Ninety percent of teachers set to quit before they retire
According to a recent survey, only nine percent of teachers said they intend to remain in teaching until retirement. The reasons given for wanting to leave the profession were varied, but problems with their superiors and managers was the biggest factor, with pupil behaviour coming in a close second.
Extension to COVID-19 right to work checks concession
The Home Office has published updated guidance for employers carrying out adjusted COVID-19 right to work checks. It extends the concession which allows employers to carry out a manual right to work check using video conferencing and copies of supporting documents to Friday 30 September 2022 (previously Tuesday 5 April 2022).
The deadline has been extended to give employers time to prepare to use identity technology validation technology (IDVT) which will enable them to carry out digital right to work checks for British and Irish citizens with a valid passport. IDVT checks are available from Wednesday 6 April 2022.
Increase in employment compensation limits
From Wednesday 6 April 2022, compensation limits will increase for dismissals taking place on or after that date as follows:
• A week’s pay (relevant to determining the basic award in unfair dismissal claims and calculating redundancy payments) will increase from £544 to £571
• The maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal claims will increase from £89,878 to £93,878.
Nearly 50% of employers have staff experiencing long-COVID
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has published a warning that nearly half (46%) of employers have employees who have experienced long-COVID in the last 12 months. It recommends that organisations urgently review their health and wellbeing strategies to support staff with the condition.
The survey also found that of 804 organisations, 25% of employers include long-COVID among their main causes of long-term sickness absence. But only 26% provide training or guidance for line managers on how to support people to stay at work when managing health conditions.
BAME groups at higher risks of dying from COVID-19
The Office for National Statistics has published updated analysis of deaths involving COVID-19 by ethnic group for England between Tuesday 8 December 2020 (the start of the vaccination programme) and Wednesday 1 December 2021. It suggests that during the third wave (June – December 2021) the rate of death was higher for most minority groups with the highest risk group being those from the Bangladeshi community.
The ONS says that the differences in mortality are largely explained by socio-demographic and economic factors, and health. Plus, lower vaccination coverage in some ethnic groups (particularly Black African and Black Caribbean groups) contributes to an elevated risk of dying from the virus.
Employers may need to take this data into consideration when carrying out risk assessments.
New menopause taskforce
A new taskforce has been set up to tackle issues around the menopause, including increasing access to treatment and ending taboos and stigmas around the issue. Government ministers and senior clinicians will draw on best practice across the four nations of the UK. Future sessions will consider healthcare, education and awareness, menopause in the workplace and research evidence and data.
Government urged to introduce ethnic pay gap reporting by 2023
The Women and Equalities Committee has urged the government to introduce ethnic pay gap reporting by April 2023 for all organisations who currently have to report their gender pay gaps. It’s report recommends that organisations should also publish a supporting narrative and action plan, and asks the government to provide guidance to help employers comply.
Pay and tax thresholds for employers 2022/23
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published new guidance detailing the rates and thresholds for employers operating a payroll or providing expenses and benefits to their employees. These rates and allowances apply from Wednesday 6 April 2022 to Wednesday 5 April 2023.
Read more – March 2022
For general enquiries
0808 291 3524
Or we can call you back at a time of your choice
Phone lines are open 24/7, 365 days a year
