On Radio 4's Today programme this morning, Kenneth Clarke discussed his plans for sentencing reform. While John Humphrys told listeners that "We send more people to prison in this country than any other country in Europe." Mr Clarke stated that prison doesn't work but rehabilitation does. This means integrating people into society - and finding them jobs.
But, as an employer, do you really want to take on an ex-con? The answer, by-and-large, is usually no. So, it's not surprising really that in a recent poll having a criminal record came top of the most shameful things to tell your boss. But, it has been estimated that a fifth of the working population has a criminal record.
We've had some clients who've knowingly employed convicted criminals, and with mixed results. Generally, the employer has come to find out the skeletons in potential employees' cupboards because it has been disclosed when a CRB check is instigated. We advise that employers ask successful candidates to disclose criminal records as a matter of course. And, if the industry or profession requires it, a CRB check too. Specific checks are required when working with children and vulnerable adults. If you're not sure what level of checks you need to make, it is worth contacting the Independent Safeguarding Authority.
In my experience, where it goes wrong is when employers do nothing. So...you find out that your new employee got done for driving while banned, or punching a bloke on a night out...what do you do next?
Quite simple really - assess the risk. How long ago was the conviction? Could this person cause problems for your organisation or the people they come into contact with? Is there an opportunity for them to re-offend? If you decide that the risk is manageable, consider whether you need to put in place any additional measures. The CIPD offer a range of excellent resources for helping you to navigate the legislation and advice on good practice in this area.
And don't forget, for more information, you can always contact The HR Experts by emailing info@thehrexperts.co.uk!
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Thursday 2 December 2010
Snow is falling
With the festive season nearly upon us and the landscapes portraying the perfect white Christmas, bad weather is the talking point of the moment.
However, this can leave employers wondering how to tackle the chaos. With extreme weather warnings, school closures and commuter bedlam, bad weather creates a number of workplace issues.
However, this can leave employers wondering how to tackle the chaos. With extreme weather warnings, school closures and commuter bedlam, bad weather creates a number of workplace issues.
Cost of bad weather
Bad weather at the start of 2010 forced many small businesses and local vendors to close early or for full days, due to lack of staffing. Productivity and turnover suffered as a result and the Federation of Small Businesses put the cost of that cold weather snap at £600 million per day. Most businesses have contingency plans in place for other aspects of their business but have not addressed plans for how to tackle bad weather. When looking at how much it can potentially cost businesses bad weather is snow joke!
Bad weather at the start of 2010 forced many small businesses and local vendors to close early or for full days, due to lack of staffing. Productivity and turnover suffered as a result and the Federation of Small Businesses put the cost of that cold weather snap at £600 million per day. Most businesses have contingency plans in place for other aspects of their business but have not addressed plans for how to tackle bad weather. When looking at how much it can potentially cost businesses bad weather is snow joke!
Options
Many employers are tempted not to pay employees who do not make it into work. In theory employers are not obliged to pay employees who are unable to attend work due to bad weather. However, this could be risky and with the increase in flexible working many employees can argue that they can work from home. Along with this a little goodwill does go a long way and can be beneficial in the long term for businesses.
A few alternative options are:
Pay employees but require them to make up the time later.
Require employees to take ‘snow days’ as annual leave.
Enable employees to work from home by providing appropriate technology.
Many employers are tempted not to pay employees who do not make it into work. In theory employers are not obliged to pay employees who are unable to attend work due to bad weather. However, this could be risky and with the increase in flexible working many employees can argue that they can work from home. Along with this a little goodwill does go a long way and can be beneficial in the long term for businesses.
A few alternative options are:
Pay employees but require them to make up the time later.
Require employees to take ‘snow days’ as annual leave.
Enable employees to work from home by providing appropriate technology.
Bad weather policy
Overall it comes down to common sense and what is best for your business. Bad weather should not be automatic permission to take a day off. But employers also need to communicate that employees should not risk their safety to get to work and be understanding if weather conditions worsen throughout the day. Even though it may sound extreme a well communicated ‘bad weather’ policy should be put in place linking with your already existing absence management, health and safety, and business continuity policies. This should enable you to plough through any weather-related issues.
Overall it comes down to common sense and what is best for your business. Bad weather should not be automatic permission to take a day off. But employers also need to communicate that employees should not risk their safety to get to work and be understanding if weather conditions worsen throughout the day. Even though it may sound extreme a well communicated ‘bad weather’ policy should be put in place linking with your already existing absence management, health and safety, and business continuity policies. This should enable you to plough through any weather-related issues.
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