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- WEEE confusion still remains
Environment: The Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) is poised to launch a campaign to make UK consumers and businesses more aware of the regulations for waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE). Although the UK is ahead of th.....
15/05/2008 - Employers should 'get involved' with H&S
Health & safety: A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) spokesperson has urged business owners not to attempt to manage health and safety in the workplace from an ivory tower, reports Norwich Union Risk Services Speaking at the Safety and Health Expo, Judith Hackitt sa.....
15/05/2008 - Changes to Construction Act 'will occur'
Regulations/legislation: Amendments to the Construction Act will be pushed through during the next parliamentary session, Building magazine reports. A statement from Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said that changes will be made by next year as part of the Community Empower.....
15/05/2008 - High-tec skills 'important to Conservatives'
Technical: Conservative leader David Cameron will ensure that engineering and research skills are at the top of his political agenda should he win power in the next general election. This is according to Electronics Weekly magazine, which states that Mr Camero.....
14/05/2008 - Campaign groups slam eco-towns
Environment: Environmental campaign groups have criticised the government's plans to build a series of eco-towns at various sites in the UK. According to the Telegraph, the plans have been branded as a "green veneer", with environmentalists saying that.....
14/05/2008 - Barratt new-build sites to decline
Business: Housebuilder Barratt Developments is likely to decrease its number of new-build sites following the release of new revenue figures. Total housebuilding revenues for the 19 week period ending May 11th showed a decrease of 7.6 per cent on last year's .....
14/05/2008 - SMEs 'fear network security threat'
Technical: A survey of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has revealed that one of their biggest fears for 2008 is data loss via their computer networks, SME Web reports. According to figures from internet service provider (ISP) Star, 53 per cent of the .....
13/05/2008 - More funding 'to help women into construction'
Training: Skills council ConstructionSkills is to receive more funding to help women into the building industry, it has emerged. According to Personnel Today, the number of female trainees entering the organisation's training and support programmes has reache.....
13/05/2008 - Construction skills shortage 'to worsen'
Training: New figures from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) have painted a lack of faith in skills in the construction industry. According to the organisation's new skills survey, 90 per cent of the 1,200 respondents said that they believed the indu.....
12/05/2008 - SMEs 'should get help with risk management'
Health & safety: Small businesses should ask for help and training if they are unsure about how best to manage risk within their organisation, it has been claimed. Recent research from Experian Business Strategies Limited and Harris Interactive found that only 26 pe.....
12/05/2008 - Hips delayed, minister announces
Regulations/legislation: The government has further delayed the mandatory implementation of the new home information packs (Hips), it has been announced. Housing minister Caroline Flint today (May 9th) said that Hips will not be legally necessary until December 31st 2008, a.....
09/05/2008 - Small sites 'may be exempt from carbon reductions'
Environment: A task group is to argue that small building sites may be unable to significantly reduce their carbon emissions in line with government targets, Building magazine has revealed. The Zero Carbon Task Group is to recommend that the government should co.....
09/05/2008 - Energy-saving plumbing 'could sell houses'
Business: A spokesperson from the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has said that housebuilders may want to incorporate energy-saving systems into new builds if they want to appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. Senior technical engineer Dan.....
09/05/2008 - CPRE campaigns against loss of green belt
Environment: The Campaign to Protect Rural England has called on the government to renew its emphasis on the importance of green belt land and has released new figures to illustrate how much of this land is being lost to housing. According to the organisation, 4.....
08/05/2008 - CIS ratings a "national scandal"
Regulations/legislation: The Trade Unions Congress (TUC) has called for a shake-up of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) following the release of its Vulnerable Employment report yesterday (May 7th). According to the research, people on the scheme are suffering because .....
08/05/2008 - Three days of events showcase H&S practices
Health & safety: Workplace transport safety will be promoted at a conference to be held by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) next week. The event, to be held at the NEC in Birmingham on May 14th, will feature expert speakers and advice on iss.....
07/05/2008 - Demand for construction workers 'still high'
Business: The credit crunch does not appear to have hit demand for workers in the construction sector, Contract Journal reports. According to research published by NTC Economics and KPMG on the labour market, demand for construction and engineering workers re.....
07/05/2008 - Eco-towns "unsustainable"
Environment: A spokesperson for the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has said that the proposed eco-towns which will be built in Britain are "unsustainable". Director of external affairs Brian Berry said that he believes the proposed new towns which.....
07/05/2008 - Price of construction work rises
Business: New figures released today (May 6th) by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) have revealed that the price of construction work rose sharply at the end of 2007. The organisation's Tender Price Index also said that there should be enough work .....
06/05/2008 - Planning system is 'holding developers back'
Regulations/legislation: The government's target of two million new homes by 2016 will not be met unless changes are made to the planning application process, it has been said. According to Brian Berry, director of external affairs at the Federation of Master Builders, the .....
06/05/2008 - WEEE ignorance 'could mean prosecution'
Regulations/legislation: Many businesses could be risking prosecution by failing to comply with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, the Environment Agency has warned. According to new research published by the organisation, 24 per cent of compa.....
02/05/2008 - False claims costing SMEs dearly
Business: A spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses has warned that companies should ensure that they operate exact expense procedures in order to avoid losing money. Recent research from Travelodge found that unscrupulous employees are taking mor.....
02/05/2008 - EPC estimations slammed by assessors
Regulations/legislation: Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will cost much more money and take more time than the government has allowed for, Building Magazine reports. The government's communities department had estimated that the process would cost £1.5 billion b.....
02/05/2008 - Construction industry safety threat
Health & safety: The construction industry could face major repercussions if a recruitment crisis within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is not addressed, it has been reported. According to Construction News, a report by human resources director Gaynor Coldric.....
01/05/2008 - No let-up for construction misery
Business: New figures released by the government today (May 1st) have shown a further downturn in activity within the construction industry. According to the Office for National Statistics, construction orders fell by eight per cent in the first three months .....
01/05/2008 - Memorial speakers campaign for better safety
Health & safety: A rally in aid of Workers Memorial Day on Monday (April 28th) was held in Manchester's Peace Gardens, aiming to educate the public about the importance of health and safety at work, the Manchester Evening News (MEN) reports. The message behind the e.....
30/04/2008 - 'More construction firms face insolvency'
Business: More construction companies than ever before are facing crippling debt problems in the face of the credit crunch, it has been found. According to insolvency specialist Begbies Taylor, 565 UK construction companies are facing either county court judg.....
30/04/2008 - SME owners 'are not alone'
Business: The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies has launched a week of events to offer advice to small business owners in the wake of the credit crunch, reports SME Web. Entitled Credit Crunch Week, the programme will aim to provide entrepreneurs wit.....
29/04/2008 - Skills shortage 'could put heritage at risk'
Environment: A new report has highlighted increasing concern about the shortage of UK construction professionals. According to the National Heritage Training Group (NHTG), many buildings that date from before 1919 are at risk because of a lack of skilled workers.....
29/04/2008 - New guide for health and safety
Health & safety: A new educational guide has been launched to stress the need for better healthcare practices in the workplace. The workbook, entitled Occupational Health: Dealing with the Issues, was unveiled by the Trades Union Congress on Workers' Memorial Day ye.....
