Research by People Management has found that half of employees working from home during the current lockdown situation are unhappy with their work-life balance, with the majority of those surveyed putting in longer and more irregular hours than they would under normal...
Category:
Advice & Tips
Conducting Effective Online Meetings
With the UK still in lockdown due to COVID-19, many businesses and employees are settling into a routine of working from home. To keep in touch with employees, customers and suppliers, many businesses and individuals have moved to online video platforms to engage,...
Re-opening Workplaces – How Feasible is this in Practice?
The government has drafted an initial guidance on how UK companies may be able to reopen their workplaces and gradually exit lockdown. The draft document includes a range of guidelines for businesses to follow, covering additional health and safety and wellbeing...
The Lowdown and Top Tips for Conducting a Return to Work Interview
Two out of three employers believe that return-to-work interviews have cut employee absence rates, so are you doing yours right? What is a return to work interview and why is it important? A return to work interview is generally a short, informal meeting held with an...
Furloughed Workers To Receive Full Parental Leave Entitlement
The speed, by necessity, of the introduction of Job Retention Scheme continues to leave many questions unanswered. However one area that was clarified by a press release and posted on the daily update from Gov.UK on the 24th April was regarding pay for employees...
Conducting a Disciplinary Hearing Remotely – Things to Consider.
At present we do not know how long the current “stay at home” instruction will last. However, the longer the current situation remains, the more likely it is that employers will have to adapt normal working practices and workplace procedures to embrace a more virtual...
Further Updates To The Job Retention Scheme – 20th April 2020
Further updates containing more detail regarding this scheme continue to be published on a regular basis. Please note some of the following headline points that are addressed, with more detail on the following points than previously communicated, within these updates....
Covid-19 Guidance for the Care Home Sector
The Care Home Sector is experiencing its own unique set of circumstances as the country manages through the COVID-19 outbreak. In response to this we have put together some specific details a Care Home should consider to ensure protection of both its staff and...
JOB RETENTION SCHEME UPDATE -15TH APRIL 2020
When the government first launched the furlough scheme eligible employees had to be on the employer’s PAYE payroll on 28 February 2020. This payroll date has now been extended to 19 March 2020. As a result we have tried to answer some questions that you may have...
Update – FAQ from Employers Relating to the Job Retention Scheme
So, as we start another week, that looks so very different to our lives just a couple of weeks ago, the purpose of this guide is to provide a roundup of furloughing and all the associated questions that arise. Whilst it is a non-exhaustive list we hope that it will...
Get Ready to Claim your Furlough Grants from HMRC
We understand that the Claims for Furlough mechanism will be open from 20 April 2020 but you need to be ready! The government’s initial announcement implied that the claim mechanism would be a simple online form. This may still be the case. However, the form can...
How Do I Protect My Workers?
Although many employees have now been placed on furlough, many remain working in these difficult times. It is not always possible, given the diverse nature of roles and businesses for many employees to work from home. Therefore, we have collated a few key points to...
MP’s Question HMRC on Scope of Job Retention Scheme
The Treasury Select Committee met remotely on Wednesday 8 April to take evidence from HMRC on the economic impact of coronavirus. The witnesses were Jim Harra, First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive of HMRC, and Cerys McDonald, Director of HMRC’s COVID-19...
Holiday and Furlough
As we approach the Easter weekend and a further two bank holidays in May, all during the period of the job retention scheme, we have collated a few points for you to consider. Does Holiday continue to accrue during furlough? Yes, as employees remain employed during...
THE JOB RETENTION SCHEME IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 (UPDATED AS AT 4/4/20)
The Chancellor announced that “a new Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme” would be set up to help pay people’s wages. Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of the wages of their workforce who are on the payroll but temporarily not working due...
Looking after your Mental Health during the COVID-19 Outbreak
The coronavirus outbreak is having an impact on all of our daily lives, as the government take necessary steps to manage the outbreak. To date government guidelines include social distancing and staying at home for all but essential travel. In addition to measures...
Employment Law Changes – April 2020
Unsurprisingly, changes caused to employment law and the employment relationship as a result of Coronavirus have dominated the news this month. However, there are also other changes due to take place in April. We have summarised below some of the key issues that...
Absence Guidelines – COVID-19
During these unprecedented times Clover HR want to provide you with as much support and advice as we possibly can. This is an ever evolving situation for employers. Therefore please ensure that you keep up to date with Government Guidelines or seek direct advice from...
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Businesses – Relating to COVID-19
During these unprecedented times Clover HR want to provide you with as much support and advice as we possibly can. As such we have put together a Frequently Asked Questions and Answers sheet, which we will be adding to on a regular basis. Rest assured we are here to...
The Job Retention Scheme In Response T0 COVID-19
The Chancellor announced that “a new Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme” would be set up to help pay people’s wages. Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of the wages of their workforce who are on the payroll but temporarily not working due...
