All Analysis articles – Page 136
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Analysis
Making flex appeal to unions
Unions state they are open minded about flex schemes, so long as they don't negatively impact on terms and conditions. Edmund Tirbutt discovers even pension reform can be a smooth process when communicated correctlyCase Study: PrudentialArticle in fullThe involvement of trades unions in the implementation of flexible benefits schemes was ...
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Analysis
Cutting insurance premium costs
Jenny Keefe says by introducing higher than minimum standards and initiatives like employee-paid excess costs and flex schemes employers can save on insurance premium costsCase Study: FDS GroupArticle in fullTo borrow from Woody Allen: "There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an ...
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Analysis
The safest company cars
Jenny Keefe reviews the best-rated cars on the market for safety, and also uncovers a few shortcomings in safety testsIf you read nothing else, read this ...Corporate manslaughter is leading fleet safety.The Euro New Car Assessment programme (NCAP) crash tests has become a strong benchmark of safety excellence.However, the NCAP ...
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Analysis
Procuring company cars internationally
Factors concerning the cross-border specifications of vehicle models and differing taxation regimes make international fleet procurement an art form, says Victoria FurnessIf you read nothing else, read this ...Do not expect to produce instant savings because procuring cars is not like buying other commodity goods.Do your research thoroughly and cover ...
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Analysis
100th issue supplement - The comeback of company cars
Eco-taxation has forced firms to shift down a gear with the company car perk and offer alternatives. But Nicola Smith says fleet cars are on the rise againAt a glanceIn 1998, 65 per cent said they viewed the company car as an essential recruitment and retention tool. In 2005 this ...
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Analysis
Calculating the Pension Protection Fund levy
The levy into the Pension Protection Fund's compensation pot is as likely to rise as to fall, so future risk-based fees are causing concern, says Debbie LovewellIf you read nothing else, read this...The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) levy is set at a flat rate for the first year, but will ...
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Analysis
Unlocking the HR secrets in self-help books
Jenny Keefe finds some parallels for HR managers in some of the world's bestselling self-help books. Topics include change, quantity v quality, male and female benefit provision, and career enjoyment.Article in fullA bit like owning a complete back catalogue of Cliff Richard records, reading self-help books is something one avoids ...
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Analysis
The best time to launch a sharesave plan
Sharesave plans require strategic implementation, as considerations of share price and the timing of the launch will impact on its success, says Peter WhiteCase Study: The Rank GroupArticle in fullAccording to the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 'the answer to life, the universe and everything' is 42. This, of course, ...
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Analysis
Benefits for divorcees
With the divorce rate spiralling, Laverne Hadaway explores the ramifications for pensions and points to an increased demand for EAP schemes.Case Study: OracleArticle in fullThe statistics are there for all to see: around 40% of marriages in the UK now end in divorce; and second marriages (and divorces) are more ...
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Analysis
Flexible benefits must fit an organisation's culture
Flex is a tool that can help an organisation reaffirm its identity, and for it to work there must be a strategic and cultural fit, says Peter WhiteCase Studies: LogicaCMG, Greene KingArticle in fullAsking an organisation to define its own culture can often be similar to a woman asking a ...
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Analysis
The impact of pensions simplification on group risk benefits
A-day 2006 will break the four-times-salary cap on death-in-service benefits, so employers will have a range of insurance options, says Debbie LovewellArticle in full“In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes,”as US founding father Benjamin Franklin was quoted in a letter regarding their newly-signed ...
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Analysis
The advantages of flexible working
With studies showing that flexible working can reduce short-term sickness absence, Jamin Robertson also reports diminished stress among parents working flexiblyIf you read nothing else, read this ...Studies have shown flexible working arrangements can reduce short-term sickness absence levels.Parents that are able to work flexibly report lower stress levels because ...
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Analysis
Sickness absence systems
In order to track sickness absence, many organisations are turning to sophisticated software, using the data to target occupational health provisions. Jamin Robertson looks at what’s available and how models can add to the business.Article in fullWith Royal Mail posties driving away shiny new cars as a reward for turning ...
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Analysis
100th issue supplement - The changing landscape of benefits 1998 - 2005
Benefits have become increasingly sophisticated as a sea-change in attitude has altered the perspective from a necessary evil to a valuable workplace tool. Bea Oaff reports on some key changesArticle in full"In the past eight years there has been a marked change in the way employers approach benefits," says Martyn ...
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Analysis
100th issue supplement - The turbulent tide of pensions 1998-2005
The last eight years have seen turmoil among workplace pension schemes. Sally Hamilton assesses the damage and finds A-day changes will add new complicationsArticle in fullEventful would be a slightly understated description of the workplace pensions arena in the past eight years. Even the least sceptical observer would have to ...
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Analysis
100th issue supplement - Healthcare benefits 1998-2005
Edmund Tirbutt attributes stagnant company healthcare benefits to an unattractive tax regime coupled with a boost in government investment in the NHS. One deviation from that trend is the popularity of healthcare options offered through flexArticle in fullWhile it would be nice to report that in the eight years since ...
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Analysis
100th issue supplement -Flexible benefits
Technology has allowed the flexible benefits system to move from a recruitment tool to one that is more about cost management, says Alison ColemanCase Study: Motability OperationsArticle in fullWhen the concept of flexible benefits first arrived in the UK 20 years ago few employers took it seriously. The idea of ...
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Analysis
100th issue supplement: Government tax on benefits 1998-2005
New Labour philosophy has been at the heart of employee taxation policy since 1997. Victoria Furness evaluates the changes and outlines the key issues for the futureArticle in full"A week is a long time in politics," said former Labour prime minister Harold Wilson in 1965. Eight years must, therefore, feel ...
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Analysis
How are benefits providers communicating with staff?
The service provided alongside a benefit is crucial to the way it is perceived and lately, providers have developed all means of communicating with staff. It is important to understand what forms of communication staff want, says Sam BarrettCase study: Eli LillyDirectory of benefits suppliersArticle in fullWhether a benefit is ...
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Analysis
Employers move away from car ownership plans
If you read nothing else, read this...Communicate the move to an alternative scheme early, and make clear the business case and benefits to employees.Failing to achieve predicted cost savings is often behind employers' move away from employee car ownership plans (Ecops).Company cars and those in an Ecop are maintained in ...