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June 26, 2020
FAQs: The NEW Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
On 29 May, the Chancellor announced changes to the Job Retention Scheme. This includes more flexibility and a requirement for employers to contribute to…
Past Webinars
Coronavirus Outbreak: What employers need to know (Part 14)
July 2020 We invite you to watch part fourteen of our webinar series with Phil Barker, H&S Team Manager and Audrey Robertson, HR Consultancy…
Guides
June 3, 2020Four Surprising Ways to Reduce Costs
Whilst the full financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic are yet to be seen, it will inevitably take years for business and the economy…
Blog
April 30, 2020How we’ve Helped our Customers to Adapt and Respond to the Coronavirus Crisis
As we reach week six of lockdown, I wanted to reflect on the journey we’ve taken at Moorepay. I’m sure you’ll all agree that…
Guides
June 25, 2020Employment Law Guide
Do you know when the latest complex legislation changes come into effect? And are you aware of the work required to ensure your business…
Guides
March 1, 2020Payroll Legislation Guide
Do you know the dates of all the complex payroll legislation changes? Are you aware of what you need to do to ensure your…
Blog
June 26, 2020New Job Retention Scheme Eligibility: Cut-off Date Confusion
On 1 July, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is replaced by a new scheme that offers more flexibility. To take advantage of this flexible scheme, employers must meet certain eligibility criteria. If you’re confused by the new scheme and you’re not sure if you’re eligible to use it, keep reading! We’ll explain the new job retention scheme eligibility regarding the 10 June cut-off and the exceptions to that rule, including those returning form parental leave. 10 June: The Official Cut-off? Furloughed workers will be able to return to work on a part-time or reduced hour basis. However, in order to take advantage of this new scheme, the employer must have furloughed those workers for a minimum of 21 days on…
June 26, 2020
FAQs: The NEW Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
On 29 May, the Chancellor announced changes to the Job Retention Scheme. This includes more flexibility and a requirement for employers to contribute to furlough workers’ wage costs. Read on for helpful answers to FAQs regarding the new Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Q: What is the new COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme? On 1 July the previous COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme is replaced by a New Job Retention Scheme that offers more flexibility. Employers and furloughed workers will be able to return on a part-time or reduced-hours basis while still being able to claim financial support to continue to pay part of the workers’ wages for the days they are not in work. Q: Which organisations does it apply to?…
Blog
June 24, 2020Homeworking: The New Normal?
In the urgency of the COVID-19 lockdown, many employers implemented homeworking provisions on the hoof. This frequently meant only cursory consideration of key provisions more normally considered in detail. No risk assessments or consideration of ergonomics; a kitchen chair, table and laptop would do. Failing to consider the potential impact on contractual terms and conditions of employment. Failing to assess risks to business security – equipment, systems, data and confidentiality. And, of course, we’ve all got used to ill-timed interruptions from younger family members and “noises off” from pets during important business calls! All this was understandable. COVID-19 did not announce itself with a 30 day consultation period. Is working from home soon to be the norm? Word on the…
Past Webinars
Coronavirus Outbreak: What employers need to know (Part 14)
July 2020 We invite you to watch part fourteen of our webinar series with Phil Barker, H&S Team Manager and Audrey Robertson, HR Consultancy & Claims Manager.
Blog
June 19, 2020NHS Test and Trace Scheme
The Test and Trace scheme has been introduced as part of a long-term strategy for the management of COVID-19 outbreaks. As it will be with us for the foreseeable future and may contribute significantly to absences in your workplace, it is worth giving some thought to how it will fit into your absence management policy. What is the scheme? Full details of the scheme can be found here. Individuals who develop symptoms of COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for seven days and, crucially, obtain a test and disclose details of people with whom they have been in recent extended contact. Those people will be contacted separately and instructed to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of the last contact…
Past Webinars
Effectively Managing the Shift to Homeworking
July 2020 Is working from home soon to be the norm? Well, our recent poll shows that 56% of people would - where possible - like to see a shift towards more homeworking. So, the pressure is on for businesses to make homeworking an acceptable and safe practice. Find out what your HR and payroll departments need to do to effectively manage the impact of an increased demand to work from home. Watch our webinar and hear from our experts.
