Topical Issues

People behave like sheep in emergencies!

Research has revealed that it only took a minority of just 5% to influence a crowd's direction. The remaining 95% followed without realising it.
This information could be used to good effect such as; to inform emergency planning strategies and organising pedestrian flow in busy areas.
The research was published in the journal Animal Behaviour.

Employment tribunal awards

From 1st February 2008 the limits applying to certain employment tribunal awards, and other amounts payable under employment legislation, were increased. For employers who are found to have unfairly dismissed an employee can be subject to a maximum award of almost £73,000. This excludes awards made in cases of unlawful discrimination, where an additional award for injury to feelings is made, which can be anything up to £25,000. There is no absolute limit on the total award in such cases.

Information & Consultation Regulations

If you are an undertaking with between 50 and 100 employees, from 6 April 2008 you will become subject to the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004. If you do not have a formal mechanism for informing and consulting with your employees, you will be required to enter into negotiations to agree one if at least 10% of employees make a request.

 News Snippets

• Businesses are more at risk from flooding than fire, and the effects can be 30 times more costly than a burglary.
• Almost two thirds (60%) of companies are considering certification to the business continuity standard BS 25999.

Changes in the law governing 'Directors Duties'

Important changes to the duties of Company Directors are due to come into law this year. Directors must now bear in mind the impact on community and environment of their decisions. Also ‘derivative action’ can be taken by any shareholder who believes the Directors have not fulfilled their duties. The term ‘Director’ can encompass ‘shadow directors’ who are people involved in controlling the decisions of the company.

EPCs for New Builds

Large commercial premises put up for sale or rent, or which are newly built, now need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) under new rules introduced this week.

Are you getting enough out of your machines and equipment? Using a Total Productive Effectiveness (TPE) measure you may be underutilising your assets if you score less than 85%. Download a TPE score sheet from www.jetstreamprofit.co.ukto find out.