All Benefits for carers articles – Page 68
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Article
Government consults on tax-free childcare
The government has launched a consultation into its new tax-free childcare scheme.The consultation sets out new detail on eligibility for the scheme, for example, stating that parents who are not working because they are on parental leave or because they are carers will be able to claim. The consultation closes ...
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Article
DOD’s blog: Childcare vouchers under scrutiny
In recent weeks there has been a flurry of press releases about childcare vouchers landing in my inbox.The reason is clear.We are just about two years away from the proposed workplace tax and national insurance savings on these highly popular perks being removed (for new schemes). Although that could still ...
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Opinion
Lovewell's Logic: Removing barriers for post-maternity returnees
Many factors influence a mother’s decision to return to work following maternity leave. The desire to balance their new life as a parent with their working life will often be a key consideration, so employers that are willing, and able, to offer flexible working patterns may find this stands them ...
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Article
Most female workers return to flexible roles after maternity leave
The majority (83%) of female employees in respondents’ organisations who return to work following maternity leave have moved into part-time or flexible-working roles, according to research by recruitment consultancy Robert Half.Its research, which surveyed 200 UK HR directors, found that this rose to 92% of employees in London and the ...
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Article
Employers spend little time administering childcare vouchers
The majority of employers (77%) spend less than 30 minutes a month on childcare voucher administration, according to research by the Childcare Voucher Providers Association (CVPA).Its Making childcare work survey, which questioned 1,618 employers between June and July 2013, also found that:94% of respondents believe they play an important role ...
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Article
Barbon adds childcare vouchers to flex
EXCLUSIVE: Barbon Insurance has added childcare vouchers to its flexible benefits scheme.The scheme, which has been in place since 2009, also includes dental insurance, private medical insurance (PMI) and a holiday purchase scheme.Employees can now use their 2% flexible benefits allowance to purchase childcare vouchers, which were previously offered to ...
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Article
Trust is key to wellbeing and performance in workplace
Trust in the workplace is the key to the wellbeing of employees and the performance of an organisation, according to a report by Working Families and Unum.The report, Trust: the key to building wellbeing and performance in the workplace, which was prepared by charity Working Families and independent consultant Susanne ...
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Article
EDF Energy and HMRC named inclusive employers
EDF Energy and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) were awarded for their equality and inclusion policies at the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (ENEI) Awards on 17 July.The two organisations were awarded top honours for the private sector and public sector, respectively, while housing association Amicus Horizon was named ...
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Article
Maternity leave a concern among working mothers
Nearly half (42%) of respondents are uneasy about their employer’s reaction when they tell them they are pregnant, according to research by QualitySolicitors.Its research, conducted by OnePoll among 1,000 working women who have a child, are considering pregnancy or see it as a possibility, found that 78% of respondents did ...
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Case StudiesDennis Publishing's benefits strategy remains young at heart
Consequently, the magazine and digital content publisher has striven to offer a benefits package that fits this employee profile. Alison Hunter, HR director, says: “We are the first to admit we have never been above-average payers, so we try to put a lot of emphasis on the diversity and flexibility ...
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Article
Employee Benefits Awards 2013: Best work-life balance strategy
Winner: The Random House Group - Our HouseThis award recognises the steps taken by employers to help employees achieve a strong work-life balance, whether they are working parents, carers or employees who want to balance their work and personal lives better.The Random House Group takes a proactive approach to encouraging ...
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Article
Employers launch flexible working forum
Twenty-two employers, including BT Group, B&Q, Ford, ITV and Lloyds Banking Group, have joined forces to launch the Agile Future Forum (AFF), which aims to develop practical support to increase flexible working practices across the UK.As part of its launch, the AFF has published a report, Understanding the economic benefits ...
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Article
Employers consider scrapping childcare voucher schemes
More than a third (36%) of respondents that currently offer a childcare voucher scheme are considering scrapping it before the new system is finalised or available, according to research by Jelf Employee Benefits.The research, which questioned 124 organisations, follows the government’s proposal to introduce a new childcare voucher system, which ...
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Article
KPMG promotes National Carers’ Week
EXCLUSIVE: KPMG will host an event during National Carers’ Week, which begins on 10 June, to flag up the benefits it offers to carers among its employee population.A representative from the London Fire Brigade’s carers network will come into the professional services firm’s offices for a presentation, while Hugh Neal, ...
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Article
Working mothers need more career support
Working mothers need more career support from their employers, according to research by Santander.The research, which surveyed more than 2,000 women, found that one-third (33%) of those returning to work after starting a family said that the time away had not affected their career progression.The research also found that 26% ...
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Article
Working Families launches campaign to support staff with disabled children
Working Families has launched a campaign calling for changes from government, local authorities, employers and support services to help parents of disabled children combine work and care. The Working On campaign’s proposals include:A new form of adjustment leave to give parents short-term time off work during a disability diagnosis or ...
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Article
MPs call for mandatory equal pay audits
Equal pay audits should be mandatory for large private sector employers, according to a report by the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee.Its Women in the workplace report also stated that the Equality and Humans Rights Commission (EHRC) should publish details of organisations that are not compliant.The Government Equalities Office published ...
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Opinion
Suzanne Tyrrell: Times are changing for childcare support
From autumn 2015, parents will be able to claim vouchers for every child under the age of five. The government will provide 20% of childcare costs, up to £1,200 for each child. This effectively means parents will not pay basic-rate tax on the first £6,000 they spend on registered childcare.Parents ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to childcare vouchers 2013
As well as enabling working parents to afford childcare, this perk can also offer significant tax and national insurance (NI) savings for employees and employers.Childcare vouchers have been around since the late 1980s, but the current tax exemption was introduced only in April 2005.The amount an employee can receive in ...
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Article
Edenred launches mobile site for childcare vouchers
Edenred has launched a childcare voucher service for smartphones that will offer increased flexibility and convenience for working parents.The secure mobile site is designed to work will all smartphones.It enables working parents to check their balance, view statements and make payments on the go.From 14 May, employees that use Edenred ...