Presenteeism the unseen absence in the workplace
We have all been there. You have a stinking cold and really should be tucked up in bed with a cup of hot lemon but instead you have dragged yourself into the office as your emails are out of control and you have an important conference call with a potential new client. Whilst this is […]
The Pensions Regulator is ‘flexing its muscles’
Everyone involved in the running and management of a pension scheme – employers, advisers, trustees and administrators – should understand the compliance and enforcement interventions being undertaken by The Pension Regulator (TPR), as this will help prevent any penalties being imposed. TPR’s approach is based on trying to stop problems developing in the first place […]
Pension Dashboard – Mind the Elephant in the Room
First announced in the 2016 Budget, the Pensions Dashboard is the latest step in the government’s wider strategy to help people to engage with their pensions earlier rather than at retirement. The prototype was launched in Sept 2016 and after a busy period of close cross-industry collaboration, it is currently being demonstrated to Government, industry […]
DWP’s Auto Enrolment Review 2017
In December 2017, the DWP published their latest review document “Automatic Enrolment Review 2017: Maintaining the Momentum”. This considers the success of Auto-Enrolment (AE) to date, and what changes may be required to build on that success in future years. Government’s objectives are that it wants to continue to normalise pension saving among workers; help […]
Solutions for Employers to support mental health
The theme of World Mental Health Day 2017 is mental health in the workplace. While a lot of progress is being made to remove the stigma surrounding mental ill health, employers can be at a loss as to what to do next. Many may be aware of the support that is available via traditional routes, […]
Usage of mental health support under Group Risk products should be higher
Usage of mental health support under Group Risk products should be higher, says GRiD Claims for mental illness are nearly as prevalent as for cancer under employer-sponsored group income protection policies, but Group Risk Development (GRiD) suggests employers could make much better use of the mental health support that comes along with group risk […]
Auto Enrolment Contribution Increases
Auto Enrolment minimum contributions must increase from the current minimum rates on 6 April 2018 and again on 6 April 2019. As such in order to remain a qualifying scheme, all automatic enrolment pension schemes with contribution rates below the new minimums must increase. The minimum employer contribution rates are just that. If an employer […]
Group Life and Bereavement Support changes
Group Life Assurance pays out without the need for probate and provides bereavement counselling, says GRiD, following the bereavement benefit changes From 6 April this year, the new Bereavement Support Payment replaced the current suite of State bereavement benefits (Bereavement Payment, Bereavement Allowance and Widowed Parent’s Allowance). On the face of it, the changes appear to be […]
Workplace Stress Research
Half of UK employees lose sleep over work, with workplace stress leading to more drinking and smoking 51% of employees lose sleep worrying about their job or work related concerns Lack of healthy work/life balance a factor: 41% stay up late or get up early to check work emails A third (34%) of employees who […]
Lifetime ISAs & Employee Financial Education
Lifetime ISA’s or LISA’s as they’re known were announced in March 2016’s budget as a new form of ISA designed to encourage longer term savings for the younger population for two key purposes, purchasing a new home and/or retirement. These alongside the auto enrolment requirements are likely to leave younger employees with ever more questions as […]
