All Domains

2012 - April

LEGISLATION - 30.04.2012

Cut the red tape

The government has announced plans to make significant cuts to environmental legislation in the coming years. What can you expect to happen and how much of an effect is this likely to have on your business?

ENERGY MANAGEMENT - 30.04.2012

Not so smart meters

Research has identified that if you’ve had a smart meter installed it may need to be replaced, plus you could be paying overly high bills. What’s to know?

HEATING - 30.04.2012

Low carbon heat plans revealed

The second phase of the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) scheme has gone live, introducing new cost control plans for non-domestic renewable heat projects. What do you need to know?

TAX - 30.04.2012

Landfill Tax goes up again

Landfill Tax has gone up again as part of the government’s effort to tackle the UK’s waste problem. What should you do to get your waste bill under control and what help might be on offer from your local council and waste contractor?

MICRO-GENERATION - 30.04.2012

Supreme Court rejects solar appeal


TRANSPORT - 30.04.2012

Electric vehicles - do the sums add up?

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) has launched a new initiative which helps businesses find the “sweet spots” in their operations where electric vehicles might provide a clear financial benefit. Is it worth looking into?

CLIMATE CHANGE - 30.04.2012

How to manage the effects of climate change

The government has recently published new guidance material that’s been created to help businesses deal with the potential impacts of climate change. What’s covered and is this something that you should be taking notice of?

WASTE - 30.04.2012

Crackdown on waste crime has started

In March and April, the Environment Agency (EA) and the police blitzed a number of waste sites and stopped many vehicles carrying waste products. Is this a sign of things to come?

SOFTWARE - BROWSER - 30.04.2012

Getting started in your browser

Your Web browser is probably one of the computer programs you launch most often. So why not equip it with a practical start page? Or would you prefer a fast and simple page containing thumbnails of your favourite addresses?

WEB SERVICES - ONLINE OFFICE - 30.04.2012

The inevitable PowerPoint?

Most presentations you see have probably been made in Microsoft PowerPoint. And it shows: many of them use the same templates. Aren’t there any good alternatives?

SECURITY - PRIVACY - 30.04.2012

How to cancel your account

In order to be able to use most websites and online services, you are expected to sign up. This is generally very easy, but cancelling your account is much less simple. What are the options?

WEB SERVICES - MISCELLANEOUS - 30.04.2012

How to create your own online publication?

Would you like to create an online magazine or newsletter for your customers, collaborators, hobby club etc.? A number of Web tools can help you. We put some of them to the test.

E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 30.04.2012

Plug-ins for beefing up Gmail

If you’re a Gmail user, you can greatly extend the possibilities of this e-mail service by using browser plug-ins. Here are a few examples of available tools.

BUSINESS - FINANCE - 30.04.2012

Financial planning

MoneyVista is a new site that lets you create a plan concerning your income, savings and investments. It’s not free, so we’ve checked it against the opposition.

BUSINESS - JOBS - 30.04.2012

Create an interactive CV


LEISURE - VIDEO - 30.04.2012

New YouTube features


PERSONAL WEBSITE - SITE DESIGN - 30.04.2012

Drawing your site

Are you planning on revamping your existing website or creating a new one? In both cases, your starting point should be a clear structure. Which tools can help you?

LEISURE - PHOTOGRAPHY - 30.04.2012

Taking better photos using your smartphone

More and more people complement their status updates on their social networks by means of photos taken with their smartphone. Here are some tips for taking better smartphone photos.

SECURITY - BACKUP - 30.04.2012

Local and online backup in one go

Making backups regularly is a must. You may already be using software to make local backups or save your backup copies online (for instance with Dropbox). Is there a way of combining both methods?

SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 30.04.2012

Try out Windows 8 risk-free

Windows 8 won’t be released until the autumn. But Microsoft is already offering a free “preview” version for consumers. Would you like to start using the new system without any risks? How can you install it “virtually”?

SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 30.04.2012

Working more efficiently with the Windows Start menu

How many times a day do you click on the Start button in Windows 7 and navigate through the Start menu? You can work even more efficiently if you customise this menu.

WORKPLACE - 27.04.2012

Failure of window restrictors


ASBESTOS - 27.04.2012

Asbestos law changes - a best kept secret!

Although the HSE usually gives plenty of notice of new or updated legislation, it kept very quiet about planned changes to the Control of Asbestos Regulations. However, on April 6 it published updated Regulations. What’s to know?

FIRE SAFETY - EVACUATION - 27.04.2012

A weighty problem

You’re concerned that in the event of a fire or emergency, a member of staff who’s morbidly obese will struggle to get out of the building quickly and may hold up others. How should you deal with this situation?

SAFE USE OF MACHINERY - 27.04.2012

Waste compactor death

A recent case concerned the death of a hospital porter whilst using a waste compactor. The story underlines the need for simple checks on machinery safeguards. What happened?

