The top 10 most-read stories on www.employeebenefits.co.uk between 19 September and 17 October 2016 were:
- EXCLUSIVE: BT to consolidate benefits in global online platform
2. National minimum wage rises to £6.95
A higher minimum wage rate came into effect on 1 October 2016, increasing from £6.70 to £6.95 an hour for employees aged 21-24 years old. bit.ly/2dB9JYP
3. British Gas Court of Appeal decision confirms inclusion of commission in holiday pay
The Court of Appeal has confirmed that holiday pay calculations should include a representative amount of commission-based pay, upholding the decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal in the case of British Gas v Lock. bit.ly/2ejV5JU
4. EXCLUSIVE: Central government to launch online benefits platform
The UK central government is to launch a benefits platform to provide 418,000 civil servants with online access to their employee benefits package. bit.ly/2elERfi
5. EXCLUSIVE: Hachette UK introduces financial education workshops for under 30s
Publishing group Hachette UK introduced targeted financial education workshops to address financial issues that affect employees under 30. bit.ly/2cUfm4b
6. BMW consults on closure of final salary pension schemes to future accrual
On 29 September, BMW opened a 60-day consultation with employee representative bodies regarding the closure of its two final salary pension schemes to future accrual. bit.ly/2dVOROk
7. 80% do not take time off for stress-related illnesses
Research by Canada Life Group Insurance found that 28% of respondents feel their workload is too great to call in sick, and 21% go into work when ill because of financial reasons. bit.ly/2di5RAj
8. 70% want to access employee benefits from their mobile device
According to Thomsons Online Benefits' Global employee benefits watch 2016-17 report, 18% of employee respondents are unhappy with how they have to interact with benefits, while 17% are unhappy with benefits communication. bit.ly/2dbIAP8
9. 59% feel their employer supports their work-life balance
The Why BWell report by Barnett Waddingham found that 45% of respondents aged between 18 and 29 feel their organisation supports them in leading a healthy lifestyle, compared to 41% of 30-49 year olds, and 37% aged 50 and over. bit.ly/2cKjbM0
10. Old Mutual launches financial education programme for staff
International investments and savings organisation Old Mutual launched a personalised financial education programme for its 200 employees as part of its wellbeing strategy. bit.ly/2dgsIsT
