Opinion – Page 7
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OpinionJennifer Roberts: How can reward and benefits contribute to happiness at work?
At Central Co-op, our colleagues are the difference makers. Our society is built on strong cultural values dating back to the original Co-op pioneers focusing on the difference we make within the communities we serve. Our reward and benefits offering is also built on these strong values, aiming to make ...
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OpinionLovewell's logic: Will affordable childcare ever be available to all?
The lack of affordable childcare in the UK won’t be news to anyone. This month, however, it has made news headlines once again when the first stage in the government’s plans towards making this more affordable was rolled out.From 1 January, parents have been able to apply for a code ...
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OpinionEmily Whitelock: Pots-for-life plan could pose risk to employee pension engagement
While automatic-enrolment has resulted in more individuals saving for retirement, it has created a separate issue that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) describes as 'the proliferation of small pots': the creation of multiple deferred pension pots, often low in value, when employees change employer. Lack of engagement with ...
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OpinionEmma Clark: Will 2024 see a focus on women’s health in the workplace?
Employers are waking up to women’s health and our legislation is not keeping up with the workplace. In light of that, 2024 will likely see renewed focus on the need to support women's health in respect of menstruation, menopause and fertility.The younger generation seems less embarrassed about informing colleagues that ...
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OpinionLovewell's logic: What will the year ahead have in store?
A belated Happy New Year to you all!At the turn of the year, many of us will have taken the opportunity to take stock and consider what we would like to achieve this year, along with what we will need to do or change in order to do so. While ...
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OpinionBen Daniel: How can employers help solve absenteeism in the office?
In the UK, tackling absenteeism in the office requires employers to understand and fulfil their legal obligations regarding the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. The law mandates that employers must do what is reasonably practicable to protect their employees' health, safety and welfare, including mental health, as well ...
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OpinionAnna Schiavetta: Supporting menopause in the workplace
There remains a considerable lack of awareness or understanding of menopause. With menopausal women constituting the fastest-growing demographic in today’s workforce, it is fundamental for employers to be aware of the ways they can support their employees who are going through the menopause. There are crucial considerations for employers and ...
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OpinionLovewell's logic: What will you carry into 2024?
As the festive period gets well underway and many of us begin winding up for the Christmas break, family, friends and celebrations are likely to be front of mind for the majority.This time of year, however, also lends itself to a period of reflection, as many look back on the ...
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OpinionNaomi Brown: Do workplace pension schemes fully cater for 2024 family life?
There is no denying it. It is almost 2024. Families of all shapes and sizes are preparing for a joyful festive season with their loved ones.But as I look at all the wonderful families around me, families whose ideas of what 'family' means left the 1950s behind long ago, part ...
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OpinionMirit Ehrenstein and Louise Mason: Changes to remuneration, pay transparency and diversity metrics in 2023
The end of 2023 saw considerable changes to regulation and guidance around many employment issues, including remuneration, pay transparency and diversity metrics.The bonus cap has been removed. This means that UK banks that had to limit variable remuneration to 200% of fixed pay are now permitted to pay bonuses at ...
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OpinionChris Ronald: How employees want to be supported this Christmas and beyond
It has been a tough year for employees. Just as we got through Covid, we were then faced with another challenge:the cost-of-living crisis. And unfortunately, there is little sign of it easing as we edge closer to 2024. This time of year is already tough, with the expense of Christmas ...
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OpinionLovewell's logic: Are employees' expectations always realistic?
When it comes to searching for the most desirable employment package, are employees’ expectations always realistic, or are many destined to place themselves on an eternal path searching for something that does not exist?The end of the year can be a time of reflection, as individuals assess what they have ...
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OpinionRichard Knight and Amy Davies: Responses to Mansion House reforms in Autumn Statement
The Autumn Statement from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt included well-trailed measures that show the government has listened to the industry’s responses to the Mansion House reforms. There are a number of details that must be worked through, in particular for the reduction in small defined contribution (DC) pots.Following its call for ...
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OpinionYvonne Gallagher: Supreme Court rules that Deliveroo riders are not workers in collective bargaining case
The Supreme Court has upheld the earlier decision of the High Court and Court of Appeal in rejecting the claim by trade union the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB), which was seeking to compel Deliveroo to recognise it for the purposes of collective bargaining on behalf of riders working ...
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OpinionLovewell's logic: Are pots for life the way to boost pensions engagement?
In his Autumn Statement on Wednesday (23 November), Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, announced plans to introduce the concept of employees having a single pension pot for life. Should this come to fruition, the move would mark a significant departure from the traditional model for workplace ...
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OpinionAnna Dabek: Creating a menopause friendly workplace for womens’ wellbeing
More women are citing menopause as a reason for claims of discrimination or unfair dismissal at tribunal. The number of cases which did so increased by 44% in 2021.Menopause is not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. That said, over the last couple of years, women have brought ...
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OpinionLovewell's logic: Will we ever successfully close unequal pay gaps?
Next Wednesday, 22 November, is Equal Pay Day in the UK. This is the date when, based on mean average earnings, women effectively stop being paid for the year compared to men. According to analysis by the Fawcett Society, which is behind the day, the UK’s gender ...
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OpinionElla Bond: The effects of a tribunal about dismissal regarding returning to office
In the legal case Follows v Nationwide Building Society, an employee was awarded almost £350,000 in compensation after successfully claiming unfair dismissal and indirect disability discrimination by association. The case serves as a stark reminder for employers to exercise caution when imposing mandates for employees to return to the office, ...
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OpinionLovewell's logic: Is it too soon to mention *whisper* Christmas?
Now that Halloween and Guy Fawkes celebrations have passed, my thoughts have inevitably turned to Christmas. I have always loved this time of year, but for some reason, this year my festive spirit seems to have arrived much earlier than usual and I am now excitedly planning ...
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OpinionRhiannon Barnsley: Automatic-enrolment act is no cure for the epidemic of under-saving
The Royal Assent of the Pensions (Extension of Automatic-Enrolment) Act marks a significant development in the UK pension landscape. There are notable changes that could shape the retirement savings framework for certain employers and employees, but more needs to be done to fix the consistent under-saving for retirement that is ...