All Analysis articles – Page 80

  • Analysis

    Don't panic on pension funds as stock markets fall

    2011-11-28T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this...Stock markets will rise again as surely as they have fallen. Switching out of equities now would lock in losses.The way to protect members from falling markets is have funds that include a range of uncorrelated assets, such as diversified growth funds. Not all ...

  • Analysis

    Multiple enrolment windows for flexible benefits

    2011-11-28T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this...Multiple flexible benefits enrolment windows enable new starters to join a scheme sooner and give existing staff more chances to switch their benefits.Enrolment windows for insured benefits, pensions and holiday trading are less flexible and tend to be restricted by scheme providers or HR.Older ...

  • Analysis

    Voluntary benefits: Top of the perks

    2011-11-28T00:00:00Z

    Jennifer Paterson looks at the voluntary benefits most commonly offered to staffVoluntary benefits schemes enable employers to offer staff access to a range of products and services, often at a discounted rate and/or with tax and/or national insurance (NI) savings. In these pages, we look at the most popular voluntary ...

  • Analysis

    Voluntary benefits: Give workers what they really want

    2011-11-28T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this . . .When offering voluntary benefits schemes, employers must ensure they remain relevant to employees’ requirements.A good understanding of an organisation’s employee demographic is important to make sure benefits appeal to staff.Focus groups can help make benefits schemes more targeted by finding out ...

  • Analysis

    Voluntary benefits: Savings are worth the sacrifice

    2011-11-28T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this . . . Many employers are looking to tax-efficient perks to engage staff in straitened times. Employers must explain the savings potential of tax-efficient benefits to staff. Communication campaigns and year-round enrolment opportunities can boost take-up.†Case study: Efficient step for Foot AnsteyPlymouth-based law ...

  • Analysis

    Voluntary benefits: VAT ruling is a taxing matter

    2011-11-28T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this . . . From 1 January 2012, if employees sacrifice part of their salary for a benefit that is liable to VAT, output VAT will be due on the amount of salary sacrificed. VAT will be due on bikes-for-work schemes, home computers, mobile ...

  • Analysis

    Long-service awards still have value

    2011-11-28T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this…Long-service awards are considered one of the most important forms of recognition because they reward staff for loyalty to the business.Awards may be offered after three, six or 12 months at organisations that recognise staff may not be in a role for long and ...

  • Analysis

    Are you ready for auto-enrolment in 2012?

    2011-11-28T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this...Within an employee’s one-month enrolment period, the employer must give the individual notice that they have been, or will be, automatically enrolled into a pension scheme.Under the 2012 pension reforms, employers have a duty to inform employees that they have the option to opt ...

  • Analysis

    How to run a Europe-wide fleet

    2011-11-01T00:00:01Z

    If you read nothing else, read this...In the European alignment of a fleet policy, employers should embrace differences, as well as similarities.Fleet standards, tax issues and manufacturer preference differ from country to country across the European Union, so take this into consideration.If possible, a single person should be made responsible ...

  • Analysis

    Pension reforms: Counting the costs of implementation

    2011-11-01T00:00:01Z

    If you read nothing else, read this … Complying with the 2008 Pensions Act could increase employers’ pension costs significantly, particularly if a large part of their workforce is not currently enrolled in a workplace pension. Employers must consider two basic costs: how much contributions will cost, and the price ...

  • Analysis

    Starting a defined contribution pension from scratch

    2011-11-01T00:00:01Z

    If you read nothing else, read this… A defined contribution pension scheme is no longer a hands-off option, with The Pensions Regulator turning its spotlight on these plans. Good governance is a relatively cost-effective way of differentiating an employer’s pension scheme. Employers should give careful thought to default funds, and ...

  • Analysis

    Emergency childcare is worth the investment

    2011-11-01T00:00:01Z

    If you read nothing else, read this... Emergency childcare gives employees access to nannies, childminders, nurseries and school holiday clubs when their regular childcare arrangements break down. Employers should determine which type of back-up care is best suited to their employee population. The service is effective in protecting productivity, attracting ...

  • Analysis

    Employees' benefits rights when taking maternity leave

    2011-11-01T00:00:01Z

    If you read nothing else, read this… By law, employers must continue to provide non-cash benefits throughout an employee’s maternity leave. This includes benefits offered via a salary sacrifice arrangement, even if an employee is not currently earning a salary to sacrifice. Employers must pay full pension contributions during any ...

  • Analysis

    Health cash plans add value

    2011-11-01T00:00:01Z

    If you read nothing else, read this…Cash plan providers allow employers to tailor their plans according to the healthcare needs of their workforce.Some providers merge optical and dental benefits, allowing employees access to spend more of the cash back on the service they use most.Sharing a cash plan with a ...

  • Analysis

    Sickness absence: Fit notes not best medicine

    2011-11-01T00:00:01Z

    If you read nothing else, read this … Fit notes are seen as a positive step, but HR professionals are finding they add little to managing sickness absence. More GP training on occupational health is needed to make fit notes a more useful sickness absence management tool. Government-funded mediators could ...

  • Analysis

    What to do when share schemes mature

    2011-10-31T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this ...The information employers should communicate to staff at a share scheme’s maturity and the methods used will depend on the type of scheme offered.Sharesave schemes, which have fixed maturity dates, favour structured communications campaigns.Share incentive plans (Sips) suit drip-feed communications because there is ...

  • Analysis

    Pension reforms: Main players focus on reform success

    2011-10-31T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this . . . The Pensions Regulator's role is to ensure all UK employers are compliant with the Pensions Act 2008 and to enforce auto-enrolment. The Department for Work and Pensions makes policy decisions. It has overall responsibility for the shape of the 2012 ...

  • Analysis

    Pension reforms: What information do employers need?

    2011-10-31T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this . . . In order to meet the auto-enrolment requirements under the 2012 pension reforms, employers need to hold information that will identify whether each employee meets the eligibility criteria. It is an employer's duty to keep accurate and current records. Time is ...

  • Analysis

    Pension reforms: Clearing the confusion

    2011-10-31T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this . . . Many employers are unprepared for the reforms, including auto-enrolment. Some do not know when they have to comply or how much it is going to cost them. There is still confusion over matters such as the definition of qualifying earnings. ...