Emergency Leave
Emergency Leave Employees are allowed to take time off work to deal with an emergency involving a dependant. A dependant could be a spouse, partner, child, grandchild, parent, or someone who depends on you for care. Employers should grant a reasonable amount of time...
Mothering Sunday
Everyone chooses to celebrate Mother's Day in their own way, from son’s or daughter’s preparing their mum a much-deserved breakfast in bed, to older children treating their mum to special gift or event. The origins of this event are stooped in different historical...
Temporary Home Working as a Response to Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Introduction Where a business does not have formal home working arrangements in place for employees but is now faced with the need to put such arrangements in place quickly and expediently, they will need to consider a range of issues to allow this to happen...
Short-time Working
Short-time Working The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is placing businesses of all sizes under unprecedented strain and pressure. The rapid and drastic reduction in demand or lost business is forcing employers to consider drastic action to reduce...
Flooding – Advice for Employers
Wettest ever February and more flood warnings remain – Advice for Employers The Stats A total of 75 flood warnings are still in place for England and Wales. The Met Office confirmed last month was the wettest February on record. The UK averaged 209.1mm of rain last...
Statutory Parental Bereavement Leave
Statutory Parental Bereavement Leave will come into force on 6 April 2020 - are you ready for the change? Losing a baby or child is a devastating experience, therefore in order to provide parents and primary carers with greater support during these difficult period,...
Coronavirus
Coronavirus is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. The government advise the risk to individuals in the UK remains low. To date (18th February), nine patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus. Worldwide the coronavirus has infected...
Managing Change In The Workplace
Employees are often reluctant to changes within the workplace, especially those with considerable service where they only see one way of doing a job and no variation will ever be good enough to the original method of operation. However, to be a business that can...
The Power of the Employer Brand
Whether it something you realise or not, all companies have an employer brand – it’s essentially the company’s reputation and what people think of you as an employer. The CIPD define employer brand as; ‘a set of attributes and qualities, often intangible, that makes...
Absence Management – What Are Employer’s Obligations And How To Avoid The Pitfalls?
From time to time people become ill and invariably need time off to recover from illnesses. Understanding the reason and the causes of the absence is key to ensuring that the employer acts in a reasonable and fair manner, and uses the appropriate procedure to manage...
Top Tips for Interviewing
New to interviewing? Need a refresher? Here are some tips that just might help……. The purpose of an interview is to find the most suitable candidate for a particular job vacancy. In preparing the job advertisement, the job description/role profile will have been...
Appraisals – A Performance Review Guide for Line Managers
Appraisals (performance reviews) are a great opportunity for good line managers to feedback to employees on their performance over the review period. There are many benefits to conducting regular appraisals, including, but not limited to; improved business performance...
Festive Fun – How To Avoid Potential Pitfalls
With the festive season fast approaching and Christmas parties already planned as a celebration to reward the hard work of your employees, now is a good time for employers to think about the problems that might arise at these events and the provisions that should be...
IR35 – Are You Ready For The Changes?
For many years there has been confusion over IR35 and the associated in or out status. The upcoming changes in April 2020, should give greater clarity over responsibilities. IR35, the Intermediaries Legislation, came into effect in 2000. It was an attempt to...
Millennials at Work: How to get them and keep them
Millennials are individuals born between 1981 to 1996. They are also known as Generation Y. Millennials are the current workforce. They are responsible for driving your organisation’s agenda. 43% of Millennials expect and are more likely to change their current job in...
5 Ways to Reduce Stress at Work
The first Wednesday in November is National Stress Awareness Day, this is a great opportunity to think about our own wellbeing, and how we can reduce stress. Stress is any change in the environment that requires your body to react and adjust in response. The body...
Healthy Eating Habits
21st October is Apple Day in the United Kingdom. Apple day is an opportunity to remind us of the benefits of eating healthily. With that in mind here are some tips to help you eat a healthier diet and make healthier choices. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables Data from...
Tips for Attracting and Recruiting Top Talent in a Candidate-Driven Market
Tips for Attracting and Recruiting Top Talent in a Candidate-Driven Market With reports in August from the CIPD and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showing that the employment market is remaining steady as a candidate-driven market, what does this mean for...
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
70 million workdays are lost each year to mental health problems in the UK, costing employers an estimated £2.4 billion annually [1]. Mental health problems can interfere with employees’ well-being and their job performance. Mental Health problems include anxiety,...
5 Ways to Improve Wellbeing in The Workplace
Understanding the benefits of wellbeing in the workplace may help your company flourish. Improving wellbeing in the workplace can help your employees feel more comfortable, healthier, happier and overall less stressed. Enhanced wellbeing can increase employee...
Probationary Periods – What You Need To Know.
