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Agency workers 'a very attractive option' for law firms

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:30:00 +0100

Agency workers are still "a very attractive option" for businesses and industries with a skills shortage, according to a Manchester-based lawyer. Mace & Jones partner Phil Allen has advocated the use of agency workers - but has stated employers must take note of changing work condition regulations, reports bytestart.co.uk. Temporary workers who have worked in a role for twelve weeks will get the same pay and holiday entitlements, after the EU directed that those working through employment agencies must have their rights bolstered. Mr Allen said some employment legislation, for example anti-discrimination law, applies to agency workers and employers need "guard against "underestimating it. He added: "It is vital firms know how to use agency workers to the maximum benefit of the business. "Critically they provide employers with flexibility and avoid costly contractual obligations that kick in when permanent staff are made redundant which of course is a major consideration in the current economic climate." The BBC has reported that there are currently around 1.4 million agency workers in the UK.

Flexible working 'craved' in the finance sector

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:30:00 +0100

Workers in the financial sector crave flexible working conditions, a new study has suggested. Research conducted by Badenoch & Clark has indicated that four in ten workers in the sector believe their employers are "not doing enough to address the work-life balance". Nick Eaves, a director at the firm, told Accountancy Age that finance companies must listen to their employees if they want to avoid losing staff. He said: "Employers need to be aware that benefits schemes will not only improve job satisfaction and happiness for their people, but will directly affect the quality of their work. "If companies are to retain staff, then they need to find out what their employees want its not rocket science, but it certainly doesnt seem to be happening in accounting and finance right now." The website also reports that more than eight in ten of employers did however say that they saw "no downside" to offering flexible working, which may come as good news to those wishing to restructure their working week.

Spot checks for employment agencies over migrant workers

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:30:00 +0100

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employment agencies in Cambridgeshire to prepare for inspections. Spot checks focusing on the foreign migrants are scheduled to take place during July, with the aim of identifying workplaces where migrants supplied by work agencies may be at risk. HSE inspectors and environmental health officers will investigate how employment agencies manage health and safety for migrant workers and the type of premises in which such workers are placed. David Head, principal HSE inspector for Cambridgeshire, said there was concern that migrant workers are being put at risk "due to a variety of reasons", including lack of understanding of safety information and lack of instruction. He added: "Where these visits identify problems, inspectors may revisit the agencies to resolve these issues and will take enforcement action if necessary." The HSE's mission is "to protect people's health and safety by ensuring risks in the changing workplace are properly controlled".

Digital agencies 'confident' despite credit crunch

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:00:00 +0100

The current economic slowdown shows few signs of affecting confidence among digital agencies, it is claimed. An E-consultancy report claims that has 28 per cent of such businesses expect to increase turnover during the next twelve months, news which may come as a boost to agency and temporary workers seeking employment in the sector. With regards industry optimism, 90 per cent of firms questioned stated they were "quite" or "very" confident about business prospects for the next twelve months. E-consultancy head of research Linus Gregoriadis, claimed digital agencies were generally "very upbeat about the short-to medium-term future" despite the effects of the ongoing credit crunch on the economy. However, he did offer one word of warning to business owners, suggesting it was becoming "more challenging" for digital agencies to increase profit margins. "Coupled with increased competition in the marketplace, the trend towards paying higher salaries means that margins are inevitably being squeezed," he added. E-consultancy is an internet marketing consultancy with more than 70,000 registered users.

Home working 'could benefit staff attrition levels'

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:00:00 +0100

Home workers are more likely to enjoy a stress-free working life than those based in an office, new research has suggested. According to the study conducted by Durham University's Business School, 65 per cent of office-based workers feel a great deal of stress, compared to 43 per cent of those working more than 20 hours per week from home. Professor Tom Redman said working from home helped promote a sense of "well-being". Regarding apparent concerns held by employers that staff who worked from home are not as committed to performing extra duties as office employees, he claimed the research showed this behaviour was not undermined by home working. He added: As working from home does not harm an employees commitment and has real benefits for staff our argument is that a lot of duties can be done electronically thanks to email and the internet". Last month the government announced plans to extend flexible working entitlements to more UK workers.

