2006 - August
If it’s good enough for the Met…
You’re fed up with customers and suppliers reneging on what you’ve agreed. So you’re thinking about recording your conversations. As it seems to be OK for the head of the Met police to do it, should you expect problems?
According to a recent survey, around half of small companies are failing to claim Small Business Rate Relief. Is this something that your company should be taking advantage of?
As an owner-director, you’ve chosen to take a small salary with the rest as dividends. But if you don’t have the usual proof of income, i.e. payslips, when it comes to applying for a mortgage, what are your options?
Like many directors you have a diverse investment portfolio. Although the first £8,800 of gains is exempt from tax, when does investing become “dealing” with any profits generated taxed as a trade?
Like any sensible director you have income protection insurance. However, if circumstances have changed since you bought it, will it pay what you expect?
As a director, you have to pay tax on your company car whilst your company has to pay National Insurance on this benefit. However, there is a way to avoid tax and NI on cars altogether. How is this possible?
The HSE have been offering free advice via their Infoline for a number of years. Are there any hidden catches to be avoided?
Some of your IT staff have started wearing open toed shoes and sandals to work. You’re concerned that they don’t offer any protection and leave you liable in the event of an accident. Where do you stand and what should you do?
You’ve compiled all of your safety documentation in a file to create a formal safety management system. Surely this is enough? Asda thought so, but when there was an accident in a store, an inspector didn’t agree. What happened?
An explosion which caused numerous serious injuries has lead to a company being prosecuted by the HSE. How did the accident happen and what basic steps can you take to avoid it happening in your workplace?
It’s too hot - I want to go home
“What’s the maximum workplace temperature?” is a question we’ve been asked by numerous subscribers throughout the summer. So what are the facts, and do you actually have to do anything at all?
Working in confined spaces isn’t something that should be undertaken without proper planning and risk assessment. So why not use our confined space permit to work and checklist to help you manage the numerous safety issues?
Some training might not go amiss
One of our subscribers contacted us following a visit from an inspector. During the inspection he suggested that some basic general safety training would be a good idea. Do they have to do it, and if so, what are their best options?
Legislation outlawing discrimination against gay staff was introduced in December 2003. But just how far do these rules affect office banter? What guidance does a new case have to offer you?
Promoting or moving an employee can often make economic sense (saving on recruitment costs). But it isn’t always plain sailing. What are the risks and how can they be overcome?
An employee is currently on maternity leave, though you’d like her help with some work for a few days. Can she take on paid work for you during her maternity leave without jeopardising either her maternity leave or her SMP?
Suspension – do we pay or not?
A subscriber sent home two employees who had been fighting at work. However, they didn’t pay them for the period of suspension. Is this always the right thing to do, and if not, how should you deal with a similar situation?
The new Work and Families Bill will extend the right to request flexible working to those with caring responsibilities from April 2007. What are the latest developments and how should you prepare for such requests?
There’s been some confusion during the summer over government plans to increase statutory holiday entitlement. What’s the real story behind the news?