HR/Payroll Advice

The single compliance process

editor — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:23:56 +0000

Receiving a visit from the tax inspector is a stressful experience for any business owner, even if their accounts are up to date and in order.

Real Time Payment Processing

editor — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:12:40 +0100

The ins and outs of Real Time Payment Processing by Karen Thompson, Associate Director of policy, research and strategic visibility at the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals

How to implement flexible working

editor — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:06:33 +0100

Flexible working can lead to improved staff morale and performance

What to ask a payroll outsourcer before signing a contract

editor — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:20:55 +0100

Firms that outsource their payroll functions can make large financial savings

The business benefits of flexible working

editor — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:08:25 +0100

How your business can benefit from implementing flexible working

'Flawed' employment tribunal system must be overhauled

editor — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 07:57:47 +0000

Workers should pay up to £250 to sue their employer to reduce the number of bogus claims

EU pass new maternity law

editor — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:11:02 +0100

Business owners should be aware that the European Parliament has voted through proposals that would extend maternity leave from 14 to 20 weeks on full pay and introduce a compulsory fully paid paternity leave of two weeks. UK business leaders lobbied against the proposal, which it is estimated could cost UK businesses around £2.5bn a year. However, even though MEPs have approved the 20-week plan it cannot become law unless EU governments back it, and the UK's government is among those lobbying against it. "Today's vote in the European Parliament will leave business dismayed. It is outrageous that the UK exchequer could be saddled with a bill for nearly £3bn," said David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce. "That the European Parliament has gone to the trouble and expense of conducting an impact assessment only to ignore the findings will seem incredible to our members."

Business owners embrace flexible working

editor — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:20:26 +0100

Small and medium-sized businesses owners are increasingly working away from the traditional office environment, according to research conducted by Orange. The data shows that 88% company owners said that they now have the option to work away from the traditional office set up, with 74% of those choosing to work from home or a flexible workspace. Orange also found that 82% of business owners surveyed believe they are able to work as productively in a flexible workspace or at home compared to a traditional office. "When running a business, many dream of shorter more flexible working days with the hope of leading a better quality of life," said Martin Lyne, SME marketing director of Orange. "Whilst there is no denying that setting up a company can involve a lot of blood, sweat, tears and time; what this research highlights is that small and medium business owners are able to work when it suits them and make the most of their free time."

New maternity laws would ‘harm businesses’

editor — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:29:18 +0100

New European Union proposals entitling women to 20 weeks maternity leave on full pay will be voted on next month

Firms ‘underprepared’ for ageing staff

editor — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:23:06 +0100

Businesses in the UK will struggle to adapt to an ageing workforce, according to data by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). The survey found that just 14% of bosses consider their organisation well prepared to cope with a greater volume of senior workers. More than a third of respondents claim board-level recognition of ageing workforces is non-existent, despite the fact that 93 % see value in retaining the knowledge and experience of older workers. Respondents also claim that age discrimination still exists, with 40% having experienced it at some stage in their career and a similar number stating that their workplaces are not age diverse. "The age profile of the UK workforce is changing, yet UK businesses are woefully underprepared for the impact this will have on their business," said Petra Wilton of CMI.