Blog
March 26, 2020FAQs: Statutory Sick Pay for Coronavirus / COVID-19
The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed that Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be paid to all qualifying employees from day one for Covid-19 / Coronavirus related sickness, including self-isolating. This took effect from 13 March 2020 and the measure will last for at least eight months. The emergency legislation (2020 no 287) was passed via a statutory instrument to amend the Statutory Sick Pay (General) Regulations 1982. This confirms that a person who is self-isolating to prevent infection or contamination with the coronavirus disease, is deemed unable to work. For more information, check out our frequently asked questions about SSP for employees with Coronavirus / COVID-19. Q: Is an employee who is self-isolating entitled to Statutory Sick Pay? Yes.…
Blog
January 22, 2020Winter Weather and Travel Disruption
Winter inevitably brings with it bad weather and travel disruption. Your employees might be affected by these conditions, making it more difficult for them to get to the workplace. Unusual or unforeseen circumstances during adverse weather conditions, such as severe snowfall, increase the likelihood of lateness and absence at work. So, we've put together your top three questions and answers, when managing delayed and absent employees during the coming months. 1. Can my employee not turn up to work because of bad weather and travel disruption? In situations like extreme weather conditions, an employer may expect an employee to make every reasonable effort to reach the workplace. This means your employees should adapt their means of travel to the workplace…
Past Webinars
HR Essentials: Blue Monday and How to Improve Employee Wellbeing
January 2020 The third Monday in January is known as ‘Blue Monday’ and has been calculated as the most depressing day of the year, with one of the highest levels of absence. A lack of employee motivation at this time of year can be caused by a range of factors including returning to work after annual leave, debt from Christmas, failed New Year’s resolutions and dark mornings. Watch this webinar to understand how to manage mental health in your workplace and the steps you can take to improve employee wellbeing.
Blog
November 28, 2019Are Employees Entitled to Time Off when Schools are used as Polling Stations?
Many schools across the country will close on 12 December. Why? Because they're being used as polling stations. Are employees protected when they argue their usual childcare arrangements have been adversely affected? Or would their absence be classed as unauthorised? The right to time off to care for dependants State funded school premises are often used as polling stations. This is because privately owned venues usually incur a fee. Unfortunately, there’s very little schools or working parents can do about it. Despite well-used arguments about a lost day’s education, contradictory fines when children are taken on holiday during term-time and an ensuing childcare headache, the decision to close the school will be out of their control! Your employee is entitled…
Blog
November 25, 2019Sickness Absence: Busting the Myths for Employers
'My employee is off sick - what am I allowed to do as an employer?' Questions about sickness absence are some of the most common calls our Advice Line receives. Did you know that sickness absence costs small business around £300,000 a year? The average employee takes seven days of sick leave per year, at an average cost of £550 per employee. Despite the major impact sickness absence has on their organisation, many employers fear taking any action. Why? Because of the myths surrounding what they can and can’t do when an employee is absent from work. We've pulled together a list of the top five most commonly asked questions and myths, so you and your business know where you stand. 1. I'm unable…
Past Webinars
Live Product Demo: Absence Management Software
November 2019 30.7 million working days were lost due to work related ill health and non-fatal workplace injuries in 2017/18, according to the Labour Force Survey. Work related stress, poor health and sickness absence can all have a negative impact on your business, from staff morale to your bottom line. Are employee absences affecting your business? If so, watch a demonstration of our HR Software solution to see how we can support you to effectively manage employee absences.
