Tattoos shouldn’t be a barrier to hiring staff

Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has recently issued guidance on dress codes stating that it should not be based on personal preferences. Having negative opinions on visible tattoos and piercings might result in employers missing out on young talented candidates as one in three young person has tattoos or piercings.

When deciding on a dress code it should be decided on reasoning and needs of the business rather than personal judgement.  A dress code should not be stricter on one gender over the other.

For advice on compliant dress codes call us on 01245 261883 to discuss

Do zero-hours contracts benefits businesses more than staff?

The number of people working on zero-hours contracts has increased by 20% in the last year.  This time last year 747,000 people were on zero-hours contracts compared to 903,000 this year.  According to the TUC, the average median for zero-hours rate of pay is £7.25 per hour compared to employees on £11.25 per hour.

Some businesses such as “Sports Direct” have used zero-hours and have received bad press for it as they are using it to benefit their business rather than benefit the staff.   Some business choose to use zero-hour contracts permanently which means that staff do not have regular working hours or pay.

However, using zero-hours is useful to businesses that require a solution to their business needs that can be scaled up or down quickly depending on the work that is undertaken.

Some people choose zero-hour contracts as this suits their personal life, to either fit in with family situation or other commitments.

As a business it is important to only use zero-hour contracts to meet the business needs on a short to mid-term basis rather than as a permanent business solution.

For solutions on zero-hour contracts, call us on 01245 261883 to discuss in more detail

Increase to national minimum wage comes into effect on 1 October 2016

The national minimum wage will increase on 1 October 2016.  However, the national living wage that was introduced in April 2016 for 25 years and over will not increase and remain the same rate.

Age                                       National Minimum Wage

25 +                                      £7.20 per hour (no change)

21 - 24                                  From £6.70 to £6.95 per hour

18 – 20                                 From £5.30 to £5.55 per hour

16 – 17                                 From £3.87 to £4.00 per hour

Apprentice rate                     From £3.30 to £3.40 per hour