29/04/2008 - Anti-theft campaign launched
Business: Kent police have launched a campaign to promote the prevention of machinery theft in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics. The force has warned that the theft of heavy machinery, such as mechanical diggers, is growing as gangs are stealing the valuable e.....
28/04/2008 - 'Cowboy builders should be ousted'
Regulations/legislation: More should be done to combat the practices of "disreputable" construction firms, it has been claimed. Mark Pritchard, Conservative MP for the Wrekin constituency in Shropshire, raised the issue in the House of Commons, saying that the act.....
28/04/2008 - Integrated technology 'to be seen in more homes'
Technical: Implementing integrated technology into bedroom design is becoming a popular trend, according to an industry expert. Hugh Jamieson, British Interior Design Association member and senior designer at At Home, said that more people are looking to bring.....
25/04/2008 - Manufacturers 'raising prices'
Business: Manufacturers are turning to price rises in order to combat increasing unit costs, according to data from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). The organisation has said that both domestic and export prices grew at their fastest rate since 19.....
25/04/2008 - Research finds crunch effect on SMEs
Business: New research has shown that the credit crunch could be beginning to affect small businesses. A survey carried out by Yetis PR and Marketing for UnLtdWorld.com found that almost 40 per cent of small business owners have experienced financial difficul.....
24/04/2008 - CML says it will support new buyers
Regulations/legislation: The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has pledged to support first-time buyers following a meeting between the organisation and housing ministers earlier this week. Current economic conditions, including the credit crunch, were discussed, as well as.....
24/04/2008 - Credit crunch 'takes its toll on construction'
Business: The current economic climate is having negative repercussions on the construction industry, a trade organisation has found. According to the State of Trade survey of the first quarter of 2008 by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), workloads hav.....
23/04/2008 - A green policy 'could save businesses money'
Environment: Cutting carbon emissions and saving energy could benefit individual businesses as well as the planet, it has been claimed. According to John Treble, managing director of the Green Consultancy, having a good green policy in place could save businesse.....
23/04/2008 - Committee calls for "rogues" to be weeded out
Health & safety: The work and pensions select committee has spoken out against "over-cautious" health and safety advisers who may be wasting employers' time and money. In a new report on workplace health and safety, the committee said that many businesses .....
22/04/2008 - Mock home to test out green technologies
Environment: Energy supplier E.ON has announced that it is to build a replica of a 1930s semi-detached property in order to find how best to combat CO2 emissions from existing homes. According to the Guardian, the company has joined forces with Nottingham Univer.....
22/04/2008 - Architects 'beginning to address green issues'
Environment: As concerns grow about the impact of home and office building on the environment architects are "slowly" beginning to adapt their designs to suit green standards. According to the eco-property company GreenMoves while progress remains slug.....
21/04/2008 - 'Key business skill training' offered by Young Enterprise scheme
Training: Young Enterprise provides aspiring businessmen and women with the key skills they need to succeed in the world of trade and industry, according to a spokesperson for the scheme. Penny Perry said more businesses should be supporting Young Enterprise .....
21/04/2008 - Green debate 'passing SMEs by'
Environment: New research has shown that many SMEs are not participating in the move to adopt greener practices in the workplace. A study by car hire company Enterprise Rent-A-Car has discovered that two out of three SMEs are ignoring the environmental issue alt.....
18/04/2008 - Companies 'should take noise seriously'
Health & safety: The noise regulations recently introduced for the entertainment industry should begin a campaign for better practices across all sectors, it has been claimed. Noise regulations were introduced for the entertainment sector in April 2008, but have bee.....
18/04/2008 - SME work 'could mean more employee responsibility'
Business: Working for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) could hold more benefits for employees than working for a large corporation, it has been claimed. When asked of the benefits of working for an SME, Professor Ronald McQuaid, a director at the Empl.....
17/04/2008 - New measures to combat new build confusion
Regulations/legislation: The House Builders Federation (HBF) has announced that it will implement a new legislation to ensure the "total transparency" of the price of new build houses. Concern had previously been expressed that off plan sales, when a house is sold.....
17/04/2008 - Minister 'fails to address lack of women in construction'
Training: A member of a supplier of workers to the construction industry has criticised Olympics minister Tessa Jowell following her calls for a "recruitment revolution" to encourage women into the industry. Richard Lawrence, managing director of Re.....
16/04/2008 - Homeworking 'could regenerate rural areas'
Environment: The increasing number of people choosing to work from home instead of in the office could be good for rural areas, it has been claimed. Phil Flaxton of Work Wise UK said that the trend could lead to small towns and villages being revitalised and the.....
16/04/2008 - Skills council 'pleased with focus on apprenticeships'
Training: Sector skills council Summit Skills has said that it is pleased with the government's intentions to expand and strengthen apprenticeships. In the recently published strategy, World Class Apprenticeships: Unlocking talent, Building Skills for All, th.....
15/04/2008 - SMEs save for a rainy day
Business: Small business owners are heeding financial advice and saving money up to use in emergencies, it has been found. Research from Alliance & Leicester has shown that 45 per cent of small businesses possess a "rainy day fund" and that 23 p.....
15/04/2008 - New housing 'should be pioneering'
Environment: A document published by the Town and Country Planning Association and the Combined Heat and Power Association has said that local authorities should lead by example when it comes to building new homes that are environmentally-friendly. The report, e.....
15/04/2008 - Logistics specialists 'could save construction £1.2bn'
Business: Poor logistics could be costing the construction industry £1.2 billion per year, according to a recent report. Research by the Building Services and Research and Information Association (BSRIA) published in Contract Journal investigated the cos.....
14/04/2008 - 'More employees thinking of the environment'
Environment: An increasing number of businesses are offering their employees the opportunity to work from home as part of a growing desire to take part in the "green agenda", it has been claimed. Phil Flaxton of Work Wise UK has said that the desire to.....
14/04/2008 - EPC scheme branded "laughable"
Regulations/legislation: The government's energy performance certificates (EPCs) have been called into question after claims that not a single one of its domestic energy assessors (DEAs) is ready to undertake the work required to issue them. Building magazine reports that, .....
11/04/2008 - Britain's sick-note culture 'should be addressed'
Health & safety: A spokesperson for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has said that the organisation would welcome proposed changes in the current system for sick notes. CIPD employee relations adviser Ben Willmott said that there should be.....
11/04/2008 - Chronic diseases 'a growing problem for businesses'
Health & safety: The cost of chronic illnesses for businesses is becoming a growing problem which must be addressed, it has been claimed. New research from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the World Economic Forum found that productivity losses caused by workers ha.....
10/04/2008 - Working for an SME 'could make employees happier'
Training: Working for a small business as opposed to a larger corporation could lead to greater job satisfaction, it has been claimed. Dilys Robinson, principal research fellow at the Institute of Employment Studies (IES), said that working for a smaller comp.....
10/04/2008 - Business owners urged to 'keep looking at risks'
Regulations/legislation: Businesses are often unable to deal effectively with emergencies because they do not have sufficient contingency plans in place, it has been claimed. Kelly Ostler-Coyle from the Association of Business Insurers said that business owners should be aw.....
