Heatwaves can result in overheating workplaces and lower employee productivity. In 2010, approximately five million staff days were lost due to overheating above 26°C resulting in economic losses of £770 million. Given that extreme temperature events in Europe are now 10 times more likely than they were in the early 2000s, similar losses will occur more frequently. However, some businesses, particularly smaller businesses, do not have business continuity plans in place. The Committee recommends that the Government should make businesses aware of the developing threat of heatwaves and the economic consequences. Public Health England should also issue formal guidance to employers to relax dress codes and allow flexible working when heatwave alerts are issued. The Government should consult on introducing maximum workplace temperatures, especially for work that involves significant physical effort.
Mary Creagh MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee said:
“Heatwave warnings are welcomed as barbecue alerts, but they threaten health, wellbeing and productivity. The Met Office has projected that UK summer temperatures could regularly reach 38.5°C by the 2040s.”
“…The Government needs to do more to warn the public of the health risks of heatwaves, particularly when they fall outside of the summer period, and should appoint a minister to lead work across Government. The Government’s new adaptation plan promises no effective action to prevent overheating in buildings. It must change building regulations and planning policies to ensure homes and transport networks are able to deal with extreme heat, and that local authorities and cities have green spaces and heat-resilient infrastructure.”
The full report from the Environmental Audit Committee is available here - Heatwaves: adapting to climate change.
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Right to work checks update 02 August 2018
The Home Office has published updated guidance on right to work checks for employers. If employers are to avoid substantial fines in the event they employ an illegal worker, they need to follow the guidance to the letter.
All employers, irrespective of size or sector are required to prevent the employment of illegal workers.
The most significant updates contained in the recent update relate to:
• steps employers should take if, in carrying out a right to work check, they consider a prospective employee presents information indicating they are a non-EEA national who has been a long-term lawful resident of the UK since before 1988, and does not possess acceptable right to work documentation; • further clarification on appropriate steps for employers in relation to existing employees • clarification of the grace period in cases of Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) transfers • ending restrictions on the employment of Croatian nationals with effect from 1 July 2018.
Employers can read the full report
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8 in 10 small firms shun zero-hours contracts while employment costs surge 16 August 2018
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has published new research which shows that the majority of small employers steer clear of hiring staff on non-guaranteed hours.
The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
Payroll: need to know
cipp.org.uk
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