Brochures
October 6, 2019HR Software Made Easy
Our software is a cloud-based integrated HR and payroll solution specifically designed for businesses large and small. Sections include: Moorepay's HR software Modules, including self-service Integrated payroll Technology & benefits Pricing and packages Read an Excerpt: ‘Whether you’re a manager, departmental head or HR professional, keeping on top of HR matters can be tedious; even the smallest task can get lost in mountains of paperwork. Our Self Service tool simplifies and automates existing HR processes to help keep you on top of your busy workload. Not only does it driven down costs, it also limits the administrative burden on your business and its stakeholders.’
Past Webinars
Coronavirus Outbreak: What employers need to know (Part 14)
July 2020 We invite you to watch part fourteen of our webinar series with Phil Barker, H&S Team Manager and Audrey Robertson, HR Consultancy & Claims Manager.
Blog
June 19, 2020NHS Test and Trace Scheme
The Test and Trace scheme has been introduced as part of a long-term strategy for the management of COVID-19 outbreaks. As it will be with us for the foreseeable future and may contribute significantly to absences in your workplace, it is worth giving some thought to how it will fit into your absence management policy. What is the scheme? Full details of the scheme can be found here. Individuals who develop symptoms of COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for seven days and, crucially, obtain a test and disclose details of people with whom they have been in recent extended contact. Those people will be contacted separately and instructed to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of the last contact…
Past Webinars
Effectively Managing the Shift to Homeworking
July 2020 Is working from home soon to be the norm? Well, our recent poll shows that 56% of people would - where possible - like to see a shift towards more homeworking. So, the pressure is on for businesses to make homeworking an acceptable and safe practice. Find out what your HR and payroll departments need to do to effectively manage the impact of an increased demand to work from home. Watch our webinar and hear from our experts.
Past Webinars
Coronavirus Outbreak: What employers need to know (Part 13)
June 2020 We invite you to watch part thirteen of our webinar series with Michelle Hobson, HR Services Director and Phil Barker, H&S Team Manager and Audrey Robertson, HR Consultancy & Claims Manager.
Blog
June 8, 2020COVID-19: Job Retention Scheme FAQs
On Friday 20 March 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a package of temporary measures to support UK businesses through this period of disruption caused by the COVID-19 / Coronavirus outbreak. One of those packages announced was the Job Retention Scheme, which is a scheme to support employees during the pandemic. This document sets out some guidance covering that scheme in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) format. On 15 April 2020, the Treasury issued a Direction to HMRC under powers conferred by the Coronavirus Act 2020, containing authority and instructions for making payments under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Although amendments are possible, it is likely to be the definitive guidance on how the Job Retention Scheme works. Below is based on…
Past Webinars
Coronavirus Outbreak: What employers need to know (Part 12)
June 2020 We invite you to watch part twelve of our webinar series with Michelle Hobson, HR Services Director and Phil Barker, H&S Team Manager and Audrey Robertson, HR Consultancy & Claims Manager.
Blog
May 18, 2020Health & Safety: Supporting Sustainable Economic Recovery
An economic downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic is widely reported in the news. Plus, there's an understandable anxiety amongst many about going back to the workplace. As a result, lots of small businesses are concerned about how they will return to more 'normal' operations. The Government has released anticipated timelines allowing businesses to make plans for the coming months. Many business owners may not automatically think about consulting with a H&S professional to support their planning. However, it’s times like these when H&S can demonstrate a real commercial advantage to businesses. Taking the time now to consider how a business will return to operating later this year, will help ensure a smooth transition. This should ensure premises are re-occupied safely, in-line with current guidelines and…
Blog
May 4, 2020Bank Holidays – Six Things You Need to Know
This year, there are some additional complications to bank holidays. The May Day bank holiday has been moved to coincide with VE day, employers need to consider how to handle bank holidays during furlough and there's the prospect of an additional bank holiday in October. So, here’s six important things you need to know about bank holidays for 2020. Most of the UK has eight permanent bank holidays each year: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, May Day, Spring Bank Holiday, August Bank Holiday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Traditionally, except for the festive bank holidays, these take place on a Monday. However, to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the government has moved the May Day 2020…
Blog
February 27, 2020The Ongoing Curse of the Holiday Calculation
The Court of Appeal has said that the way employers are calculating holiday entitlement is potentially wrong. In a long and detailed judgement, the Court of Appeal stated that whilst you can pro rata holiday pay, you can’t pro rata holiday entitlement. Since the law changed back in 2007, calculating holiday entitlement has been relatively easy. 5.6 weeks or 28 days for a full-timer and pro rata that for a part-timer. So, someone who works two days a week gets two fifths of the entitlement: Divide 28 (full-time entitlement) by 5 (days in the working week) = 5.6 Times 5.6 by 2 (the number of days the part-time worker does) That equals 11.2 days’ holiday each year And if someone…
Blog
December 5, 2019How do I Manage Annual Leave at Christmas?