09/04/2008 - WEEE operators 'causing confusion'
Environment: Many WEEE operators are not making the process easy enough for local authorities, it has been claimed. Paul James of courier service provider DHL has said that producer compliance scheme operators (PCSs) are becoming too "embroiled" in len.....
09/04/2008 - Business crime growing in the UK
Regulations/legislation: A new report has highlighted the cost of crime against businesses in the UK. Research from the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) found that the figure has now reached £12.6 billion, a rise of 20 per cent since 2004. It also found that 59 per c.....
09/04/2008 - New study to investigate land use
Environment: A new government study is to take place to investigate sustainable land use in the UK. The study will be conducted by Foresight and sponsored by the departments for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defr.....
08/04/2008 - 2012 Olympics gets dispute panel
Regulations/legislation: A panel has been set up to resolve any disputes regarding the building of the venues for the London Olympics in 2012. The Independent Dispute Avoidance Panel (IDAP) was established so that the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and its contractors can.....
08/04/2008 - Lack of female engineers 'a question for society'
Training: Despite the fact that more women are graduating from university than ever before, our society does not encourage them into construction and engineering, it has been claimed. Chief executive of Graduate Prospects Mike Hill said that girls should be e.....
08/04/2008 - Housing company calls on government to re-start PFI
Business: Housing company United House has called on the government to re-start its Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme following a review on the capital build costs, according to Contract Journal. The review caused seven PFI schemes to be put on hold whi.....
07/04/2008 - Liability insurance a grey area for SMEs
Regulations/legislation: A recent survey has discovered that few owners of small businesses are aware of what their liability insurance covers. This is according to Workplace Law Group, whose research in the run-up to the introduction of new corporate manslaughter laws disc.....
04/04/2008 - Wolf-whistling builders silenced by Wimpey
Regulations/legislation: A construction company has announced that it is to outlaw wolf-whistling at all seven of its sites as of today. George Wimpey sent the news round in a company-wide email to its staff, saying that the act is "outdated" and could put women o.....
04/04/2008 - Flint announces new eco-towns
Environment: Housing minister Caroline Flint yesterday announced the shortlist for the proposed eco-towns to be built in Britain. The list of 15, which will be whittled down further to ten, included Pennbury in Leicestershire, Curborough in Staffordshire and Els.....
04/04/2008 - SMEs 'don't need to worry about new legislation'
Regulations/legislation: The change in corporate manslaughter laws coming into effect on April 6th will largely not affect small businesses, according to one stakeholder. Phil Grace, a liability manager with Norwich Union risk services, said that he is sceptical of the new.....
03/04/2008 - Eco-town plans to be unveiled today
Environment: A list of 15 possible sites for new 'eco-towns' is to be unveiled by the government today. The towns will attempt to address the problem of affordable housing in Britain, while assuring that new houses built under the scheme are environmentally suit.....
03/04/2008 - 'More people than ever' becoming own bosses
Business: TV business shows are encouraging people to set up their own businesses, it has been claimed. George Derbyshire, chief executive of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA), said that people are more confident about starting an enterpri.....
02/04/2008 - Number of construction deaths falls
Health & safety: The number of people killed on construction sites in the past year has fallen to 70, compared to 77 the previous year, reports Construction News. It is likely to be welcome news for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which carried out the resear.....
02/04/2008 - OFT report published
Regulations/legislation: The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has published its annual report, detailing its aims for the coming year. Among its declarations is a desire to increase its transparency for stakeholders including the public and businesses. The OFT's work in the co.....
02/04/2008 - New regulatory body for health and safety
Health & safety: Health and safety minister Lord McKenzie has today (April 1st) announced that the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are to merge to form a single regulatory body. The merged body will be called the Health a.....
01/04/2008 - Businesses should be 'responsible and accountable'
Regulations/legislation: The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has produced a guide for businesses in which it suggests that they should place more importance upon recruitment innovation, retention of employees and management of their reputations. Jo Causon, director of .....
01/04/2008 - Government plans affordable housing in review
Regulations/legislation: A review of affordable housing in the UK ordered by Gordon Brown has prompted plans to be laid out for the building of thousands of houses in the countryside, according to Contract Journal. The review is being carried out by Liberal Democrat MP Matt.....
31/03/2008 - Construction sector hit by slowing property market
Business: Growth in the construction industry has been negatively affected by the slowdown in the UK property market. This is according to the latest construction market survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), which found that growth .....
31/03/2008 - Britain 'will not hit targets without changes'
Environment: A survey undertaken by conservation organisation WWF has found that the UK will not achieve its 2020 emission reduction targets without a change in government policy. It claims that financial incentives need to be introduced in order to give homeown.....
31/03/2008 - Charity joins bid to get prepared for new rules
Health & safety: Charitable organisation the British Red Cross has urged companies to undertake a review of their health and safety procedures and training prior to the introduction of new legislation. The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill 2007 will.....
31/03/2008 - Olympic skills legacy 'to be a missed opportunity'
Training: A spokesperson for the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (Ucatt) has spoken of his concern that apprentice training in construction for the 2012 Olympics will not be to the standard previously suggested, according to Building magaz.....
31/03/2008 - Government 'overcompensated for energy assessors'
Regulations/legislation: Almost 7,000 home information pack (Hip) assessors could soon be working for as little as £8,000 a year after an influx of newly-trained professionals, it has been claimed. Thousands of people have been trained to work as self-employed energy .....
28/03/2008 - SMEs need more help with new legislation
Regulations/legislation: Government-backed schemes for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) need to be more proactive, it has been claimed. This is according to Simon Briault of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), who says that many current avenues that could be availa.....
28/03/2008 - Number of accidents at work is 'alarmingly high'
Health & safety: The biggest survey ever carried out by the British Safety Council (BSC) has discovered that alarming numbers of businesses are not offering health and safety training. Sixty-two per cent of employees had received little or no safety training form th.....
27/03/2008 - Overhaul of planning permission bureaucracy
Regulations/legislation: An overhaul of the planning permission application is set to take place, following the announcement of a coming review entitled Planning Applications: a faster and more responsive system. It has been launched by Hazel Blears, communities secretary, .....
27/03/2008 - 'Not enough new construction workers'
Training: The construction industry is suffering from a lack of skilled workers, it has been claimed. A spokesperson for the Union of Construction Allied Trades and Technicians (Ucatt) has said that not enough new, younger construction workers are coming into.....
26/03/2008 - Ignorance on new legislation 'no excuse'
Regulations/legislation: A surprising number of UK organisations are not fully aware of the new legislation on corporate manslaughter, it has been claimed. New legislations will come into place on April 6th 2008 which will mean that businesses will be liable for prosecution.....
26/03/2008 - Organisations unite to put a stop to back pain
Health & safety: Office supply company Fellowes has joined forces with the charity BackCare to launch a campaign to prevent back pain and Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) through better practices in the workplace, it has been announced. Research carried out for Fellow.....
26/03/2008 - Construction industry remains 'male-dominated'
Business: A spokesperson for the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians states that the construction industry remains dominated by male employees because its focus lies in increasing the number of apprenticeships. He maintains that work is being.....
25/03/2008 - WEEE regulations are 'working well'
Regulations/legislation: The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) has praised the implementation of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, according to Recycling and Waste Management news (MRW). A spokeswoman told the o.....
