Will Brexit Affect Access To Skills For UK Employers?
With the referendum on Britain’s continuing EU membership less than three months away, employers in all sectors are busily debating the positive or negative impact that a ‘Brexit’ (BRitish – EXIT) from the European Union would have on their business. While we are not in a position to advocate one position or the other, it is interesting to read some preliminary opinions from people working within the recruitment industry.
In some our recent articles we have discussed the so-called skills shortage in the UK economy, whereby employers in the creative and digital sectors are struggling to fill technical specialist roles. According to a recent survey of 600 recruitment consultants carried out by online job board CV-Library, over 40% of interviewees believed a Brexit would intensify the skill shortage by restricting freedom of movement among European candidates. (more…)
The Budget – PAYE, Wages and More
The budget has finally put all agencies on the same playing field. First Base Employment have always taken the moral high ground on this. Workers cannot legally be paid travel and subsistence for walking to work – they cannot claim laundry expenses unless they are self employed and even then there are stipulations on making claims (as there are for any one of us). There has been a loophole to date which has meant people have opted (sometimes unknowingly) to be paid outside of PAYE – hence upping their wages and meaning bigger profits for agencies. (more…)
How Is The End Of Travel And Subsistence Allowance Going To Affect Recruiters?
For many years, so-called umbrella companies have featured heavily in the world of recruitment. This is soon to end, as from 6th April 2016 contractors will no longer be able to claim travel and subsistence allowances as tax rebates from HMRC. The impact on both contractors and on recruiters is likely to be dramatic, and underlines the reasons why at First Base we have never used umbrella companies. (more…)
Working Grandparents to Finally Share in Pay Scheme
Over the past decade, the number of children being cared for by their grandparents has risen dramatically. But good news was announced by the Government recently: that the one-year, shared parental leave allowed to working parents following the birth or adoption of a child would finally be extended to working grandparents who provide care for their grandchildren. (more…)
Should Hirers Use Social Media to Research Candidates?
Social media has been a mixed blessing for people working in HR. LinkedIn, in particular, sometimes seems to have been designed specifically with hirers in mind. Millions of people use LinkedIn as an online CV, complete with endorsements and references from former employers, candidates and customers. Hirers can find high quality candidates from their required industries and verify background information, qualifications and employment details at the drop of a hat. Everyone is a winner; candidates are headhunted more often, clients get access to high-quality staff, advertising costs are slashed and the vetting process is made quick and easy. No wonder that so many hirers have taken to social media, using Facebook and Twitter as well as LinkedIn, is a convenient means of sourcing and vetting candidates. (more…)
What to Include In a Contract between Employer and Employee
The employment contract is a standard agreement between an employer and yourself. The more comprehensive the contract, the more specific an employer can be about your duties and responsibilities. Ultimately, the employment contract allows you to understand exactly what your employer expects of you.
Although there are many cases which don’t require the contract to be in writing for legal validity, doing so confirms the responsibilities of both yourself and your employer, and can offer tangible proof of terms and requirements should the contract need to enter a court of law. (more…)
What Are The Most Important Employment Contract Requirements?
An employment contract can contain any number of terms and conditions to which both an employer and you, the employee agree. However, there are some elements of an employment contract which hold more importance than others.
Every employer is required to comply with basic employment law. But what items should you ensure are included in your employment contract before you sign?
First, it’s important to understand that, right from the moment you are offered a job, your employer is bound by the law, even if they make only a verbal agreement to employ you. However, any employer’s legal requirement can be dissolved if you haven’t submitted evidence of suitability for the job, such as the proof of right to work in the UK and/or the providing of adequate references, and so it’s important to ensure you’ve included this information with your application. (more…)
The Living Wage: Considering the Implications for Local Businesses
The Living Wage: Considering the Implications for Local Businesses (more…)
What Is The Definition Of An Employment Contract?
In order for both an employer and employee to be clear about the terms of employment, an employment contract is the document typically used.
The definition of an employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and employee. This is further defined in the Employee Rights Act 1996 as a “contract of service or apprenticeship”.
An employment contract outlines the terms and conditions of employment including duties and the rights and responsibilities of both employer and employee.
Benefits of the Employment Contract
Although the content of each contract will differ according to the nature of the business and job being offered, each offers the same kinds of benefits. (more…)
Auto Enrolment: Temporary Staff & Zero Hour Contracts
Auto-enrolment is a daunting prospect for even the most prepared businesses, and with staging dates for small and medium sized businesses approaching fast, it’s worth looking at how the scheme will affect those with short-term or zero hour staff. (more…)