HR Network TV Programmes
1) Immigration – Home Office u-turn on right to works checks if no Brexit deal
2) Budget 2018 – IR35 and the construction sector
3) Facilitation of tax evasion – the employment status risk
4) Budget 2018 – IR35 and failure to prevent facilitation of tax evasion
5) Harassment – “fat ginger pikey” comment not unlawful
6) Training – HR Masterclass: A Bolder & Better Approach
Watch these programmes as they are released on Twitter.
Training and Events
HR Master Class: A Bolder & Better Approach
Birmingham & London – SOLD OUT
Leeds & Glasgow - Limited places available
This full day course (one of the most popular in our programme of events) explores with delegates how they carry out their role in terms of:
• evaluating the legal risks involved in a case and balancing these against other commercial/organisational objectives and goals
• working in partnership with managers/stakeholders and influencing them as to the appropriate strategy in each case
• demonstrating their value to the organisation by showing that HR are much more than the “policy police”
A ‘3 for 2’ discount is available. Book now to avoid disappointment.
Harassment at Work: Is Your Organisation Doing Enough? - 22 November 2018
It seems that workplace bullying and harassment cases are rarely out of the news. This half day course explores some of the more complex issues associated with preventing harassment at work and managing complaints. Areas covered include:
• What stops victims from raising complaints and how can these concerns be overcome?
• What Tribunals are looking for from employers in terms of taking all reasonable steps to prevent harassment
• How HR and managers can identify the difference between bullying and appropriate management action e.g. in relation to levels of performance or absence management.
More detail and bookings.
Ethnicity Pay Reporting: Breakfast Discussion
Pinsent Masons is delighted to host breakfast discussions across a number of our UK offices focussing on the government’s consultation on Ethnicity Pay Reporting. This consultation comes hot on the heels of the government’s implementation of gender pay gap reporting, which saw 100% compliance by those employers caught by the regulations.
There are a number of complex and sensitive issues to be addressed in relation to ethnicity pay reporting which include:
• What type of ethnicity pay information should be reported;
• What supporting or contextual data should be disclosed;
• Whether an employer that identifies disparities in their ethnicity pay should be required to publish an action plan for addressing these disparities;
• How employers can effectively capture the data required for reporting purposes;
• What classifications of ethnicity should be used for reporting; and
• How confidentiality can be preserved.
The consultation closes on 9 January 2019. Please join us for a facilitated discussion on the issues above, with a view to preparing a response to the consultation.
Timings: Registration is open for refreshments at 8.30am with the session finishing at 10.30am.
Dates and Locations:
Tuesday 27 November - Birmingham
Wednesday 28 November - Manchester
Thursday 29 November - Glasgow
Thursday 29 November - London
Tuesday 4 December - Leeds
For further details and to sign up, please contact carol.wray@pinsentmasons.com.
Tackling the Skills Shortage in the Manufacturing Sector: Breakfast Discussions
We are also hosting round-table breakfast discussions focussing on bridging the skills gap for senior influencers within the manufacturing sector. Tackling the skills shortage has been a particular challenge for the manufacturing sector, with Brexit threatening to reduce the pool of potential talent even further. Some companies tell us there is no interest in professions which historically have been viewed as unglamorous; no young people with the right skills set; or not enough fresh blood to replace the old guard. Universities tell us there aren’t enough jobs in the local area to cater for the volume of students graduating.
The sessions will provide an opportunity to discuss the challenges which businesses in the manufacturing sector and local marketplace are facing, and help the attendees gain insight into what other employers are doing to attract and retain talent. We will look at the main issues contributing to the skills gap, including diversity & inclusion and immigration. The discussion with be facilitated by Pinsent Masons experts in these fields. Chatham House rules will apply.
Timings: Registration is open for refreshments at 8.30am with the session finishing at 10.00am.
Dates and Locations:
28 November 2018 - Glasgow
11 December 2018 - Birmingham
For further details and to sign up, please contact Susannah Donaldson (Glasgow) or Matt McDonald (Birmingham).
In Other News
EU Settlement Scheme: Toolkit for employers
Employers are increasingly concerned about the impact of Brexit on the immigration status of their employees and how the EU Settlement Scheme will operate. We reported last week on the alarm caused by recent comments made by immigration minister, Caroline Nokes to the Home Affairs Selection Committee - about the onus falling on employers to make sure EU citizens have been granted settled status in the UK. HRNTV this week reports on a Home Office u-turn on this issue.
If EU citizens want to stay in the UK beyond 31 December 2020, they and their close family members need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. The scheme will be fully open by the end of March 2019. The government has issued an Employer Toolkit including key information for employers, presentations, leaflets and videos which can be cascaded to employees as part of a communication plan. An essential part of retaining key employees is understanding the issues they are facing, and providing appropriate assistance. The toolkit is therefore welcome, but specific advice may also be required for some employees. Please contact us for advice.
Increase in 'real' living wage announced
The voluntary new UK Living Wage 2018 increases have been announced by the Living Wage Foundation, with an increase of 25p per hour on the hourly rate, which rises to £9 per hour. The new London Living Wage was announced by Sadiq Khan at the new rate of £10.55 per hour (an increase of 35p per hour). This is a voluntary scheme, signed up to by some 1,200 employers.
The statutory National Living Wage (for employees aged 25 and over) is £7.83 per hour), while the standard National Minimum Wage is currently set at £7.38 per hour. No wonder employers get confused! When it comes to the National Minimum Wage, read more about the issues here, or contact us.
News from Out-Law.com
UK government seeks views on collective DC pensions
Supreme Court: Barnardo's cannot change pensions uprating rate
HMRC confirms continued tax relief for EMI options
Modernised visa system 'at risk of being rushed through'
MPs criticise ‘variable standard’ of PAYE administration
The newsletters and updates we send do not constitute legal advice. Specific legal advice should be taken before acting on any of the topics covered.