25/03/2008 - Age discrimination 'can occur at any age'
Business: Although businesses have recently been advised not to discriminate against workers because of their old age, they should not be negative towards younger workers either, according to one organisation. The Chartered Institute of Personnel Development .....
20/03/2008 - Employment reached new high
Business: Employment levels in the UK have reached a national record high, it has emerged. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the employment rate for those of working age has reached 74.8 per cent - the highest number since records began. .....
20/03/2008 - Training 'used more' by UK employers
Training: Employers in the UK are increasingly engaging in training for their workforce, it has been claimed. According to a study by the Chartered Institute of Chartered Development (CIPD), some seven in ten employers train their staff. This is compared to .....
20/03/2008 - Builders warned of asbestos risk
Health & safety: Building managers have been warned that they need to assess the risk of asbestos. Norwich Union has advised property managers to manage and control the risks of the substance, SME web reports. As the single biggest cause of work-related deaths, bus.....
19/03/2008 - 'Sensible' approach to health and safety urged
Health & safety: Lord McKenzie of Luton, minister for health and safety, has called for health and safety professionals to assist the government in creating a more sensible approach to health and safety. Speaking at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health .....
19/03/2008 - New WEEE plant to open this summer
Environment: A new waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) plant is to be opened in the UK. EnvironCom has announced that it hopes to open the new state-of-the-art plant this summer, Recycling and Waste Management News reports. Not only is the facility.....
19/03/2008 - Staff 'should take regular breaks to avoid RSI'
Health & safety: Businesses have been advised to ensure that their staff take regular breaks in order to prevent the development of repetitive strain injury (RSI). According to Physio at Work, a company that provides occupational physiotherapy to businesses, states .....
18/03/2008 - Corporate manslaughter fines 'should be higher'
Health & safety ~ Regulations/legislation: Fines imposed on businesses for flouting health and safety regulations are too low, it has been claimed. Research conducted by the Centre for Corporate Accountability (CCA) has suggested that the sums payable for health and safety transgressions amo.....
18/03/2008 - Reform 'should not divert from skills challenge'
Training: The government should not allow new reforms to over shadow the need for an increase in skills in the UK, it has been claimed. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has responded to the government's launch of a new initiative, Raising Expectations: Enablin.....
18/03/2008 - Migrant workers 'necessary for UK construction'
Business: A decrease in migrant workers may be leaving the UK with a significant skills gap it has been claimed. This comes from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), which has stated that this may leave the UK behind in terms of international construction.....
17/03/2008 - Companies should 'communicate with their clients'
Business: Businesses may need to boost their communication skills, if some claims are to be believed. According to the Public Relations Consultant Association (PRCA), communicating with customers, staff, suppliers and investors is crucial to any business. Ri.....
17/03/2008 - St Patrick's Day celebrations 'may lead to employee absences'
Business: UK businesses should expect to see an increase in 'skivers' tomorrow due to the St Patrick's Day revelry today, it has been claimed. According to Abbey, some 300,000 Britons are "very unlikely" to turn up for work after the celebrations fo.....
17/03/2008 - Skills shortage 'may be result of lack of apprenticeships'
Training: Employers' reluctance to offer apprenticeships may be contributing to the skills shortage in the UK, it has been claimed. According to Brian Berry, director of external affairs for the Federation of Master Builders, the problem is not a lack of inte.....
14/03/2008 - Bookkeeping: A necessary evil
Business: Efficient bookkeeping may optimise a business' performance, it has been claimed. Although learning to fill in tax returns and book-keeping has been described as a "bit of a bind" by George Derbyshire, the National Federation of Enterprise .....
14/03/2008 - Govt 'acknowledges small business in Budget'
Business: The government has been praised for acknowledging the role of small businesses in the growth of the economy, it has emerged. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has welcomed the chancellor's recognition of small businesses in his inau.....
14/03/2008 - SME's 'lack confidence in govt'
Regulations/legislation: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have lost confidence in the government over the past year, it has been claimed. The majority of SMEs questioned by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said that their confidence in the government has wa.....
13/03/2008 - Govt pledges money for skills boost
Regulations/legislation: The chancellor announced in his Budget yesterday that the government is to pledge some £60 million to boost the UK's skills. Over the next three years the UK is to be provided with new training opportunities and apprenticeships as a means of in.....
13/03/2008 - WEEE 'failing to have widespread effect'
Environment: The waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directive is not having an impact, it has been claimed. According to PC manufacturer Fujistsu Seimans Computers, more needs to be done in the way of encouraging the public to recycle their WEEE, v.....
13/03/2008 - Businesses 'are able to influence government policy'
Regulations/legislation: Small businesses are able to wield influence over the government, it has been claimed. Government-level business representatives are able to convey the views of the small business sector and have an impact on government policy, according to StartupC.....
12/03/2008 - Employers warned of their legal obligations
Health & safety: Employers involved in hazardous work have been reminded of their legal duties to their workers. This comes from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following an incident in Hereford where a man suffered 12 per cent burns during a project that invo.....
12/03/2008 - SMEs 'hoping for confidence boost in budget'
Business: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have lost confidence in the government ahead of tomorrow's (March 12th) Budget, according to new figures. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) conducted a survey into its members' confidence levels, fin.....
11/03/2008 - 17th Edition regulations 'may disrupt UK theatres'
17th Edition: Theatres throughout the UK may have to fork out large amounts in order to comply with the 17th Edition Electrical Requirements, it has been claimed. Theatrical venues throughout the country will have to rewire their systems, which may require major .....
11/03/2008 - 'Data risk' from failure to follow WEEE regulations
Environment: Many IT professionals are still unaware of the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directive, according to a new survey. Over 70 per cent of people working within the IT sector have stated that they are unaware of the directive's requir.....
10/03/2008 - Climate change 'as important as health and safety' to businesses
Environment: UK businesses are increasingly training their staff in business ethics, it has been revealed. A new study conducted by the Institute of Business Ethics (IBE) has found that climate change is now as important as health and safety to many businesses, .....
10/03/2008 - 'Appalling' health and safety standards in UK
Health & safety: One in three construction sites put the lives of their workers at risk, it has been claimed. This comes from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which recently visited over 1,000 refurbishment sites across the UK. Enforcement notices were admini.....
07/03/2008 - New WEEE facilities to open in UK
Environment: New electronic and electrical waste processing facilities are to be opened across the UK in the next few months, it has emerged. The Cornish-based Electronic Waste Company is set to expand to Exeter, Telford and Manchester, according to letsrecycle......
07/03/2008 - Female workers paid 16% less than men
Business: Women employees worldwide are paid, on average, 16 per cent less than their male counterparts, it has been revealed. The Global Gender Pay Gap report from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) found that many women are still suffering f.....
07/03/2008 - Permanent recruitment 'dropped in February'
Business: The UK has seen its biggest drop in permanent staff recruitment since 2003, according to a new report. Published by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and the KPMG, the Report on Jobs has also shown that the number of employers takin.....
06/03/2008 - Audi voted most valuable car franchise
Health & safety: Some UK contractors are working without the valid health and safety registration cards, according to reports. The head of employment affairs at the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association, Peter Rimmer, has claimed that some businesses do n.....
