All articles by Louise Fordham – Page 5
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ArticleKevin LeGrand: Are the pension freedoms living up to expectations?
After a period of just six months, it would be premature to try and make a meaningful assessment of the new decumulation options. However, some patterns have begun to emerge that provide some indication of possible longer-term trends.To date, members who have encashed entire defined contribution (DC) pots have done ...
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ArticleChris Curry: Are the pension freedoms living up to expectations?
Perhaps the more important question is what expectations did we have of the pension freedoms? I am not sure, given the speed with which the reforms were introduced, that anyone had a clear idea of what they expected to happen.However, there have been few surprises since April. Many more people ...
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ArticleMark Fawcett: Are the pension freedoms living up to expectations?
Since the pension freedoms came into force, a lot has been said about the sums withdrawn. It remains to be seen whether this trend continues or is a short-term response to new-found freedom.What is clear from the National Employment Savings Trust’s (Nest) research is that while people value flexibility and ...
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ArticleJulia Hanna: Are the pension freedoms living up to expectations?
The image of silver haired Lamborghini drivers accompanied much of the press coverage of the pension freedoms. So, almost six months since greater flexibility was given to the over 55’s, has it all been frittered away?The numbers look vast: £27 million a day has been withdrawn on average since April, ...
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ArticleThe Employee Benefits Awards return for 2016
The annual Employee Benefits Awards have returned to provide employers with an opportunity to gain recognition for their benefits achievements.The awards categories are reviewed each year to ensure they are in line with the latest market trends, resulting in the creation of three new categories for 2016: Best benefits technology; ...
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ArticleSurveyMonkey and Visa introduce genetic testing scheme
Instacart, SurveyMonkey and Visa are among a number of organisations in the US that have signed up to a new benefits scheme giving employees access to genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer risk.The initiative, provided by Color, offers staff, and in some cases spouses or partners, the option of ...
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Article29% to increase spend on technology
More than a quarter (29%) of respondents will spend more on benefits technology in 2015 than they did in 2014, according to research by Thomsons Online Benefits.Its 2015 Global employee benefits watch report, which surveyed 300 human resources professionals representing more than four million employees across the US, Europe, Middle ...
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Article77% unsure how to address male mental health
More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents are unsure how to address male mental health in the workplace, according to research by health and wellbeing consultancy Health Assured.Its survey of 944 managers and employees also found 79% of manager respondents have seen an increase the number of male employees citing anxiety ...
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ArticleTop 10 most read stories this week
The top 10 most read stories on employeebenefits.co.uk between 24-30 September:1. Employee Benefits Live 2015 speaker slides.2. Royal Mail introduces separation support service.3. Morrisons to raise pay for store staff.4. EAT rules on pay and holiday pay arrears.5. Japanese organisation offers staff crying support.6. Starbucks to pay national living wage ...
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ArticleCosta increases barista pay
Costa has increased the pay of its 12,500 baristas, effective today (1 October 2015).Baristas at Costa-owned stores will now be paid a minimum of £7.40 an hour, and £7.20 prior to the completion of their training period.The coffee chain has increased the pay of its London-based baristas to between £8.20 ...
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ArticleHalf of staff attitudes would change if offered share plans
Half (50%) of respondents say their attitude towards their employer would change if they were part of an employee share scheme, according to research by Equiniti Employee Services.Its survey of 1,189 employees also found that 72% of respondents aged 18-24 would change their attitude if there was a share scheme ...
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ArticleWhat are some of the key issues impacting the fleet landscape?
If you read nothing else, read this…Environmental regulations and an increased focus on reducing carbon footprints have impacted the shape of the fleet landscape in recent years.Some international organisations are looking to harmonise their fleet policy across geographical locations. The industry has seen a shifting emphasis towards mobility.Regulation and compliancePaul ...
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AnalysisHow can the fleet industry help employers to control fleet costs?
If you read nothing else, read this…Looking at whole life cost can provide a more complete picture of spend and cost savings.Bringing together data on fleet, travel and expenses from across an organisation can help an employer to identify and control costs.The fleet industry can offer employers insights and share ...
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AnalysisHow can company car schemes meet the needs of a varied workforce?
If you read nothing else, read this…A vast range of cars are available through company car schemes to suit the various tastes, requirements and expectations of employees.Offering staff the choice they desire can enhance take-up and engagement, with company cars as a benefit.A scheme that appeals to all segments of ...
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Article3 Fleet debate leader column: Company car schemes can meet the needs of employers and their staff
Employers not only have to consider the lengthening age range of their staff, but also the diversity of employees’ aspirations, expectations, lifestyles and the variety of situations they may find themselves in: factors that cut across generational divides. The diverse requirements and desires of staff can extend to their approach ...
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Analysis
Fleet debate - 14: What are the key benefits of salary sacrifice car schemes for employers and staff?
If you read nothing else, read this…Salary sacrifice arrangements offer tax advantages and enable both employers and staff to save on National Insurance contributions.Many schemes include insurance and maintenance benefits, reducing the costs associated with running a car.Car salary sacrifice schemes can equip employees with newer, greener and safer cars.Colin ...
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ArticleMorrisons to raise pay for store staff
Morrisons is proposing to increase pay for store staff from £6.83 to £8.20 an hour.The pay rise will apply to store-based staff of all ages, benefiting over 90,000 employees.The supermarket chain will invest more than £40 million in the hourly wage increase. It will also simplify pay supplements, such as ...
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Article67% say Isa system would lower staff pension savings
Two-thirds (67%) of respondents believe an individual savings account (Isa)-style tax system for pensions would result in a reduction in the amount employees save into their pension, according to research by insurance provider Aviva. Its survey of 118 Friends Life (now part of the Aviva Group) corporate pension clients also ...
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Article15% see tax-free pension contributions as incentive to save
Just 15% of respondents view tax-free pension contributions as an incentive to save, according to research by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).Its survey of 1,197 UK workers also found that 59% of respondents are put off from saving more into their pension because of a lack of understanding about how the pension system ...
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ArticleEAT rules on pay and holiday pay arrears
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has dismissed an individual’s appeal for pay and holiday pay arrears for his time working as an on-call night worker.In the case of Shannon vs Rampersad and Rampersad T/A Clifton House, Mr Shannon was required to be onsite at the Clifton House residential care home ...