New measures are to be introduced by the Government to combat one-sided flexibility and support employees who work variable hours. The new legislation will require employers to put more planning into how they use variable working arrangements. It outlined that all employees will have the right to switch to more predictable working patterns.

The Government was also seeking the views from employers on the introduction of reasonable notice of work schedules and compensation when shifts are cancelled without such notice.

These new measures are designed to ensure employees have more stability in their working arrangements when working variable shift patterns.

Research carried out by the CIPD stated that 17% of employers with low paid employees with flexible hours, provided employees with no more than a day’s notice before their shifts. The CIPD also reported that their research on zero-hours contracts showed that most employees were satisfied with their working arrangements. Although 40% said, they received no notice when work was cancelled.
The consultation asks employers what they would define as reasonable notice of work schedules as well as the likely impact a right to a reasonable notice would have on their operations.

It also seeks opinions on if the right to reasonable notice of work schedules should be guaranteed from the start of employment. Or if a certain amount of time should be worked before someone is eligible.

Compensation for Cancelled Shifts

On the issue of compensation for cancelled shifts at short notice, the consultation wanted opinions on what would be viewed as a fair amount of compensation and put forward three suggestions:

• The value of the shift in question
• The ‘worker’s appropriate NMW rate multiplied by their scheduled number of hours that have been cancelled
• A multiple of the ‘worker’s appropriate NMW rate – and if so, what multiple?

One clear thing, employers with atypical employees, will need to put more planning into how they manage their schedules. They will also need proper communication tools to make employees aware of schedules and changes.

NOVA Smart workforce planning software will ensure your company achieves this.

Key Benefits of Workforce Scheduling Software:

• A robust and comprehensive tool that enables you to manage all your workforce planning requirements
• Complete coverage for your businesses rules, policies and regulations
• Help with compliance with employment laws
• Allocation of staff by floor, department or location
• Quick replacement of staff, due to absence
• No repetition of scheduling with automated processes
• Clear overview of staff holidays and absences
• Control of labour costs
• Seamless integration with your existing HR software
• User-friendly interface

We would love to tell you more, so please contact us at info@novative.com or call 0117 959 5311

The post New Legislation UK: Improving Management of Employees on Variable Hours appeared first on Novative.

Welcome to your fourth window of the NOVATIVE HR advent calendar.

Today we are looking at new regulations surrounding Brexit. Currently, it’s still unclear, what will happen to the laws governing employment and labour movement once the UK leaves the EU.

The UK gave notice of its intention to quit the EU on 29 March 2017. From this point there was a two-year timeframe for negotiating the terms of a member state’s departure under the Lisbon Treaty, making 29 March 2019 the UK’s leaving date. But this date can be extended by agreement.

Both sides agreed in March 2018 to a transitional phrase, lasting from 29 March 2019 until 31 December 2020, during which:

• Free movement of EU citizens will continue
• The UK will stay bound by EU trade arrangements while negotiating its own international trade deals.

We head into 2019 still unsure of how Brexit will affect the UK’s employment laws. If you have concerns about keeping up with employment legislation, using NOVATIVE’s HR outsourcing service would be an option for you. Our team of experts will ensure that your company is compliant and will keep you informed of any upcoming changes with plenty of notice so that you can be prepared.

The post Advent Calendar Window 4: New Legislation Brexit appeared first on Novative.