06/03/2008 - Minimum wage to increase
Regulations/legislation: The minimum wage for adults working in the UK is set to increase in October this year, it has emerged. A Low Pay Commission report has today revealed that minimum wage will increase by 3.8 per cent, taking it to £5.73 an hour. Brendan Barber, .....
05/03/2008 - SMEs 'showing progress and growth'
Business: The UK's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have shown steady progress, according to a new report. The Department for Business and Regulatory Reform (BERR) has released the results of its small business survey, which found that close to half .....
05/03/2008 - Points system 'may pose difficulties for small businesses'
Regulations/legislation: The points-based system that will be implemented to control migration may be challenging for small businesses, according to one institution. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has stated that while the scheme will provide a flexible way in .....
05/03/2008 - IOSH: Name, shame and fine for corporate manslaughter
Health & safety: Businesses that flout the new Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Bill should be publicly named and be given large fines, it has been claimed. The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has stated that as well as sanctions for improvem.....
04/03/2008 - Slips, trips and falls 'impact on individuals and businesses'
Health & safety: Every week one person dies from a slip, trip or fall in the workplace, according to new figures. Not only this but every 25 minutes a worker breaks or fractures a bone while at work, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reported. Dr Elizabeth .....
04/03/2008 - Break times 'may vary depending on worker age'
Health & safety: Break times 'may vary depending on worker age' Taking breaks at work may be dependent on the age of worker, it has been claimed. The working time directive, which stipulates the rules around normal working hours of UK employees and the breaks that .....
03/03/2008 - Apprenticeships 'improve performance and productivity'
Training: Business performance may be enhanced through taking on apprentices, according to new research. In light of last week being Apprenticeship Week, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) conducted research into the benefits of having the schemes and foun.....
03/03/2008 - 'Too much work, too little time' to employ migrants
Business: Small businesses, despite wanting to employ migrant workers, may be less likely to do so due to a lack of time and resources, it has been claimed. Following a Trades Union Congress report - which revealed a gap between the actual and potential migra.....
29/02/2008 - New Budget 'cause for concern for SMEs'
Business: Small and medium-sized (SMEs) enterprises are becoming increasingly concerned about the forthcoming Budget, according to new figures. With apprehensions over potential fuel rises and tax changes among others, seven in ten SMEs have expressed concern.....
28/02/2008 - Women with young children 'avoided by employers'
Business: Businesses prefer not to hire women with young children, it has been revealed. A study conducted by the Employment Research Institute (ERI) has shown that most employers opposed hiring women with pre-school children. Concerns over how flexible and .....
28/02/2008 - Trading of WEEE evidence extended
Environment: Schemes representing manufacturers and importers of electrical appliances over waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) will be able to trade recycling evidence, it has emerged. The new regulations, which came into force last week, allow suc.....
27/02/2008 - Apprenticeships 'offer great return to businesses'
Training: Businesses in the UK could stand to benefit from taking on apprentices, it has been claimed. In light of this week being Apprentice Week, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has emphasised the benefits of offering apprenticeships. Stephen Gardine.....
27/02/2008 - Govt and employers urged to prevent RSI
Health & safety: The government and employers have been urged to take greater measures to prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI) by one institution. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has responded to a sharp rise in the number of instances of this form of.....
27/02/2008 - 'Quality and diversity needed' in UK apprenticeships
Training: Apprenticeships need to improve in terms of quality and diversity, it has been claimed. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Federation of Small Businesses have emphasised the importance of the training schemes in light of this week (beginning Fe.....
26/02/2008 - First kerbside WEEE collection 'helping businesses to take action'
Environment: The first kerbside waste collection service for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has been created, it has emerged. First Mile's collection service in London has attracted around 200 businesses following the acquisition of a £95,.....
25/02/2008 - Credit crunch 'sees resilient family businesses'
Business: Family businesses may be more resistant to the ongoing credit crunch, according to Veale Wasbrough. Such smaller businesses are more resilient due to the fact that they are more risk averse than bigger corporations, while the fact that they do not d.....
25/02/2008 - New legislation will 'broaden horizons'
17th Edition: New legislation over wiring regulations in the UK may expand the horizons of electrical contractors, it has been claimed. Due to come into force on July 1st this year, the 17th edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations will ensure that the UK aligns wit.....
22/02/2008 - Businesses 'should reassess finances and stabilise them'
Business: Since 2008 is forecast as being a difficult year for business due to the economic slowdown, it may be a good time to take stock and reassess business plans, it has been advised. Simon Briault, spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB.....
22/02/2008 - New scheme to promote employee health
Health & safety: Employers have been urged to promote health and wellbeing in their staff, it has emerged. In a speech made yesterday (February 20th) at the British Heart Foundation's Well at Work conference, health secretary Alan Johnson stated that steps should be.....
21/02/2008 - Agency Workers Bill 'will cost jobs'
Regulations/legislation: The new and complex rules set out by the government may risk the loss of 250,000 jobs, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Echoing complaints from the recruitment industry - which has seen the launch of a Jobshout petition agai.....
21/02/2008 - 'Safety culture should be encouraged'
Health & safety: Businesses have been urged to make health and safety a workplace priority by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Geoffrey Podger, HSE chief executive, spoke at the annual conference of the American Society of Safety Engineers Middle East Chapter .....
20/02/2008 - Unemployed youths to be fast-tracked into scheme
Regulations/legislation: Young adults who are unemployed will have to undertake at least four weeks of full-time work, according to new legislation. The secretary for work and pensions James Purnell announced this week that, from next April, 18-year-olds who are out of work.....
20/02/2008 - DHL reports interest in WEEE scheme
Environment: Councils around the UK are expressing more interest in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive, it has been claimed. This news comes from DHL, the international logistics company, which has developed a service scheme for colle.....
20/02/2008 - Voip 'has benefits for business'
Business: Small businesses stand to gain a lot from acquiring voice over internet protocol (Voip) compared with traditional telephony, it has been claimed. Whereas smaller businesses previously could only receive higher-priced residential telecoms products, t.....
20/02/2008 - Employers 'don't spend enough time on training'
Training: UK employers do not find enough time to train their staff, according to new research. A survey conducted by the Learning and Skills Council has shown that as many as 42 per cent of employees feel that their employer is unlikely to give them training.....
19/02/2008 - Businesses 'should protect themselves against credit crunch'
Business: Business owners have been advised to take certain measures to protect themselves against the economic slowdown. This comes from the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA), which has stated that reviewing projections and assessing credit r.....
19/02/2008 - Employers 'spend £1bn on false expenses'
Business: Employees in the UK are wasting over £1 billion on false expense claims, it has emerged. A survey conducted by GlobalExpense found that nearly a quarter of the money paid out by employers for such claims was spent on things that were either not.....
18/02/2008 - CGT of 'key interest to SMEs in upcoming Budget'
Regulations/legislation: The new Capital Gains Tax (CGT) may be good or bad news to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it has been claimed. The tax, due to come into force in April, also means the end of taper relief, which is set to be abolished on April 6th. The C.....
18/02/2008 - Internships: 'Good for employers and potential employees'
Training: Internships can be beneficial for both the employer and the students, it has been claimed. By providing internships, companies can assess potential employees in a practical way by essentially engaging in a summer-long interview process, according to.....