Christmas may be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, but for many employers it can be a time-consuming and administrative nightmare. Think seasonal trading spikes, an influx of annual leave requests and the challenge of coordinating the Christmas rota. Holiday entitlement and how effectively requests are managed directly impacts employee satisfaction. Getting the basics right is crucial to creating a positive employee experience. We’ve pulled together a list of the top three most commonly asked questions to help you prepare for the festive season from an HR perspective. 1. Do employees have the right to take annual leave over Christmas? The festive period is a time when many businesses see extra demand for their products and services. While your staff…
Blog
November 28, 2019Are Employees Entitled to Time Off when Schools are used as Polling Stations?
Many schools across the country will close on 12 December. Why? Because they're being used as polling stations. Are employees protected when they argue their usual childcare arrangements have been adversely affected? Or would their absence be classed as unauthorised? The right to time off to care for dependants State funded school premises are often used as polling stations. This is because privately owned venues usually incur a fee. Unfortunately, there’s very little schools or working parents can do about it. Despite well-used arguments about a lost day’s education, contradictory fines when children are taken on holiday during term-time and an ensuing childcare headache, the decision to close the school will be out of their control! Your employee is entitled…
Blog
November 19, 2019How to Prepare for the New Annual Leave Year
Does your annual leave entitlement renew in January? Have you got employees with weeks' worth of holidays still left to take? Can they carry it into next year? Read on for everything you need to know about the importance of employees taking annual leave and the rules for carrying days over. Why is the management of annual leave so important? From a business perspective the impact of getting holiday planning wrong can be significant. I’m sure you remember when Ryanair were forced to cancel 40-50 flights every day for six weeks due to a problem with managing pilots' holidays. So, as the annual leave year comes to an end, what do you need to consider? And what does best practice…
Blog
September 25, 2019How Should I Handle Unplanned Absence during the Repatriation of Thomas Cook Holiday Makers?
