The second of the Government’s common commencement dates for 2014 takes place today (1 October), bringing with it a number of key changes to UK employment law that employers need to be aware of. In our weekly blog we take a look at these changes, providing employers with an understanding of the most significant revisions. Right to attend antenatal appointments The Children and Families Bill enables expectant fathers and partners of pregnant women to take time off work to attend two antenatal appointments with the expected mother. Employee... Continue reading

Women and men are programmed psychologically to differ in risk-taking in business, but both are taking more calculated risks in 2014 following the battering the UK took in the last recession. This is the view of cognitive psychologist and business improvement specialist, Dr Lynda Shaw, who explains more in her latest blog.  If risk is the potential of losing something of value, weighed against the potential to gain something of value then we make those sorts of decisions all the time – whether it be to sell a million pound of shares, or cro... Continue reading

During a month long initiative which kicked off on Monday, the HSE will be carrying out unannounced visits to construction sites where refurbishment projects or repair works are underway. It revealed that ‘health as well as safety’ will be the message as it targets poor standards and unsafe work on Britain’s building sites as part of a nationwide drive aimed at reducing ill health, death and injury in the industry. As of 22 September, HSE Inspectors will ensure high-risk activities, particularly those affecting the health of workers, ar... Continue reading

World Green Building Week 2014 kicked off yesterday with the theme for this year being ‘Get up, Green up’. Its remit is to encourage people to take direct action to improve the sustainability of the built environment around the world. Running from 22-26 September, Green Building Councils (GBCs) in 100 countries, representing more than 27,000 organisations, will celebrate World Green Building Week, described as the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on the campaign for a sustainable built environment. Green Building Councils acr... Continue reading

Email and internet use is becoming more and more popular, but is it finally taking over from the perhaps more personal communication method of phone or, indeed, face-to-face meetings? Are we moving into a new world of communication? Research carried out by the Radicati Group, a technology research firm, revealed that email is the predominant form of communication in the business today. But is that a positive development? Good for business? While the use of email and internet has increased employees' access to information, this unlimited acce... Continue reading