15/02/2008 - UK employers 'more confident about demand for temps'
Business: British employers were more optimistic regarding the demand for temporary workers in 2007 compared to the previous year, it has been revealed. Amid current fears about the UK's labour market, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has pr.....
15/02/2008 - UK employment reaches new high
Business: Employment in the UK is at an all-time high, according to new statistics. Figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) yesterday (February 13th), showed that during the last three months of 2007 employment increased to 74.7 per cent.....
14/02/2008 - Employers urged to supervise young workers
Health & safety: Employers have been urged to ensure that their younger workers are better supervised in the UK. The Institution of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH) has today (February 14th) stated that better supervision of young people in the workplace should.....
14/02/2008 - TUC opposes union avoidance schemes
Business: Strategies to discourage workers from joining unions are being employed in the UK, according to a new report. Tactics used in the US, which have resulted in a reduction in the number of people willing to join a union, have crossed the Atlantic, acco.....
13/02/2008 - HSE emphasises need for safety in the workplace
Health & safety: Workers in the construction industry have been warned that health and safety should be made a priority in the workplace by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Random spot checks in Sunderland and Durham have revealed the need to do more to ensure.....
13/02/2008 - New electrical goods 'better for environment'
Environment: Buying new electrical items may be better for the environment than repairing damaged products, it has been claimed. Efficiency of products will not be improved by repairing electrical goods, according to a Sony spokesperson. The creation of new pro.....
13/02/2008 - SMEs 'unfamiliar with WEEE'
Health & safety: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still not fully aware of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, according to new research. A survey conducted by environmental guidance website NetRegs has shown that only one .....
12/02/2008 - FSB: Migrant legislation unfair
Regulations/legislation: The government may get businesses to do its work in terms of the new migrant worker legislation set to come into force this year, it has been claimed. As of February 29th this year, employers will be fined up to £10,000 for employing illegal mi.....
12/02/2008 - Energy-efficient technology 'can beat green targets'
Environment: The ICT industry can improve the efficiency of electronic equipment by 2030, according to a new report. A study undertaken by Intellect has shown that the industry could outdo the Confederation of British Industry target of improving efficiency by 3.....
12/02/2008 - Engineering skills shortages 'should be better recognised'
Training: A greater number of engineering disciplines should be recognised by the government as suffering from a skills shortage, it has been claimed. According to the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), while engineering has been noted as one .....
11/02/2008 - REC launches construction code of practice
Business: The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has announced that its Construction Sector Group has launched a new recruitment code of practice. Designed to address issues specific to the construction industry in addition to those covered by the.....
11/02/2008 - Businesses 'should have positive attitude to health and safety'
Health & safety: Employers should ensure that they have good health and safety systems in place, as well as a positive attitude, it has been advised. In light of the impending introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act in April this year, .....
08/02/2008 - Training 'not enough to reduce back strain'
Health & safety: Back strain in the workplace may not be reduced by training alone, it has been claimed. Research published by the Bute Medical Journal has suggested that training and advice concerning lifting techniques is not sufficient in preventing back pain and.....
08/02/2008 - Electrolink urges minister to intervene over WEEE standoff
Environment: Electrolink has urged the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) minister Joan Ruddock to assist in encouraging the Environment Agency (EA) to enforce Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, it has emerged. .....
07/02/2008 - Govt 'should publicise legislation change'
Regulations/legislation: The government should make an effort to widely publicise any change to employment law, it has been claimed. In light of the new laws that will come into place at the end of February, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has stated that the gover.....
07/02/2008 - HSE 'to make safety part of mainstream culture'
Health & safety: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) aims to make safety a part of mainstream culture, according to one website. Stephen Williams, chief inspector of construction, told BuilderandEngineer.co.uk that it is necessary to "get people in the UK tal.....
07/02/2008 - Municipal waste reduction 'could cut emissions'
Environment: Reducing municipal waste could cut greenhouse emissions by up to 80 per cent, it has been claimed. By 2020 Europe could see the reduction of emissions by around ten million tonnes if waste management policies are correctly followed, according to the.....
06/02/2008 - Employers 'should be prepared for new bill'
Regulations/legislation: Employers have been advised to ensure that their companies reduce the risk of health and safety problems before the introduction of new legislation. This comes from safety equipment specialist Slingsby, which states that companies should make sure t.....
06/02/2008 - Health and safety inspections 'to reduce site deaths'
Health & safety: A new wave of health and safety inspections is to be carried out with the aim of reducing the number of deaths on construction and refurbishment sites around the country, according to reports. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stated its in.....
05/02/2008 - Refurbishment sites to come under extra HSE scrutiny
Health & safety: Refurbishment sites in England are to come under increased scrutiny from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) this month. The HSE is conducting spot checks in an attempt to crack down on the 61 per cent rise in deaths in the refurbishment industry......
04/02/2008 - Increase in advice "the answer" to workplace health and safety
Health & safety: One of the ways that the UK can improve health and safety as a whole is to increase the number of professionals offering advice and expertise, a health organisation has said. Ray Hurst, president of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health,.....
04/02/2008 - Construction 'should be top of Scottish agenda'
Business: The construction industry is one of Scotland's most lucrative businesses in terms of the national economy, meaning it should be high on the political agenda, it has been reported. The Scottish Building Federation (SBF) has launched a new policy aime.....
01/02/2008 - Visa fees may cost employers
Regulations/legislation: Employers have been warned that taking on migrant workers could cost them money, it has emerged. This is due to a point-system proposal concerning visa fees for such workers that is set to come into force this year, according to PersonnelToday.com. .....
01/02/2008 - Demand for more IPR emphasis made
Environment: Individual producer responsibility (IPR) should be a priority for the government, according to one institution. In doing so, electrical manufacturers would be able to increase the amount of recycled material used in the production of their goods, He.....
31/01/2008 - TUC provides online safety guide
Health & safety: Safety representatives and workers will now be able to access the Trade Union Congress' (TUC) safety manual online. Hazards at Work, which covers issues such as hazards, risk areas, chemicals, bullying and dust, among others, is now available to dow.....
31/01/2008 - Fear of crime prompts FSB campaign
Business: Businesses are still concerned with the threat of crime, it has been claimed resulting in a new campaign. According to research conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), although a large proportion of crime committed against small busin.....
31/01/2008 - Employers reminded of health and safety obligations
Health & safety: A recent case of injury as a result of failing to take responsible care has prompted a reminder from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that employers should be aware of their legal duties. A court investigation into a company in Wolverhampton fo.....
31/01/2008 - BWEA: 10 per cent of electricity to be supplied by wind by 2020
Environment: Ten per cent (13GW) of UK electricity is expected to be supplied by onshore wind sources by 2020, it has been claimed. The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) has stated that as well as the onshore supply, the UK will source 17 per cent (20GW) of.....
30/01/2008 - HSE cuts 'no excuse' for construction accidents
Health & safety: Cuts in health and safety funding should not excuse the increasing numbers of accidents in the construction industry, it has been claimed. Standards at construction sites should not be permitted to drop as a result of a predicted drop in health and .....
