example – give clear direction and guidance, be a role model, especially in terms of social distancing and handwashing
  3. Be kind – to your staff and to yourself. We are in an unprecedented situation and my advice is not to underestimate the different impact this has on each person and try to see life through their lens as well as through your own.
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