Homepage 3 March news-2016

The most read stories online between 15 February and 14 March 2016:

  1. EAT reverses ET decision on childcare vouchers
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has overturned an Employment Tribunal (ET) decision that it was discriminatory to require employees to agree to the suspension of childcare vouchers during maternity leave when signing up to the scheme. bit.ly/1UJ6U9u

2. British Gas case ruling confirms that commission must be included in holiday pay calculations

In the case of Lock v British Gas Trading and others, the EAT has determined that commission payments must be included in calculations for employees’ annual leave and holiday pay. bit.ly/1RcwYHG

3. 89% say wellness programmes boost happiness and wellbeing

Almost nine in 10 (89%) employee respondents believe that taking part in workplace wellness programmes improves their overall wellbeing and happiness, according to research by US health insurance provider Humana and the Economist Intelligence Unit. bit.ly/1Rf3qqK

4. EXCLUSIVE: Countrywide introduces discount scheme for staff

Countrywide has introduced an employee discount scheme, Under One Roof, for its 12,000 members of staff, as well as their close family members. bit.ly/1U19F7o

5. Rolls-Royce introduces financial education and engagement strategy

Rolls-Royce has implemented a financial education and employee engagement strategy to engage employees with saving for retirement, and switched pension scheme providers. bit.ly/1VuIh17

6. Self-parking chairs steer into place in Japanese offices

Nissan has developed a self-parking office chair, designed to free busy employees from ‘the troublesome task of arranging chairs’ after a long meeting or at the end of a strenuous day. bit.ly/1RuPcr4

7. EY, Iceland and Nationwide are among the 25 Best Big Companies to Work For 2016

EY, Iceland, Nationwide Building Society, Skyscanner and Water Aid are among the organisations recognised in The Sunday Times’ Best Companies to Work For 2016 lists. bit.ly/21DkUlq

8. Puppies help de-stress Australian workplaces

On 25 February, Uber teamed up with Purina’s Pets At Work initiative and local animal shelters in eight Australian cities to offer employees the opportunity to cuddle a puppy for 15 minutes. bit.ly/1UxC9FE

9. Morrisons invests £30m in staff rest area revamp

Morrisons is to conduct a four-year, £30 million makeover of its facilities for staff. The revamp aims to provide employees with rest areas to help them recharge and relax during breaks. bit.ly/1U19YyS

10. London City Airport introduces financial wellbeing app for staff

London City Airport has introduced a financial wellbeing app to help its 500 employees manage their money and save directly from their pay. bit.ly/1XH6Gz1