30/01/2008 - WEEE 'may prompt business growth'
Environment: The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive is impacting on logistics and supply chain businesses, it has been reported. Research conducted by Frost & Sullivan's Automotive and Transport Group suggested that companies striving.....
29/01/2008 - Recycling industry responds to EU energy targets
Environment: Energy recovery has been suggested as having great potential to help Europe meet the EU-proposed climate change targets, according to the head of an environmental sciences firm. Richard Kirkman, head of technology at Veolia Environmental Sciences, h.....
29/01/2008 - Employers urged to encourage healthy workers
Health & safety: The government has announced a new strategy to encourage healthy lifestyles, which has been applauded by businesses. Among the recommendations made in the Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives report is a suggestion that employers should provide healthy wor.....
28/01/2008 - Purnell urged to honour health and safety promises
Health & safety: The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has called for James Purnell to keep the promises made by Peter Hain, who recently resigned from his post as secretary of state for work and pensions. John Lacey, chair of the IOSH Constructio.....
28/01/2008 - Businesses 'could save 50 per cent on energy bills by switching suppliers'
Business: Switching energy providers may save businesses money, it has been claimed. Businesses are struggling as much as consumers as a result of the ongoing credit crunch, according to price comparison site uSwitch.com, and have been advised to look for ano.....
28/01/2008 - CBI: Business supports EU emissions cap
Environment ~ Business: The business community understands what needs to be done to help beat climate change and "is willing to meet the challenge", the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said. According to the organisation, UK businesses support the Eu.....
25/01/2008 - Number of people working beyond 65 'set to soar'
Business: The number of people set to stay in work after they reach the age of 65 is set to increase, according to new research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). A total of 38 per cent of 50 to 64-year-olds questioned by the o.....
25/01/2008 - Small firms 'may not get full benefit of 2012 Olympics'
Business: Small companies may not benefit from the 2012 Olympic Games in London as much as larger firms, according to the Federation of Small Businesses. Spokesperson Simon Briault said that in theory the event offers "a really good opportunity for small.....
24/01/2008 - Workers prefer to improve current job than apply for new one
Training ~ Business: Over half of employees would rather improve their current job than apply for a new position, according to a recent survey from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). The research shows that 54 per cent of workers would prefer to remain in their exis.....
24/01/2008 - HSE warns firms after worker suffers injuries
Health & safety: Employers are being urged to ensue their machinery is properly guarded to protect their employees from injury in the workplace. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued the warning after a worker at a bakery in Lancashire had his hand dragged in.....
24/01/2008 - Audits 'could help firms with energy efficiency'
Environment: The implementation of environmental audits can assist with enhancing energy efficiency, it has been claimed. Paul Sutcliffe, the sustainability manager of real estate advice firm DTZ, an organisation with a history going back to 1784, believes that.....
23/01/2008 - Proposed safety policy 'could make a big difference'
Health & safety: Companies with good safety records could be given better opportunities and tax incentives if plans are approved by the European commission. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) recently voted in favour of a five-year programme to reduce accide.....
23/01/2008 - SMEs 'as capable of attracting graduates as large firms'
Business: Small businesses have the edge over larger companies when it comes to attracting graduate employees who want a work-life balance, an expert claims. Victoria Winkler of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development said that employees are bec.....
23/01/2008 - Body to offer energy assessor accreditation
Environment: The Building Engineering Services Competence Accreditation (BESCA) has been given official approval to accredit energy assessors, as part of its remit to check commercial properties meet Energy Performance of Buildings standards. The body, a subsidi.....
22/01/2008 - Small businesses 'struggling with employment law'
Regulations/legislation: The UK's employment law system has been criticised for being overly complex and leaving small businesses in a state from which they cannot deal with legal issues on their own. According to a survey from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), 78 p.....
22/01/2008 - Health and safety policy to put workers at risk?
Health & safety: The Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (Ucatt) has warned that the government policy on health and safety could be putting construction workers at greater risk. The union said that the latest regulatory reform consultation launched.....
22/01/2008 - HSE issues warning after worker injures arm
Health & safety: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to employers to manage risks in the workplace effectively following a recent case in which a worker seriously injured his arm. A Suffolk composting company has been fined £40,000 plus &.....
21/01/2008 - Educating line managers could reduce employment tribunals
Business ~ Regulations/legislation: Companies that concentrate on properly educating line managers could substantially reduce the risk of facing employment tribunals, a new report states. Research conducted by office support recruiter Crone Corkill and law firm Boyes Turner discovered.....
21/01/2008 - Age discrimination legislation 'has had little effect'
Regulations/legislation: The government's efforts to reduce age discrimination have had "zero impact", it has been claimed. Legislation that came into force in 2006 has failed to stop employers discriminating against people over 50, according to Prime. Older peop.....
18/01/2008 - RRAC formed 'to address public risk'
Health & safety: A new committee has been formed to address the issues of public risk and the role of regulators, it has emerged. The formation of the Risk and Regulation Advisory Council was announced this week and has been applauded by the Health and Safety Commis.....
18/01/2008 - DIUS has 'sufficient money' to meet targets
Business ~ Regulations/legislation: The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) will have "no excuses" if it fails to meet its three-year target for skills and training, it has emerged. Skills secretary John Denham stated that the department had been given .....
17/01/2008 - UK employment healthy
Business: Employment in the UK has shown a significant rise, according to new statistics. A report from the Office for National Statistics shows that employment has risen by 74.4 per cent, based on figures from the three months preceding November 2007. With .....
17/01/2008 - Warning issued over health and safety
Health & safety: The recent conviction of a man involved in working on gas appliances without the relevant Corgi registration has prompted a call from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to the public concerning their utilities' safety. Each year 25 people die fro.....
16/01/2008 - MEP report prompts health and safety talks
Health & safety: A report by MEP Glenis Willmott on improving health and safety at work was discussed in Strasbourg yesterday. The European parliament were presented with Mr Willmott's report that highlighted the fact that 27,000 people each year have to leave work .....
16/01/2008 - 3M awarded for energy efficiency
Environment ~ Business: A technology company in County Durham has achieved excellent standards in energy efficiency, it has emerged. The 3M company in Newton Aycliffe was assessed under the Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme, which awards the achievements of UK busines.....
15/01/2008 - Black economy 'poses risk to employers and employees'
Business ~ Regulations/legislation: Employers and employees can face serious penalties if their national insurance issues are not in order, it has been claimed. Businesses that do not register their employees for tax and national insurance are committing an offence, according to Steel.....
15/01/2008 - Business 'is easy' in the UK
Business: Starting a business in the UK is easy to do, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Benefits of starting a business in the UK include a lack of red tape and "legal hoops to jump" that people might experience elsewhere in Eu.....
14/01/2008 - CBI supports call for WEEE recycling
Environment ~ Regulations/legislation: The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has voiced its support of recycling group Sims' demand that UK businesses should recycle more of their electrical waste. In response to Sims' Graham Davy's call for increased awareness concerning the Waste.....
14/01/2008 - Currys WEEEcycles 250,000 electronics
Environment: Electrical products chain Currys has announced that it has collected and recycled 250,000 of its customers' products since the launch of the waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive last year. DSG International, which owns the high.....
