2006 - January
Figures published by the HSE show that the number of prosecutions has dropped. What does this mean for you?
Fire certificates are no longer necessary
A fire safety officer used to visit your premises annually to check all your procedures and the fire certificate. So why does he no longer visit? What’s changed and why?
You’ve been using bleach to clean your work surfaces for years. Someone has now told you it’s not used in some schools any more due to possible risks to children. Is there a real risk and if so, what alternatives are there?
You have a small staff canteen with a part-time catering person employed. You’ve heard about new food legislation and are concerned that they aren’t prepared. Do the new laws apply, and if so, what should be your response?
You completed risk assessments for all of your operational activities but they’ve not been reviewed. What are your legal requirements to do so and will it be necessary to employ a consultant, or can it be completed in-house?
Keeping your office staff productive
Even though offices are seen as low-risk, staff may still experience occupational health problems which can adversely affect their productivity. So why not use our checklist to help you manage the most common problems?
“It’ll only take five minutes, just put a plank of wood there, that’ll be all right”. This is a familiar scenario but as a recent HSE prosecution has identified, not an option likely to find favour. So what should you be doing?
Your employee has now been off work for a month, but you’re still waiting to receive a GP’s sick note. You can see this dragging on, so what action should you take in order to resolve matters?
You’ve finally found the person you’ve been looking for. Trouble is, she lives 200 miles away and will have to relocate. You’re happy to pick up the tab but what will the Taxman make of the arrangement? And what else should you consider?
You’re soon to update your employment contracts and are interested in retaining the right to pay in lieu of notice. What are the key advantages in introducing this type of clause into your contracts?
Why good statements are crucial
Of course you recognise that procedures are of paramount importance when it comes to tribunal claims. However, recent cases have shown some employers wanting when it comes to witness statements. What can you learn from them?
As you’re aware, an employee can bring a harassment claim against you if they’ve been bullied or intimidated. However, a new Court of Appeal case has just increased their options. What’s the latest?
The cost of ignoring statutory procedures
We’ve previously warned about the extra costs which you could face if you fail to follow the statutory grievance procedures. A new case shows by just how much you could come unstuck. What lessons can you learn from it?
The Taxman’s case against a husband and wife company reached the Court of Appeal at the end of last year. What’s your position now?
The Limitation Act 1980 states that there’s a six-year time limit on the recovery of debts. However, the Taxman thinks he can still issue demands for payment of NI arrears covering more than six years. What’s going on?
The Taxman can refuse your company the benefit of the small companies rate of Corporation Tax if you have any associated companies. However, a recent case will help you argue that the other company can be ignored. Read on.
Some tax offices are challenging claims for business asset taper relief on shares in companies where there’s a great deal of cash on the balance sheet. How can you argue against this?
The Pre-Budget report blocked certain schemes trying to take advantage of new pension rules coming into force in April. But is it still true that your company can pay a very substantial sum into your pension and claim full tax relief for it?
During a busy period, you accidentally forgot to send in a VAT return for the latest period on time. What are the consequences of this? Will a visit from the VATman be the final outcome?
One of the cornerstones of Inheritance Tax planning is to make a gift of an asset to the next generation and then survive that gift by seven years. If a chance comes along to sell this asset what’s the tax-efficient thing to do?
For years you’ve probably refined your business terms, making sure they’re as watertight as can be. If they’re the last sent, then they’re the ones that count. Not any more! How can you make sure your contracts don’t leave you high and dry?
You’re about to sue for non-payment. Trouble is, whom do you sue and which address should you use - the head office, branch office or even the proprietor’s home address? What are the rules when it comes to making a claim?
As a director and shareholder, you know that paying yourself a dividend is more tax-efficient than a bonus. But if there are other shareholders, they must receive a dividend at the same time. How can you keep more for yourself?
Wouldn’t it be good if all your customers paid on time every month? Of course the reality is often quite different. So, what simple steps should you take to ensure the cash keeps flowing into your coffers?
You need some scaffolding for maintenance works to be completed on your building. Rather than paying for the maintenance contractor to do it, you have a friend who says he can do it cheaper. Is this OK and if not, why not?
Are the courts still employer-friendly?
It’s been nearly two years since the House of Lords decision in Hatton v Sutherland gave the green light to the employer-friendly approach in dealing with stress claims. Looking at a recent case, is it still good news for you?
You’ve identified some particularly cold areas in your workplace and have decided to heat them using portable LPG heaters. Are there any specific risks involved in their use, and if so, how can you ensure they’re minimised?
According to new research, workplace asthma is the fastest growing occupational hazard in the UK. What’s the latest news and what should you be doing?
One of your staff has informed you that he doesn’t need to wear safety glasses because his contact lenses provide him with adequate protection. Is this true and are there any safety issues with contact lenses?
One of your senior supervisors has left your business and you haven’t been able to replace him. What are the health and safety implications and what should you do to ensure safety rules are followed?
Your insurance company has asked for Key Performance Indicator (KPI) statistics for accidents and your general health and safety record. What are they and is there any benefit in providing them?