STRESS - 27.04.2012

High Court rejects fatigue and stress claim

When it comes to managing stress at work even your best efforts may not prevent claims. So how far do you need to go? A recent case helps to clarify the situation.

CONSTRUCTION - 27.04.2012

CSCS test updated

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has updated the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) health and safety touch screen test. What’s different and how should you prepare if you’re taking it soon?

LEGISLATION - 27.04.2012

Safety laws under scrutiny (again!)

In the recent Budget the Treasury announced plans to “scrap or improve” 84% of health and safety legislation. What’s on the cards?

LEGIONELLA - 27.04.2012

Legionella control for accommodation providers

It’s recently come to your attention that as a provider of small-scale residential accommodation, you’re expected to take steps to prevent Legionnaire’s Disease. What’s the situation and who’s affected?

DISCRIMINATION - 27.04.2012

Marriage discrimination: conflicting decisions

We recently reported on a case that had involved a claim for discrimination on the grounds of marital status. A subsequent ruling has cast doubt on the specific guidance it laid down. So what’s our advice now?

POOR PERFORMANCE - 27.04.2012

Implementing an “Employee Improvement Plan”

We previously advised you on Employee Improvement Plans (EIP) and how this simple, yet robust, process can tackle poor performance effectively. If you wish to implement such a system, what are the keys to success?

RECRUITMENT - 27.04.2012

Interview request: will you pay my travel expenses?

Having called a job applicant for an interview, he’s queried whether you will pay his travelling expenses. Refuse and it could mean that the ideal candidate slips right through your fingers. How should you play it?

DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS - 27.04.2012

Companions who are trade union reps

An employee is the subject of disciplinary proceedings and wants to bring a companion to the hearing. You don’t recognise any trade unions, yet they’ve chosen a trade union rep to accompany them. Can you object to this?

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 27.04.2012

Is a social media policy really necessary?

Some experts suggest that a dedicated social media policy is “a vital workplace tool”. Others have claimed it’s “an unrealistic attempt to control staff” and “displays a lack of trust”. Who is right here and what should you do?

BEHAVIOUR - 27.04.2012

That’s (business) entertainment!

In a recent case, a female employee had been sacked for offending a client. Most media reports focused on the fact her claim has been allowed to proceed, not why this is. What important legal point has been overlooked?

BANK HOLIDAYS - 27.04.2012

Bank holidays to be scrapped?

Apparently, the government is “seriously thinking” of scrapping all bank holidays to help employers and boost the economy. Would it really go that far?

TAX RELIEFS - 19.04.2012

A cap on all tax reliefs


ACCOUNTS - 19.04.2012

The advantages of cash-basis accounts

In the Budget the Chancellor announced the introduction of simplified tax rules for business accounts. Will you be entitled to use these and, if so, what will they offer in the way of tax advantages?

CAPITAL ALLOWANCES - 19.04.2012

R&D now more accessible

This month sees changes to research and development tax credits, making them more accessible to smaller companies. Plus, there are changes to the amount of relief you can claim. What’s new?

CHILD BENEFIT - 19.04.2012

Child Benefit - is it taxable?

According to the Taxman’s Budget Statement, Child Benefit won’t be subject to tax, but you might have to pay more tax if you or your partner receives it. That sounds like typical tax double talk to us, so what’s the full story?

VAT - 19.04.2012

New businesses - timing your VAT registration

The VAT registration limit was lifted to £77,000 in the Budget You don’t have to wait until your turnover reaches this limit to sign up - did you know you can even register before you start trading? What’s the advantage in this?

CAPITAL GAINS TAX - 19.04.2012

Turning a lease into a tax-allowable loss

As a general rule using a company solely to hold investments doesn’t make good tax sense. The exception might be leasehold properties. What’s the tax advantage in this?

NATIONAL INSURANCE - 19.04.2012

Dividends subject to NI

A recent Court of Appeal decision ruled that dividends can be charged to NI. Can the Taxman use this decision to attack all owner-managed companies?

INVESTMENTS - 19.04.2012

Tax break on qualifying policies still available

This year’s Budget included a surprising move to limit the amount you can invest in qualifying life assurance policies. But if you haven’t come across these tax-advantaged investments before, are they still worth bothering with?

DIRECTORS’ TAX - 19.04.2012

New company tax incentives

A new tax break for entrepreneurs starting new companies was launched this month. But if you’re a director and shareholder of a company started in the last year or two, is there a chance you could also get your hands on this?

COMPANIES HOUSE - 19.04.2012

Reminder service not working?


COMPANY LAW - 19.04.2012

Directors: what’s your (service) address?

A director’s home address used to be a matter of public record. That meant it could be seen by anyone and everyone. However, the Companies Act 2006 removed this legal requirement. So what’s the current position?