14/01/2008 - Illegal workers act to come into force
Regulations/legislation: Employers are reminded that as of next month the Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 will come into force, meaning they will have to be extra careful when it comes to taking on staff. London employment and immigration organisation Steeles Law has commen.....
11/01/2008 - FMB urges action over HSE funding
Health & safety ~ Regulations/legislation: Funding for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) must be increased in order to save lives, it has been claimed. The Federation of Master Builder (FMB) has urged the government to cancel cuts to the HSE budget in response to the rise in the number o.....
10/01/2008 - Cavity and loft insulation 'effective in energy efficiency'
Environment: Insulating homes may prove to be the most cost-effective means of reducing energy bills, it has been claimed. With the cost of energy rising and a growing concern for the environment, people are increasingly looking to insulate their homes, accordin.....
10/01/2008 - Employers 'should invest in e-learning'
Training ~ Business: Employers should ensure that people working for them are up to scratch with IT skills, according to one institution. By using the internet bosses are able to improve skills of workers online and stand to benefit from the results, the government-lice.....
09/01/2008 - Environmental policies 'should include travel'
Environment ~ Business: Businesses should aim to reduce their carbon footprint by taking measures such as using different transport methods, it has been claimed. Carbon Clear has urged businesses to reduce their carbon output by making basic changes to their environmental .....
09/01/2008 - Consumers 'should let dust settle'
Business: UK consumers have been advised to let dust settle before settling on a deal on energy costs in light of the recent price increases for utility bills, according to Energywatch. Wholesale energy prices have gone up because major producers in Europe se.....
08/01/2008 - Recycling legislation to impact on design
Regulations/legislation: Stricter rules surrounding the waste electrical and electronics equipment directive (WEEE) and the restriction of hazardous materials (RoHS) are to be implemented this year, it has emerged. Both sets of legislation will cover more products and subst.....
08/01/2008 - Third parties urged to avoid large tax bills
Regulations/legislation: Recruiters and third parties such as end-users of contractors have been warned today that they should "get their house in order" so as to avoid hefty tax bills by one institution. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has comm.....
07/01/2008 - Britons urged to recycle WEEE
Environment: People in the UK have been urged to recycle their waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) after Christmas. Malcom Wicks of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform has made a statement encouraging people who may have re.....
07/01/2008 - HSE issues warning after worker suffers injuries
Health & safety: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to organisations involved in the construction industry following an incident in which a worker suffered injuries to his leg. During a hearing at Trafford Magistrates Court, the employers of .....
04/01/2008 - Workers encouraged to know their rights
Business ~ Regulations/legislation: UK employees have been encouraged by the government to make sure that they are getting all the jobs benefits they are entitled to. Over the course of the last 12 months, a number of new measures have come into force which affect the position of work.....
04/01/2008 - SMEs advised to combine internet and postal marketing
Business: Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been advised to combine a variety of marketing techniques in order to achieve optimum results. According to James Matthewson, a tutor at the Institute of Direct Marketing, "integration of marketing .....
03/01/2008 - People encouraged to reduce electricity consumption
Environment: As part of its bid to combat climate change, the government is encouraging people to make sure they unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use and do not leave TVs or stereos on stand-by. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Aff.....
03/01/2008 - Government to boost funding for training
Training: The government is set to increase the cash bonuses it provides for unemployed people who undergo back-to-work training. Gordon Brown is due to announce the changes sometime today (January 2nd) as part of a shift from getting people into any availab.....
02/01/2008 - Cameron visits future WEEE site
Environment: Tory leader David Cameron recently visited a Newport recycling facility which is set to host a 12-acre purpose-built waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling site. During his trip to Sims UK, he discussed the future plant, which wi.....
02/01/2008 - Construction firms issued warning by HSE
Health & safety: Companies involved in the construction industry have been issued a warning from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following an incident in which a worker was seriously injured when he fell from scaffolding. The firm involved was charged £2.....
31/12/2007 - 'Four in ten Britons' work through festive period
Business: Up to four in ten Britons will be at work between the Christmas and New Year period, new research suggests. According to a Post Office survey, some employees say they return to work during this time because they have too much work to do to remain at.....
28/12/2007 - Accidents and ill-health cost north-west firms £1.4bn
Health & safety: The cost of accidents and ill-health to north-west firms over the last year was £1.4 billion, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Representative for the executive in the area David Ashton, therefore, has spoken out to encourage .....
27/12/2007 - Report 'must widen debate on vulnerable workers'
Business ~ Regulations/legislation: A recently published report - which aimed to highlight worker exploitation and called for bad employers to be reprimanded - must widen the debate on vulnerable workers, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has stated. According to the .....
27/12/2007 - LSC launches search for top apprentice employer
Training ~ Business: The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has launched a search for the nation's top apprentice employer. An annual event, the awards highlight the popularity of apprenticeships among employers of all sizes and are intended for all industry sectors. Sp.....
10/12/2007 - New bill 'unlikely to reduce red tape'
Business ~ Regulations/legislation: A new Employment Simplification Bill recently announced by the government is unlikely to radically reduce the amount of red tape firms deal with, according to the Forum of Private Business (FPB). Spokesman for the forum Phil McCabe stated that the b.....
10/12/2007 - Firm fined for asbestos exposure
Health & safety: A firm has been fined after an employee was exposed to asbestos through his professional activities, Workplace Law Network reports. The company, a shipyard, was ordered to pay £150,000 in compensation to the worker, who was exposed to the dange.....
10/12/2007 - CIOB critical of Strategy for Sustainable Construction
Environment: The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has said that the government's recent consultation on sustainable construction lacks real focus. Responding to the consultation, entitled Strategy for Sustainable Construction, CIOB Ambassador Stephen Wiel.....
07/12/2007 - UK meeting 'WEEE targets'
Environment: The UK is meeting its targets for the collection of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from households, new research suggests. According to provisional figures from the Environment Agency, the collection data for the first three months.....
07/12/2007 - HSE warns firms after worker dies
Health & safety: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to firms in the construction industry following an incident in which a worker lost his life. In 2004, two workers were operating on a brownfield site in Sheffield when they were caught up in.....
06/12/2007 - Initiative launched for construction apprentices
Training: The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is to head up an initiative to help increase the number of qualified apprentices in the construction industry, FEnews.co.uk reports. It will focus on assisting the 10,000 young people on construction courses w.....
06/12/2007 - UK employees 'unhappy with job perks'
Business: More than half (58 per cent) of the UK's workers are unhappy with the benefits package offered to them, it has been suggested. According to a new survey by Reed Employment, 73 per cent of staff feel that their companies should be doing more when it .....
06/12/2007 - South-east firms to get help with online filing
Training ~ Regulations/legislation: Firms in the south-east are being given help and advice concerning online filing. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is providing a series of events across the region over the coming days, including demonstrations of HMRC's services and short presentat.....
05/12/2007 - Centre for coordination of WEEE goes live
Environment ~ Business: The Settlement Centre, designed to coordinate evidence of the recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), has gone live, letsrecycle.com reports. An online facility, the centre is intended for those involved in the collection, tre.....
05/12/2007 - FMB to investigate greener building
Environment: The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has collaborated with Oxford University to investigate how to encourage homeowners to make their abodes more energy efficient, Green Building magazine reports. Findings of the report, which is intended to prov.....
05/12/2007