All articles by System Administrator – Page 82
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Analysis
A look to Hollywood for benefits lessons
Jenny Keefe looks to Tinseltown and discovers that benefits managers could learn a trick or two from big screen blockbustersArticle in fullCops, cowboys, geishas and western singers: all are occupations that have recently been given the big-screen treatment. Even IT managers have recently been the focus of a Channel 4 ...
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Article
Feature - In depth: Voluntary benefit scheme design changes tack
With the voluntary benefits market undergoing significant changes, are employers taking schemes back into their own hands, asks Rachel GordonCase study: SesameArticle in fullThe withdrawal of Abbey at Work from the voluntary benefits market, leaving around 200 clients in the lurch, may have made employers question whether their own provider ...
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Article
Lloyds TSB banks on sacrifice
Lloyds TSB is lifting the cap on employee pension contributions through salary sacrifice within its flexible benefits scheme.Currently, employees use their monthly benefit fund, which amounts to 4% of their monthly salary, to pay into their pension. From January 2007, the cap will be removed on the 'Pensions Extra' option ...
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Article
Avon uses web perks
Avon Cosmetics is now allowing employees to elect their benefits online using a platform from Thomsons Online Benefits.The system replaces the company's old paper-based system, making it easier for employees to make their choices and reducing administration for the company.Duncan Billington, HR systems manager at Avon, said:"Now staff can go ...
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Article
'Rolled up' law altered
The Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) has warned that employers may find ways round the European Court of Justice's ruling preventing employers from giving workers extra hourly pay in lieu of annual leave.The construction industry is badly affected by 'rolled up' holiday pay because of its large ...
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Analysis
Sector analysis: Airlines
The airline sector may not be thriving, but staff are still attracted by its image and the prospect of free or discounted travel, says Victoria FurnessCase studies: EasyJet, FlybeArticle in fullThe attraction of working in the airline sector from a perks perspective can be summed up in two small words: ...
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Research update - Performance pay heads up agenda
Companies are placing a growing emphasis on performance pay, according to a survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting. It found that salary increases for executive directors and senior executives decreased slightly last year, while bonuses went up.Median salary increases dropped to 5% of base pay in 2005 from 6% the ...
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Analysis
Age discrimination hints at widespread changes
Age discrimination legislation is likely to affect all organisations, so don't just pick at the edges, as it's an ideal chance to make sweeping changes, says Debbie LovewellCase studies: DSG International, AsdaArticle in fullWhen the Rolling Stones rocked Brazil's Copacabana Beach earlier this year, they proved that in an industry ...
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Article
News update - Paper firm adopts new pension
The Premier Paper Group has introduced a group personal pension plan in place of a money purchase scheme and is allowing staff to make pension contributions through salary sacrifice.John Percival, financial controller, said: "Our pension scheme was an occupational one. A-Day meant we looked at the scheme and the investment ...
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Event news - Blue chip newcomers add weight to conference
This year, Employee Benefits is delighted to welcome several large household names to the conference.Richard Silander, head of employment policy and reward at consumer goods giant Unilever, will be speaking in the session 'Are total reward statements worth the effort?' on Thursday 27 April.Lis Browning, group pensions manager at Woolworths, ...
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Research update - A-Day impact not fully grasped
Although A-Day (April 6) is here, only 15% of employers fully understand the implications of pensions simplification on their pension scheme and only 9% on their life scheme, according to research from Bupa Group Risk. Graham Clark, director of group risk at Bupa, said: "We are not suprised that employers ...
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Article
News in brief - Accountancy firm switches its GPP
Saffery Champness, the chartered accountants and business advisers, is moving its group personal pension plan to Scottish Equitable to give its employees greater choice over where their savings are invested. The company has also withdrawn several voluntary benefits options from March this year due to low take up, including travel ...
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Legislation case study - Benfield aids IFA access
Benfield, the independent reinsurance and risk intermediary, is working with employees to ensure they fully understand the changes around pensions simplification.It has arranged for those who are likely to be affected by the changes, such as high earners who have exceeded or are close to the £1.5m lifetime allowance, and ...
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Analysis
Feature - In depth: Exec reward continues acceleration
Executive pay among the UK's top FTSE firms has taken on staggering proportions, but shareholder pressure is shifting the way senior management are being rewarded, says David ShonfieldCase study: SMGArticle in fullAverage remuneration for top executives in the UK has broken through the £2 million barrier. Almost nine-out-of-10 lead executives ...
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Article
Dimension Data cuts absence
The IT services and solution provider, Dimension Data, has cut absence from five-and-a-half days to three days per employee each year after introducing an absence management programme.The scheme includes an employee assistance programme (EAP), occupational health services for the long-term sick and an absence notification helpline.Gary Hutton, HR director Europe, ...
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Article
Michelin offers retirement seminars
Michelin, the tyre manufacturer, has launched seminars for its employees approaching retirement.The company, which has a significant number of staff in the 50 plus age group, is offering the seminars to help recognise the contribution they have made to the business.Employees nearing retirement age and their partners will be invited ...
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Article
Financial education is crucial to pensions crisis
Offering financial education in the workplace could have a significant impact on solving the pensions crisis - according to a study by Close Wealth Management.The survey of more than 300 senior managers in companies with a turnover of more than £1m found that 53% of employers provided financial education schemes ...
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Article
Sainsbury's launches childcare vouchers
Sainsbury's is launching a childcare voucher scheme to its 150,000 UK employees in March, following staff lobbying.Sainsbury's is promoting the scheme through an internal website and a monthly in-house journal, which is sent to all employees. A free phone line has also been set up by Busy Bees, the provider ...
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PwC helps childcare woes
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is trialling an emergency childcare scheme for staff who are left in the lurch by their childminders.The pilot is being introduced in response to staff demand. If successful it will be rolled out on a permanent basis across the organisation, which already offers childcare vouchers to staff.The scheme, ...
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Article
JD Wetherspoon unveils childcare vouchers
JD Wetherspoon is rolling out a childcare voucher scheme to its 18,000 employees following a successful trial at its head office. It is believed the rest of the pub chain's staff were offered the benefit from February 2006.