What is a probationary period? A probationary period is a contractual period of time at the start of an employment contract between a new employee and an organisation. During the probationary period the employee can be exempt from some contractual rights, e.g....
Apprenticeships “Grow Your Own Staff”
Apprenticeships “Grow your own staff” Recent employment figures show that the market for attracting good employees is shrinking as the numbers of unemployed people diminish and the rate of employed people rises. The young are a group of people that often struggle to...
Performance Management – What are an Employers Obligations?
Performance Management - What are the Employers Obligations? Many Employers talk about the lack of performance of a member of staff. At Clover HR we get lots of queries which use the word performance. However, after further investigation, when you get to the route of...
Top Tips to Avoid Employment Tribunal
With fees no longer in place and employment tribunal claims on the rise, we are here to give you some top tips on how to avoid costly tribunal cases. Documentation Ensure you get back to basics and have clear policies and procedures so both the business and employees...
Investigations: The Role of the Investigation Officer
Investigations: The Role of the Investigation Officer is Key All Employers have situations where an Employee misbehaves or becomes comfortable and complacent in their employment or the role that they do. On these occasions things may occur that require addressing via...
Employee Onboarding
Employee Onboarding Finding the right candidate with the right skills at the right time to fill that crucial vacancy can be a lengthy, time consuming process and often expensive process. Your successful candidate needs to not only have the right “technical” skills to...
Office Relocation
The success of an office move requires good planning, co-ordination and a strong project team to drive it through. Never underestimate the amount of time you need to plan and execute the relocation. The first step is to engage with your stakeholders and form your...
5 Ways to Make Your HR Team More Resilient
Resilience is a word frequently used in the workplace today. But what does it really mean and how can it be effectively harnessed? Resilience means to be robust and to be able to recover from difficult situations. How can HR teams better equip themselves to be more...
Top Tips for Care Homes, Both Nursing and Residential
Decide what type of care you can give. Are you a Nursing or Residential establishment? Staff your establishment accordingly for safe practice. Recruit Staff that meet your ethos: staff that want to give Client Centred Care, which means running the home and client care...
The Menopause, The Prime of Your Life!
This past week the BBC has had the spotlight on that difficult subject of the Menopause, this prompted me to think about my own experience in going through what everybody commonly called “The Change”. At a time in your life as a woman you are supposed to be “in your...
Mental Health Awareness Week
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, this blog looks at how UK employers can use a range of methods, including technology, to overcome stigmas and better support staff suffering from mental health conditions. Employers have a duty of care to look after their...
Supporting Colleagues with Dependants in the Workplace
Many colleagues now have a responsibility for caring for a dependant. This could be a child, but in an age of people living longer this could also be an aging parent, or relative or a family member with Cancer or another long-term health issue. The law has made...
5 Ways That CEO’s Can Inspire Their Teams
When it comes to planning for the future, CEOs are expected to know it all. Not just finding the right candidate, they are also responsible for inspiring their team to generate new ideas and constantly improve on performance. Of course, it isn’t always easy. Here are...
How HR Analytics Can Improve Decision Making In Your Organisation
Within the HR arena the use of analytics is becoming increasingly popular. Being able to measure and demonstrate to key stakeholders the worthiness of initiatives in a credible way will make way for future investment. The use of analytical data shows how actions...
Equal Pay = Equal Value
Earlier this year the Court of appeal upheld a decision from the Employment Appeal Tribunal which will allow Asda store workers to compare themselves to warehouse workers in their on-going long running equal pay dispute. This will enable over 5,000 employees, both...
World Health Day
Since 1950 the 7th April has been known as ‘World Health Day’ to help raise awareness and ensure that everyone globally has access to quality health services. The World Health Organization (WHO) choose a worthy health theme for their campaign annually to highlight...
Employment Legislation 2019 and beyond.
From gender pay gap reporting and the introduction of GDPR regulations, 2018 was a busy year in employment law. Amidst the domination of the uncertain Brexit, we have produced a brief summary of some of the changes that you need to be aware of and some to plan for...
Top Tips on Managing Relationships in the Workplace
The average employee spends 37.3 hours at work per week,1 equating to more waking hours at work than those spent at home, therefore, developing office relationships is natural. How can romantic encounters at work be handled, are they really as counterproductive as...
Leadership in 2019 – setting resolutions to achieve.
2019 is here and it’s no surprise that new challenges will be here with it; this means leaders need to step up their game and what better way than setting resolutions to lessen the burdens and pressures of leadership? Leadership, a term with such diverse and flexible...
Party Time!
Employers often want to express their appreciation to all their employees for their hard work and the annual works Christmas “do” is a favourite event to promote good working relationships. However it is always advisable to take certain steps in advance to ensure that...
Tis the Season for Gift Giving
The end of the year is a time for celebration. However, it can also be when questions arise in the workplace about the appropriateness of gifts from suppliers and clients. No matter how well-meaning a gift is, the potential exists for impropriety or the appearance of...
