Employment Updates

New leave rights for parents as to how they use maternity and paternity leave.

The government is proposing to change the law so that employed mothers will be able to transfer all or part of the last 26 weeks of maternity leave to the father. To the extent that this "additional paternity leave" is taken during the mother's 39 week maternity pay period, it would be paid at the same rate as SMP, currently £123.06.

A consultation on draft regulations is to be launched soon. Subject to consultation and parliamentary procedure, the Government intends that the law be in force by April 2010 and have effect for parents of children due on or after 3rd April 2011. More information 

Sickness and Absence Management


Sickness and absence can cost a business or organisation many thousands of pounds per year if not managed correctly. There are many figures stating the amount per employee, per year as an average, but they are dependant on the specific industry sector and there can be a significant difference between sectors. That being said it would not be unreasonable to assume the cost being in excess of £500 per employee, per year.

In addition to this there is the stress that it can place upon the remaining team members that have to try and cope with the additional work load and hours that may may be required from them when a team member is off ill. Staff morale can fall, tiredness becomes a risk to the welfare of the remaining staff and production is often affected.

The cost of effective Sickness and Absence Management can more than pay for itself when put in to practice with experienced and skilled HR Specialists utilising the correct procedures and policies.

Whether you have a particular issue with one employee or are experiencing an upward trend in sickness absence, Connect HR & Recruitment can assist and support you.

Our Services Include

  • Review of your current policies and procedures
  • Sick pay policies with trigger mechanisms
  • Return to work interviews
  • Attendance administration
  • Return to work plans
  • Seeking GP medical reports
  • Support and advice
  • Referral to Occupational Health Professionals
  • Disciplinary for non genuine sickness
  • Guidance on best practice to reduce levels of sickness absence
  • Managament training

Be Proactive

Rather than waiting for the inevitable to happen there are measures and tools that can be implemented to minimise or reduce absence due to sickness which may include;

  • Staff opinion surveys
  • Stress level surveys
  • Clear and robust sickness and absence policies
  • Job design and analysis
  • Continuous personal development and training
  • Staff appraisals
  • Job descriptions reviews
  • Accurate attendance records
  • Work environment

Contact us for a free no obligation consultation to discuss how we can manage and assist to minimise and reduce your sickness and absenteeism, or download our Sickness and Absence Management pack now.

 



Tackling Stress - Stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them. There is a clear distinction between pressure, which can create a "buzz" and be a motivating factor, and stress, which can occur when this pressure becomes excessive. Have you carried out risk assessments for stress? Are you tackling stress with "The Management Standards" approach as recommended by the HSE? Free Download. Do you have staff trained to recognise the signs of stress and anxiety in your organisation?

Mental Health First Aid

One in four British adults will experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any one year. By training "Mental Health First Aiders" withinn the community and work place MHFA aims to tackle the prejudice and stigma traditionally associated with mental health problems, and to improve the outcomes for those affected and their families, friends, colleagues and employers. Bill Cunningham took MHFA Scotland training in 2006, and became one of the first people accredited as a trainer by CSIP when the MHFA England initiative was launched in 2007. Read more

Stand out from the crowd

NEW BUSINESS STARTER PACK

Only £50.00 + VAT

Contains the HR documents you need the most when starting a new business & keeps you in line with employment legislation. Includes a Contract of Employment, Company Handbook and a Job Description Template.

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DISCIPLINARY, GRIEVANCE & APPEAL PACK

Only £25.00 + VAT

Contains all of the templates required from meeting invite to outcome letters. All documents are in accordance with current employment legislation and cover employee statutory rights where required.

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