You were probably shocked to hear the very sad news that the travel company Thomas Cook has ceased trading. In the early hours of Monday morning (23rd September 2019), Thomas Cook ceased trading. The travel company failed to secure the £200 million needed to keep the business afloat. This is a particularly anxious time for more than 150,000 Thomas Cook holiday makers who are currently abroad. Over the next two weeks, tourists will be brought home in a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) flight programme codenamed Operation Mattherhorn. You probably know someone who is stranded abroad. It could even be one of your employees. So, as an employer what can you do to help and what are your legal obligations? Unplanned…
Blog
June 14, 2019Holiday Season FAQ’s
Summer – the season of sun, sea and sand. Setting your out-of-office and jetting off on holiday for a week of rest and relaxation. However, from a HR perspective the summer months can be a very challenging time of year. Our advice line has seen a spike in enquiries relating to this very topic. Therefore, I have compiled some responses to questions we’ve received relating to unplanned absence, presenteeism, recruitment and notice periods. Unplanned absence An employee requested a holiday however it was rejected. The employee has now called in sick on the same day they had requested as annual leave. What can I do? The short answer would be to manage this as you would any other sickness absence.…
Blog
July 13, 2020Faster Payments: The Fastest Payroll Payments
Waiting up to three working days for a BACS payment to land? That is so last year. You should be using Faster Payments and making payments in three seconds. If you work in payroll, you’ll know that sometimes mistakes happen. It’s not right and it’s not pretty. But occasionally things get missed, balls are dropped, and that new starter your business was so excited to welcome, hasn’t been paid. ARGHHHH! Every minute, every hour, and – heaven forbid – every day that employee hasn’t been paid is an absolute nightmare. And the pressure is on for payroll. But what if you could fix mistakes as quickly as you can make a cup of tea? ‘That’s better, that’s… faster payments.’ What…
June 26, 2020
FAQs: The NEW Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
On 29 May, the Chancellor announced changes to the Job Retention Scheme. This includes more flexibility and a requirement for employers to contribute to furlough workers’ wage costs. Read on for helpful answers to FAQs regarding the new Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Q: What is the new COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme? On 1 July the previous COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme is replaced by a New Job Retention Scheme that offers more flexibility. Employers and furloughed workers will be able to return on a part-time or reduced-hours basis while still being able to claim financial support to continue to pay part of the workers’ wages for the days they are not in work. Q: Which organisations does it apply to?…
Past Webinars
Simplify Your payroll and HR
June 2020 The impact of COVID-19 on payroll departments has been significant. From additional manual calculations, to accessing paper-based information safely and keeping up with constantly changing legislation, your to do list may seem endless. Moorepay are here to help relieve that pressure through ensuring your processes are automated and you can collect your data safely. Watch our demo to find out how we’re #keepingtheUKpaid and ensuring our payroll solution is compliant with the latest changes to legislation.
Blog
June 8, 2020COVID-19: Job Retention Scheme FAQs
On Friday 20 March 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a package of temporary measures to support UK businesses through this period of disruption caused by the COVID-19 / Coronavirus outbreak. One of those packages announced was the Job Retention Scheme, which is a scheme to support employees during the pandemic. This document sets out some guidance covering that scheme in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) format. On 15 April 2020, the Treasury issued a Direction to HMRC under powers conferred by the Coronavirus Act 2020, containing authority and instructions for making payments under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Although amendments are possible, it is likely to be the definitive guidance on how the Job Retention Scheme works. Below is based on…
Guides
June 3, 2020Four Surprising Ways to Reduce Costs
Whilst the full financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic are yet to be seen, it will inevitably take years for business and the economy to recover. Many businesses are therefore looking for ways to reduce their costs and improve cashflow. If you’re a business owner, a Financial Director, or responsible for the purse strings in your business, we’ve created this helpful guide for you.
Blog
May 22, 2020Is Pay Based on Gender?
Since the introduction of gender pay gap reporting, you'd hope men and woman doing comparable jobs would be paid the same. But in reality, is pay based on gender? In a recent discrimination case heard by an employment tribunal, a female journalist working for the BBC and presenting a news programme, was paid £440 per episode. Meanwhile, a male presenter was paid £3,000 per episode, albeit for a slightly different type of programme. The BBC argued, amongst other things, that the male presenter was required to be ‘cheeky’ and ‘light-hearted’. But the tribunal chair said the panel had difficulty in understanding how that translated into being a skill or experience to do a job. Especially as the 'light-hearted' tone was scripted for…
Blog
May 18, 2020Quick Wins: How to Reduce Business Costs
The full financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic are yet to be seen. But it will inevitably take years for business and the economy to recover. As a result, most businesses are already looking for ways to reduce their costs and improve cashflow. Are you a business owner, a Financial Director, or responsible for the purse strings in your business? Keep reading to find out how to reduce your business costs. Better debt management Our top tip here is to be proactive. Don’t wait around to find out if your customers are going to pay you. Get closer to the money for better cash management. For this, your credit controller should be contacting your customers (particularly your larger customers who…