DIRECTORS’ LOANS - 19.04.2012

Should directors be securing their loans?

Directors are the only financial lifeline for many small companies, but by lending money to their business they might be putting their own financial future at risk. What can they do to protect themselves?

COST CUTTING - 19.04.2012

Stamp (on) price rises

Directors must scrutinise and control every aspect of business expenditure. Unfortunately, on April 30 2012 postage costs are going to rocket; 1st class stamps alone will shoot up by 30%. Can you avoid this price hike?

COMPANY CARS - 19.04.2012

Company car fuel - who should pay?

In the Budget the Chancellor announced progressive tax hikes for company car drivers, but employer-paid fuel appears to have got off lightly. Is there now a tax advantage to filling up your car on the company?

DIRECTORS’ PAY - 19.04.2012

Shareholders to vote on your pay?

The government recently stated that it intends to give shareholders a “binding vote” on directors’ remuneration. Should you be worried about this?

RECRUITMENT - 19.04.2012

Interview suggestion: who owns the idea?

Whilst being interviewed for a new director’s post, a candidate suggests an interesting business solution. They are not appointed to this role (there’s a better applicant), but does that stop you from using it?

WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COLLABORATION - 17.04.2012

Sharing files on the fly


WEB SERVICES - MISCELLANEOUS - 17.04.2012

Are there alternatives for the Google services?

Google’s new privacy policy isn’t popular with everyone and has already made many people turn elsewhere. Here are some alternatives for the principal Google services.

WEB SERVICES - MISCELLANEOUS - 17.04.2012

How to create tablet-friendly information?


WEB SERVICES - ONLINE COMMUNITIES - 17.04.2012

Using your social media socially

Social media such as Twitter and Facebook are highly popular - and can be a good marketing tool. That’s why more and more Web services are cropping up which allow you to use these channels together. We put three of them to the test.

SECURITY - BACKUP - 17.04.2012

What if a site suddenly decides to shut down?

New social networking services and apps crop up almost every week, but they often disappear as fast. How can you ensure that when such a site disappears, your data (contacts, photos etc.) don’t disappear too?

BUSINESS - WEB SERVICES - 17.04.2012

Project monitoring on an online board

Trello is a new Web service which helps you to co-ordinate and monitor your projects online. This is done via a mix of virtual boards, lists and cards. Is it a useful service?

SOFTWARE - WINDOWS - 17.04.2012

Windows 7 redecorated

Are you getting tired of the standard Windows themes which determine the look of the system? It’s not all that difficult to give Windows a look which better suits your own taste.

E-MAIL - E-MAIL SOFTWARE - 17.04.2012

Attachment management for professionals

You’re probably receiving lots of attachments in your e-mails. Using the proper tools, you can manage them better. Here’s some dedicated software for Outlook, Windows Mail and Thunderbird.

E-MAIL - E-MAIL USE - 17.04.2012

Manage all your e-mail addresses in one location

It’s a good idea to work with multiple e-mail addresses (a general, a business address and some disposable ones). However, wouldn’t it be easier if you could bring all of them together in one application? What are the options?

WEB SERVICES - VIDEOCONFERENCING - 17.04.2012

Organising an online meeting

Meeting online is becoming increasingly easy as a growing number of cloud services let you organise online meetings without installing any software. We put some of these services to the test.

SEARCHING - MISCELLANEOUS - 17.04.2012

Boost your “personal brand” in Google

Your name is bound to be googled some time: an employer who wishes to engage you, someone you’re having a meeting with etc.; in short, anyone wanting to find out more about you. How do you improve your online reputation?

SEARCHING - INTERNET - 17.04.2012

When to use Wolfram Alpha?

Wolfram Alpha is a search engine specialising in computational data. It’s been around for years, and yet the number of users remains limited. We looked for some concrete uses for this search engine.

MISCELLANEOUS - PROPERTY - 17.04.2012

Property hotspots

A survey has highlighted the remarkable total worth of London properties and some anomalies, but what are the best websites if you’re thinking of moving house?

WORKPLACE - 13.04.2012

Keeping fuel - know your limits!


ACCESS/EGRESS - 13.04.2012

But it complies with Building Regulations...

A subscriber recently went to some lengths to design the height of a ramp so that they wouldn’t have to add a handrail. They thought this was OK because they had applied with Building Regulations. But were they right to take this approach?

WORKPLACE - 13.04.2012

Smelling a rat?

You’ve asked staff to start clearing up around the outside of your buildings. But one of them has complained, saying there’s a risk of disease carried by rats. Are they right and if so what do you need to do?

MANUAL HANDLING - 13.04.2012

What’s “breach of statutory duty”?

You’re facing a compensation claim from a member of staff who alleges that they’ve been injured because of a breach of your statutory duty. What does this mean and how should you deal with it?