Managing Stress in the Workplace
Stress is a state of mental health which affects all of us at some point during our lives, and specifically, our working life. It is our body’s way of responding to pressure from the occurrences in our lives. When the human body feels stress, it goes into fight or...
Working Whilst Being a Carer
Nearly one in nine workers in the UK are carers. By 2030 it is estimated that the number of carers in the UK will increase by 3.4 million to 9 million. This will no doubt bring a significant increase in the number of carers in employment. The difficulties and stress...
HR Transformation: Key Points to Digital Transformation
The digital age is fully upon us and technology is definitely not going anywhere, it is only becoming more relied upon and more intelligent. With this in mind, revisiting and revamping the HR technology in place in your business may be a key step to grow with the...
Reducing Absenteeism Among Employees
Absenteeism is something that should be closely monitored in order to lessen the levels. If an employee calls in sick often, it is time to start being proactive and begin questioning why. Absence from work is perfectly okay, if the employee has a valid reason. Being...
Dealing with Theft in the Workplace
Where theft is concerned, disciplinary rules must be in place to deal with issues professionally and fairly. Defining a clear line between disciplinary action and gross misconduct is crucial, an employee should be informed on where they stand before any decision takes...
Holiday Blues
As the end of the summer holidays approaches, September often means fresh starts and new beginnings for many. As pencils are sharpened and bags packed, people are returning to work relaxed and refreshed, ready to hopefully face work challenges with renewed vigour. It...
What Employers Should Know About Drink & Drugs at Work
During the summer months, alcohol becomes a big part of people’s lives, as it does during any seasonal occasion in the UK. “Any excuse for a drink” is the general British logic, in terms of alcohol. With soaring temperatures and one of the hottest summers on record,...
Schools Out!
The summer is here and schools, colleges and universities across the country are finishing for the big summer break. Annual leave requests from employees for July and August significantly increase. Parents juggling childcare with work and school holidays are usually...
Top Tips to Stay Safe on Social Media
Social Media is an outlet that is widely used today by multiple generations, individuals and organisations. Furthermore, a social media campaign can spread rapidly, either causing a positive or detrimental effect on a person’s reputation, or a business. Staying safe...
Keeping Your Employees On Side
Avoid having to red card your employees for unreasonable behaviour or demands during the World Cup period. If you want to hear about our previous experience of helping manage employees around such sporting events get in touch. World Cup fever will take over...
A Guide to Employee Handbooks – What You Need to Know
A handbook should be available for every member of staff. It is often the only literature given to personnel. Whether in a book format, or as a set of documents, this information can prove vital in protecting your business. Is it a legal requirement to issue a...
New Year resolutions for your company?
Many of us will have been contemplating the year ahead, setting ourselves personal New Year resolutions... However, have you thought about setting any New Year resolutions for your company? Not resolutions in the literal sense! Many of us return back to work today for...
Christmas party etiquette for your employees
If you haven't already had your annual Christmas party, this coming Friday 15th December is the most popular night to celebrate. This event in the calendar year is for many the one chance that employers can recognise the hard work that their employees have achieved...
Girls against the boys…
It seems particularly apt to talk today about the 'gender pay gap' as it was Equal Pay Day last Friday! And ironically, back in 1959, a suitably titled play, 'The Girls Against The Boys' closed its doors for the last time. With cast members including Dick Van Dyke,...
What will GDPR mean for you and your business?
If you haven't already heard, next May there is going to be a big change in the way personal data is retained and used and equally how it is regulated and protected. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will officially replace the UK's Data Protection Act on...
No Ordinary Parental Leave
8 tips for managing absence in the workplace
What is absence management and why it's important? Absence management is when employers have processes and policies in place to help deal with employee absences and to keep levels to a minimum. It is important for employers to have good absence management processes in...
25 Years in HR: All Change or No Change
MD Michael Doolin talking to Annapurna recruitment about 25 years in HR: All change or no change. See Michael share his advice, tips, experiences and learnings over his 25 years in the industry To benefit from Michael's extensive experience, enlist our HR support...
Advice & Tips – How to increase employee engagement
Our MD Michael Doolin talking about employee engagement at the Harvey Nash Leadership event. Some great advice about engaging your people and the importance of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sh7FNL1Rr8
How to Manage Risks of Senior Executive Business Travel
With business travel on the rise comes the associated immigration compliance risks. Lots of things to consider and this is a really comprehensive piece from https://www.davidsonmorris.com/...
Advice & Tips – Dress codes, tattoos, piercings and discrimination (Via QCS)
Great article from https://www.qcs.co.uk/ If you have, or are considering, a dress code within your workplace there are lots of things to consider. Take a look at this great article for all the latest information and advice. For additional support, speak to our...