Public sector workers to receive above inflation pay rises 22 July 2020
In recognition of the vital contributions that public sector workers have made, particularly during the outbreak of coronavirus, Rishi Sunak has confirmed that they will receive above inflation pay rises this year. This will encompass doctors, teachers and police officers, amongst others. The increase will benefit approximately 900,000 workers, and the largest rises will be awarded to teachers and doctors, who will see increases of 3.1% and 2.8% respectively. Police and prison officers will see their pay rise by 2.5%, whilst the Armed Forces will receive a 2% uplift.
Speaking on the subject, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak said:
“These past months have underlined what we always knew – that our public sector workers make a vital contribution to our country and that we can rely on them when we need them.
It’s right therefore that we follow the recommendations of the independent pay bodies with this set of real-terms pay rises.”
Independent pay review bodies have recommended the awards, and the government has this year accepted the headline recommended rise for each workforce. The increases for the armed forces, prison officers, senior civil servants and NHS staff work will be backdated to April 2020, but the pay rise for police and teachers will apply in September to reflect the pay year September – August.
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The CIPD urges the government to introduce bereavement leave and pay for all employees who lose a close family member 23 July 2020 The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has written to Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, to encourage the government to introduce a new legal right to leave and pay for any employees who experience a close family bereavement. The oiutbreak of coronavirus has clearly highlighted how important it is for employers to take a compassionate stance on bereavement, and how crucial it is for businesses to understand how each different person will react differently to the death of a close family member. The CIPD confirms that a flexible and sensitive approach to bereavement from employers is essential, and has provided a guide to compassionate bereavement support. The introduction of Jack’s Law at the turn of tax year 2020-21 prompted the CIPD’s call for an extension to bereavement pay, as it introduced a new legal right to paid bereavement leave for those meeting certain qualifying conditions, and a day one right to leave for parents who lose a child under the age of 18, or suffer a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Should the extension be actioned, it would mean that employees who lose any close family member, including a parent, child or sibling, whether by blood, adoption or through marriage / a partner, would be entitled to two weeks’ leave or paid leave from work. At present, there is no legal requirement for employers to pay employees who take time off following the death of a close family member. The law states that employees have the right to ‘reasonable’ time off work to deal with emergencies involving dependants, but there is no definitive timeframe provided.
Senior Resourcing and Inclusion Adviser at the CIPD, Claire McCartney, said:
“Losing a family member, partner or friend can have a devastating impact on a person’s mental health and wellbeing and employees experiencing bereavement need to be treated with compassion and support in the workplace. Most people have experienced bereavement at some point, and sadly in the UK tens of thousands of people have died as a result of COVID-19 this year. Many people will not have been able to say a proper goodbye to loved ones due to Coronavirus, which will have been incredibly difficult. It is vital for organisations to properly support those who are
The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
Payroll: need to know
cipp.org.uk
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