Asbestos find stalls Olympic Stadium construction

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:06:01 +0100

Construction work on the new Olympic Stadium in London has stalled following the discovery of asbestos, according to reports. Material containing the substance was discovered at the Stratford site in East London. Lawrence Waterman, head of health and safety at the Olympic Delivery Authority, said: "As part of our health, safety and environmental monitoring, a small amount of asbestos-containing material has been discovered within the ground of the Olympic Stadium. "The health and safety of the workforce is our number one priority and we have taken the precautionary measure of stopping work in this area." A project source told Contract Journal that asbestos was found near where the stadium running track will be based, adding that contractors working on the piling phase of the project had been "told to go home". Sir Robert McCalpine's team of construction contractors started work on the stadium for the London 2012 in May, three months ahead of schedule. Workers are expected to resume duties in the next few days.

New mothers 'should take advantage of flexible working'

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:00:00 +0100

Women who ask for flexible working before they go on maternity leave are likely to get it, according to a recent poll. However, the second annual survey from jobsite WorkingMums.co.uk indicates that many mums-to-be a still not taking advantage of flexible working options. The survey of 1,100 respondents revealed that 70 per cent of mothers believed their job ranged from flexible to extremely flexible, with 57 per cent feeling their employers are open to compromise. Gillian Nissim, founder of WorkingMums.co.uk, said she was delighted that many women were achieving "a positive balance" when going back to work, by "taking control and being proactive in their approach to flexible working". However, she claimed a large number of women continue to be unaware of their rights to work flexibly, adding: "Whats clear is that mothers need to maintain communications with their employers to achieve a mutually beneficial ongoing working relationship." WorkingMums.co.uk is described as a "thriving jobsite offering support and opportunities to professional women looking for flexible, part-time office and home-based opportunities".

PCG offers payment advice to contractors

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:00:00 +0100

Guidance for contractors faced with unpaid invoices in the wake of the credit crunch has been issued today by the Professional Contractors Group (PCG). With the Insolvency Service reporting a 54 per cent rise in the number of companies entering administration during the first quarter of 2008, the PCG has warned contractors to be on their guard against non-payment. Freelancers are advised to carry out a credit check on client firms, issue regular invoices with a limited time for payment and not to ignore a missed payment. In addition, the PCG says they should continue to chase payment if it does not arrive on time, while also adding a termination clause into contracts which becomes activated upon non-payment. John Brazier, managing director of PCG, says it is important to "act quickly to minimise any losses" where instinct or experience tells you that there is a problem. He added: "We have developed these practical tips to help freelancers avoid any debt disasters. "In times of recession, it is important that small businesses know how to protect themselves from becoming victims and know when to act to avoid financial loss." In addition, the PCG says tell-tale signs of financial difficulties include an insolvent balance sheet, loss-making profits sheets, large inter-company accounts, long-term creditors shown with share capital and an increase in director loans. PCG was formed in May 1999 to provide independent contractors and consultants with a voice in opposition to the government's original IR35 proposals.

BT wins £160 million Nationwide contract

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:00:00 +0100

BT has won a contract with the Nationwide Building society to take over the management of its IT functions. The seven-year £160 million outsourcing deal will see the telecoms giant centralise Nationwide's multiple networks onto a sole converged platform. Remote network access for home-working Nationwide employees will also be enhanced as part of the plans. Peter Stafford, head of IT Infrastructure at Nationwide, said Nationwides growth in recent years had meant its IT infrastructure had been forced to expand at an "exponential rate" to keep up with demand. He stated: "We must now seek the most efficient and scalable infrastructure service possible to support this. "Having worked with BT for a number of years, we are very confident in the teams ability to fulfil our requirements." BT Global Services chief executive François Barrault said BT had been chosen for "its ability to deliver a standardised, cost effective network infrastructure and a well-governed but innovation-led approach to future service management". "In delivering this contract, BT will build on its unrivalled track record in providing transformational network centric outsourced solutions which meet the demands of the financial services industry," he added. BT has also won financial contracts from the Alliance & Leicester, Bradford & Bingley and Barclays finance houses, reports Contractor UK.

'Secrets' of a successful contractor revealed

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:30:00 +0100

An online recruitment firm has revealed seven "secrets" of a good contractor. Web resource site Online Recruitment claims that "a number of different skills" are required in for a worker to succeed in the industry, in addition to the vital staples of a positive reputation and excellent communication skills. Onrec claims that contractors must have a wealth of commercial awareness and also a great deal of knowledge about the industry they are working in with understanding of the problems a client firm faces said to be critical. Good interpersonal skills may help attract work and generate repeat custom, while is the ability to be sensitive to others thoughts and feelings knowing how and when to offer advice is equally important. A contractor who is adaptable, keen to learn and has an entrepreneurial spirit should see demand for their services, according to Onrec. Industry commentator Angela Dixon offers a number of benefits to contract working, including flexible hours, avoidance of office politics, fewer meetings and breadth of experience.

Information theft 'risks recruiter reputations'

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:30:00 +0100

Employees risk damaging the reputation of recruitment agencies if they abuse confidential candidate and client details, it has been claimed. According to Jon Tyler, director and co-owner of IT recruitment firm E-resourcing, there is a "danger" that the relationship between firms and recruiters could be damaged if data security rules are breached by employees, reports Recruiter. The comments follow a recent court case involving an agency employee who stole job application and client details for use in his own start-up company. A solicitor involved in the case, Dan Morrison, said agency staff should realise they face prosecution if they misuse client information. He added: "As technology develops, so does the ability of recruitment agencies and their lawyers to uncover wrongdoing and bring evidence to court." The BBC reported in 2005 that UK workers are more likely to steal from their employers than those in 21 other European countries.

Fewer workplace fatalities in 2007/08

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:05:59 +0100

Slightly fewer people were killed at work in the UK last year than in 2006/07, it has been reported. Figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that 228 workplace fatalities were witnessed in 2007/08, compared to 247 the year before. Speaking to Personnel Today, HSE chair Judith Hackitt said it was disappointing that death levels had begun to plateau after years of improvement. Referring to the report, she stated: "This stresses the need for everyone, employers and employees alike, to make a further effort to reduce this total of human misery. "The high levels of fatalities in the agriculture and construction sectors continue to be of particular concern to us, and will be a major focus of the HSE's work priorities over the coming year." Together the deaths in the construction and agriculture sectors account for nearly half of all fatal injuries to workers in the UK. However, construction contractors may be interested to learn that the number of deaths per 100,000 workers on building sites fell from 3.6 to 3.4 during the period in question.

Visas: Sponsorship scheme for foreign visitors

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0100

UK workers failing to ensure foreign family members visiting from abroad abide by the law may face sanctions, the government has said. Under planned changes to the UK visa system, residents must act as sponsor to their visitors to vouch for their behaviour and make sure they leave the country within the required time frame. Those acting in breach of regulations may be banned from having visitors from abroad in the future, while a financial penalty or imprisonment are other possibilities. Border and immigration minister Liam Byrne said it "made sense" to tighten visa restrictions, with a points-based selective migration scheme set to be introduced. He added: "The changes I am announcing today will help create a fairer Britain with fair treatment for those who play by the rules, but tough action against those who break the law. "We want the UK to stay open and attractive for both business and visitors, but at the same time we are determined to deliver a system of border security which is among the most secure in the world." The Home Office document A points based system: Making migration work for Britain outlines the government's plans for selective migration.

IT contractor cuts 'not widespread'

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:42:47 +0100

Reductions in IT contractor fees witnessed in North America are not likely to be seen across the UK sector, it has been claimed. In news which may reassure contractors concerned about their future employment opportunities, the managing director of IT recruiter Cititec Associates has refuted claims that all workers would be affected, reports Recruiter. Stephen Grant said that although five major US investment banks have cut contractor rates by an average of ten per cent, only those most affected by the credit crunch were taking such action. He added: "Most of my ledgers have not been cut. Many banks are still doing well." Contractor Calculator has claimed that highly-skilled contractors should not be affected by any reduction in rates and work opportunities as they will still be in high demand. Meanwhile, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation has suggested that firms may increasingly look to contractors and temporary agency workers to ease them through the current economic slowdown.

Personal finance savings for contractors

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:35:00 +0100

Contractors can increase their profit margins by adopting a stricter approach to their personal finances, it has been claimed. According to internet resource site Contractor UK, savings can be made by making a few small lifestyle changes. It is claimed that comparing prices on the internet can prevent contractors paying over the odds on commodities such as energy, while scrutinising and even switching bank accounts can provide a clearer financial focus. Seeking the best credit card deal is another tip, with the site suggesting that many of the zero per cent interest deals have annual charges hidden in the small print. For those owing larger sums on cards or loans, taking out a cheaper consolidation loan is suggested as a sensible move. Savings can also be made by comparing broadband providers to search for the cheapest rates, while monitoring energy consumption can help reduce business costs. Media provider CBS reported today that small businesses are being especially hit as a result of the ongoing credit crunch.