the approach of carrying out qualitative interviews with a total of 40 businesses between April and August 2012 and looked to address three key themes:
Taking someone on Managing Staff Making change easier
The study found that businesses that view employment law as burdensome often do so because of a lack of understanding of the law. Dismissal processes in particular were seen as stressful and costly with some employers going beyond legal requirements in the mistaken belief that such action was necessary.
Employment Relations Minister Jo Swinson said,
“ The UK has one of the most lightly regulated and flexible employment systems in the world. What this study shows is that we need to work with employers to help them better understand their rights and responsibilities leaving them free to focus on growing their business .” “ Through the government’s Employment Law Review we are reviewing existing legislation with the aim of providing clarity and certainty for business to give them the confidence to manage their workforce effectively .” “ We are addressing business and employee concerns about the dismissal process through encouraging a greater use of settlement agreements and are working closely with Acas to get the rules and procedures for Early Conciliation right. We are also making changes to employment tribunals to make them simpler, cheaper and quicker to use .” Full details of the announcement can be found in the press release at GOV.UK however the report confirmed that the study had found that medium and large businesses were proactive in learning about legislation and keeping up to date with changes and use sources such as Direct.gov and Acas whereas small and micro businesses tend towards being more reactive and only seeking information when problems arise and it would appear that the media is their main source information about changes to legislation.
WORKING FAMILIES REPORT ON MATERNITY LEAVE DISCRIMINATION
15 March 2013
Working Families have published a report of findings taken from calls to their helpline that shows that even in 2013, discrimination against employees as a result of them taking maternity leave is still common. Workplace Law reports that according to this research carried out by Working Families maternity discrimination in the workplace is a growing problem with employers’ attitudes “hardening” against pregnant women.
The charity revealed that nearly 10% of calls to its advice line were in relation to maternity issues, reinforcing recent research that discrimination is rife.
Its report also suggested that some employers were “unpicking” flexible working arrangements, with little consideration of the impact on family life.
In addition to this, childcare costs remain a key concern for parents, particularly for families with disabled children.
Working Families Chief Executive, Sarah Jackson, said:
CIPP Policy News Journal
12/04/2013, Page 331 of 362
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker