All Employee Benefits articles in Web Issue – Page 725
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ArticleMatching pension contributions rise in popularity
The number of pension schemes offering matching pension contributions for members has risen by around 100% in the past 10 years, according to research by Towers Watson.Its FTSE 350 DC pensions survey 2014, which questioned 98 FTSE 100 and 241 FTSE 350 companies, found that 75% of respondents now offer ...
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ArticleGovernment extends pension decision period
Employees who have recently taken a tax-free lump sum from their defined contribution (DC) pension scheme will be given a further 18 months to decide what they wish to do with the rest of their retirement savings.Under current tax rules, once a tax-free lump sum has been taken, individuals have ...
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AnalysisHow to manage workplace dementia
If you read nothing else, read this…Diagnosis rates of people with dementia are increasing.Employers have a duty of care and a legal requirement to make workplace adjustments for staff with dementia. Employee assistance programmes, private medical insurance and group income protection can help to support affected staff.The mental illness hit ...
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Case StudiesGSK improves workstations to tackle musculoskeletal disorders
At most of GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) UK sites, illness and injuries caused by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have historically been one of the main causes of sickness absence of more than seven days. Tackling MSDs is, therefore, a longstanding strategic priority because it helps us to maintain a healthy and happy workforce, ...
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AnalysisSummer driving tips for employees
If you read nothing else, read this…Employees who drive abroad should perform essential car maintenance checks, such as oil, cooling fluid and tyre pressure.Drivers should familiarise themselves with the driving rules in the countries they plan to visit, which can vary. A leasing firm can advise an employee on the ...
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AnalysisWho will be responsible for providing financial education?
The government announced that, from April 2015, it will guarantee free, impartial, face-to-face advice for all employees that retire in DC pension schemes.But there is much discussion in the industry about whether this responsibility will fall to employers, financial education and pension providers, or the government.Tim Perkins, a director at ...
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ArticleFujitsu launches flexible retirement
EXCLUSIVE: Fujitsu UK and Ireland has launched a flexible retirement policy.The new policy enab;es employees over the age of 55 to reduce their working hours in the two years prior to their chosen retirement date with only a partial reduction in pay.Paula Evans, head of pensions and benefits, UK and ...
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Article
Telefonica switches occupational health providers
Telefonica UK has switched providers for its occupational health service.The technology organisation’s new service, which is available for its 8,000 employees, delivers a range of online, telephone and face-to-face occupational health services.These include:Task and job-specific new-employee health screening.Absence management referrals.Health surveillance.Wellbeing and treatment services.Provider Corpore’s health professionals will also carry ...
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ArticleMost talked-about news on the website
Fujitsu UK and Ireland rolled out a flexible retirement policy in April, which enables employees over the age of 55 to reduce their working hours in the two years before their chosen retirement date with only a partial reduction in pay.“This is really innovative and also an intelligent approach to ...
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ArticleOne in five UK workers paid less than living wage
One in five jobs across the UK pays less than the living wage, according to analysis by the Trades Union Congress (TUC).Its report, which analysed official figures from the House of Commons Library, has been published to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the introduction of the minimum wage and ...
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Article
BT, Mars and RBS pledge to tackle mental health
BT, Mars and Royal Bank of Scotland are among the employers leading a campaign to tackle mental health in the workplace.The campaign, run by Business in the Community (BITC), coincides with the launch of BITC’s report Mental health: we’re ready to talk, as part of Responsible Business Week, which runs ...
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AnalysisHow to maximise global benefits scheme efficiencies
If you read nothing else, read this…Global employers must consider costs in the context of employees’ locations. The design of a benefits scheme can help to contain costs.Multinational pooling can save an employer money on insured benefits.One of the key challenges for global employers is the specific healthcare needs of ...
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ArticleKey changes to employee benefits in the 2014 Budget
Here is a round up of all the key announcements impacting employee benefits:2014 to 2015: more flexibility to be allowed for employees retiring with defined contribution pensions.From 27 March: maximum lump sum taken from a pension pot increased to £30,000 from £18,000. From 27 March: number of small individual pension ...
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AnalysisHow to use employee benefits to underpin a global expansion programme
If you read nothing else, read this… Employee benefits can help employers recruit, retain and incentivise staff in new countries.A well-planned strategy is key to a consistent benefits offering across multiple locations. Deciding which benefits to offer global staff can be a challenge.Organisations can use employee benefits to help recruit ...
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ArticleBonuses for FTSE 100 executives fall for third year
FTSE 100 executives have seen their bonuses fall for the third consecutive year and nearly a quarter have seen their base pay frozen, according to research by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).Its analysis of 43 FTSE 100 companies with year ends from 30 September 2013 onwards, found that the median bonus payout for ...
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ArticleBMW and Cafcass shortlisted for health benefits
BMW Group UK and Cafcass are among the employers that have been shortlisted for the award ‘Best healthcare and wellbeing benefits – large employer’ at the Employee Benefits Awards 2014.This award showcases employers that have put in place a strategy that helps promote health and wellbeing in the workplace, helps ...
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Analysis
Martin Palmer: What lies beneath auto-enrolment?
Auto-enrolment is on course to breathe new life into pension saving. But what hidden factors could affect its fate, and how can employers set their scheme apart? As the focus of auto-enrolment shifts from large organisations in low numbers to smaller businesses in high volumes, a picture is already emerging ...
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Case StudiesDeloitte supports employee health with multi-pronged approach
Its health and wellbeing strategy is divided into three areas to help tackle sickness absence: physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing and the working environment.Stevan Rolls, head of HR at Deloitte, says: “Undoubtedly, the range of benefits we offer will have an impact on absence. We want our employees to remain healthy ...