All articles by Nicola Sullivan
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ArticlePensioners could sell annuities for cash
Retired people could be allowed to sell their pensions for cash under plans that have been proposed by pensions minister Steve Webb.According to a statement from the Liberal Democrats, Webb’s proposals, which could benefit around five million people, would allow pensioners to sell annuities for cash to organisations such as ...
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Case StudiesThe University of Reading aligns recognition to values
An online recognition portal, introduced in 2012, enables managers to nominate employees for awards with values ranging from £25 to £100. These can be redeemed for vouchers from various retailers.When nominating an employee, a manager has to specify what behaviours the individual has displayed and how these relate to the ...
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AnalysisMotivation can drive productivity
If you read nothing else, read this…Badly thought-out recognition and incentive schemes may improve one performance measure, but damage another.A recognition or incentive scheme cannot be used in isolation.Schemes are most effective when aligned with corporate values.In his article One more time. How do you motivate employees? , first published ...
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ArticleBuyer's guide to computer salary sacrifice schemes 2014
The factsWhat is a computer salary sacrifice scheme? The benefit, usually offered via a flexible or voluntary benefits scheme, enables employees to pay for a computer, laptop or tablet out of their gross pay, resulting in tax and NI savings for the employee and NI savings for the employer. However, ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to employee assistance programmes
Employee assistance programmes (EAPs) are a great way for employers to support staff, particularly during an economic downturn. They provide independent and anonymous telephone, online and face-to-face counselling for employees with psychological issues or debt and financial problems, as well as those requiring child, eldercare and legal information and guidance.Debt ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to total reward statements
Total reward statements (TRSs) are a simple and effective way to help staff understand the value of their employment package. But research conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows a significant number of employers do not use them.The CIPD/Benefex Reward management survey 2012, published last May, ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to motivation vouchers
Motivation vouchers are a great benefit to offer employees during an economic downturn while pay increases and bonuses remain in short supply.A simple thank-you is sometimes not enough to make staff feel appreciated, but a retail voucher or gift card, because of its tangible nature, can do the trick.Employers are ...
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Analysis
Employers' legal and moral obligations to their drivers
IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, READ THIS…More than a quarter of all traf?c accidents involve people driving in a work capacity.Employers have a moral and legal obligation to protect employees on the road.Telematics technology helps employers monitor their drivers on the road.More than a quarter of fatal road accidents involve ...
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AnalysisHealth and safety strategy is essential
IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, READ THIS…Employee benefits packages should be designed to support employers’ health and safety policies.Health and safety policies should consider both the physical and emotional wellbeing of employees.Rapid access to physiotherapy can help to prevent workplace injuries from becoming chronic.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report ...
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Case Studies
Springfield Fuels listens to staff health concerns
The nuclear fuel fabrication services provider trains volunteers, including managers, union representatives and frontline workers, to become workplace listeners to whom staff suffering from stress can go for confidential advice.On-site counselling is provided if needed.Derek McMillan, site behavioural safety co-ordinator at Springfields Fuels, says: “The listeners are like a sticking ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to critical illness insurance
Critical illness insurance (CII) was launched into the UK market in the 1990s, making it one of the newest group health products. Until recently, employers have generally considered CII the least necessary of its employee benefits, but times are changing.Swiss Re’s 2012 Group watch survey, published in April, shows that ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to healthcare trusts 2012
Healthcare trusts offer an alternative to private medical insurance (PMI) for providing healthcare cover to staff and their families. Trusts, which first appeared in the 1980s, enable employers to create a bespoke medical insurance benefits package based on the needs of their employees.For example, a degree of flexibility around cover ...
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AnalysisFleet reviews should focus on efficiency
If you read nothing else, read this…Consult key stakeholders, such as HR, finance, procurement and employees, to gain a better understanding of the organisation’s fleet requirements.Set realistic timescales for the review, leaving it at least six or nine months before making changes to the fleet policy.Consider funding methods, such as ...
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Case Studies
Salvation Army tackles company car needs
The document highlighted the need for a provider to operate a no-quibble tyre policy, allowing tyres to be replaced in all circumstances, whether due to wear and tear or a puncture.The Salvation Army, which has a fleet of 725 company cars, also wanted a pooled mileage agreement to avoid any ...
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AnalysisAlternative ways to provide company cars
If you read nothing else, read this…The number of staff paying benefit-in kind tax on cars has fallen as employers change their approach to fleet.Alternatives to company cars include: car sharing, car pools, employee car ownership, cash allowance and grey fleet.Fleet arrangements should be selected according to how well they ...
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Case Studies
Golden Gates Housing Trust pilots RTI
Working with its payroll provider, Software for People, the social housing provider completed the RTI process in April after volunteering to take part in HMRC’s pilot scheme involving 10 employers.Sarah Moorcroft, finance and administration offi cer at Golden Gates, says the data cleanse and system updates required for RTI have ...
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AnalysisAre payroll providers up to the pensions auto-enrolment task?
If you read nothing else, read this…Employers have high expectations of their payroll providers ahead of auto-enrolment.Employers must have a clear understanding of the auto-enrolment requirements they have for their payroll provider.Payroll providers face the challenge of preparing for both auto-enrolment and real-time information (RTI).Auto-enrolment has arrived and, as implementation ...
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Analysis
Top tips for greening your fleet
If you read nothing else, read this… One of the most obvious ways to cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is to introduce a cap. Employers can get a more accurate picture of how efficient a car is by considering costs over its lifetime. Driver training can help maximise fuel efficiency ...
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Analysis
How to communicate defined contribution pension schemes
If you read nothing else, read this… Keep communications to employees about the importance of workplace saving simple and direct. Do not fall into the trap of stereotyping employees when targeting differentgroups in pension communications. Encourage employees to save more for their retirement by using pension modelling tools and providing ...
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Analysis
How to clearly communicate pension scheme contributions
If you read nothing else, read this… Pension scheme communications should refer to contributions as pounds and pence rather than as a percentage of salary. Employers should clearly illustrate all tax relief relating to employees’ pension scheme contributions. Pension modelling tools can help engage employees by enabling them to assess ...