POLICIES & RECORDS - OUTDOOR EVENT SAFETY PLAN - 13.04.2012

Are you planning an outdoor event?

Summer’s on the way so if you’re planning any outdoor events, now’s the time to make sure that health and safety is considered alongside everything else. How will our new document help?

PORTABLE APPLIANCE TESTING - 13.04.2012

What’s the latest on portable appliance tests?

In a bid to clarify its position on portable appliance tests (PAT), the HSE has fielded a number of commonly asked questions on the subject and posted the answers on its website. What can be learned from these?

SAFE USE OF MACHINERY - 13.04.2012

Keep instructions clear and to the point

A recent case has identified that you shouldn’t expect staff to remember long and overly complicated instructions. What happened and how can you avoid falling into the same trap?

RIDDOR - 13.04.2012

Reporting changes apply now

The HSE has confirmed that planned changes to the accident reporting legislation apply from now on. What difference will this make to you?

DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS - 13.04.2012

Q&A - how long do written warnings last?


EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY - 13.04.2012

Employer successfully defends £1.25 million claim

An employee recently sought damages of £1.25 million in the High Court for an illness which she said was brought on by “work-related stress”. However, the employer managed to successfully defend her claim. What’s to know?

SICKNESS ABSENCE - 13.04.2012

Record sickness absence easily and effectively

According to the Department for Work and Pensions, at least 20% of employers don’t record employee sickness absence. So how can you keep tabs on it accurately and with the minimum of fuss?

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT - 13.04.2012

The benefits of succession planning

With rising unemployment, it’s easy to think that skilled staff could be replaced quickly if they leave. Yet, the reality could be quite different. So how can “succession planning” help you avoid future skills gaps in your workforce?

TRIBUNAL PROCEDURE - 13.04.2012

New tribunal rules: will they help employers?

On April 6 2012 some new tribunal rules came into effect which are designed to help employers. What’s happened and, more importantly, are these procedural changes really going to do any good?

COURT CLAIMS - 13.04.2012

A “breach of copyright” (or not)?

It’s come to your attention that an employee who is tasked with managing your website has reproduced written material and photographs from elsewhere. What are your potential liabilities, if any, and is there any action you should take?

ACAS CODE OF PRACTICE - 13.04.2012

Have your say on the ACAS Code

The government recently announced that it is considering changing the ACAS Code of Practice. Why is this and how can you have your say?

HARASSMENT - 13.04.2012

Sexual harassment - but it was “man to man”!

In a recent case, a man alleged that a male colleague had sexually harassed him. The employer argued that as the behaviour was “man to man”, he could not have been offended by it. What view did the tribunal take on this?

ALCOHOL - 10.04.2012

Alcohol misuse loses 17 million days’ productivity

Apparently, 12.6 million of us regularly exceed government guidelines on safe alcohol consumption. This loses employers up to 17 million working days each year. But are you obliged to have an alcohol policy?

TRIBUNAL PROCEDURE - 10.04.2012

Tribunal costs cap raised to £20,000


CONTRACTS - 10.04.2012

Accept a “buy-out” incentive or be dismissed

In a recent case, the employer wanted to stop paying a hefty contractual bonus. When staff refused a lump sum payment to buy out this right, it dismissed them and offered re-engagement on new terms. Were they unfairly dismissed?

ABSENTEEISM - 10.04.2012

Sickness absence during the notice period

One of your employees recently handed in their notice. Since then they’ve been routinely calling in sick. Under the circumstances, you seriously doubt this is genuine. So can you simply refuse to pay them any sick pay?

CONSULTATION - 10.04.2012

Must you consult if redundancies are inevitable?

Where an employer proposes to make 20 or more employees redundant, it is required to enter into collective consultation. But assuming this outcome is “inevitable”, could that process be ignored on the grounds it is pointless?

HOLIDAYS - 10.04.2012

The “extra” bank holiday: start planning now!

This year, to mark the occasion of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the late May Bank Holiday will move to Monday June 4. In addition, Tuesday June 5 is a “celebratory” bank holiday. But why should you start planning for this now?

DISCRIMINATION - 10.04.2012

Avoiding liability in discrimination claims

Employees can allege discrimination on many grounds and defending them can be a real challenge for employers. So what was the winning strategy of the employer who saw off a race claim?

RECRUITMENT - 10.04.2012

Employee or freelancer?

According to new research, many smaller employers are plugging skills gaps with freelancers, rather than employees. Is this an option worth considering?

WEB SERVICES - MISCELLANEOUS - 05.04.2012

Your online guided website tour


TELEPHONY - MOBILES & SMARTPHONES - 05.04.2012

Android Market = Google Play


SEARCHING - IMAGES - 05.04.2012

Finding photos via Google


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