Menu
04/12/2003
HR managers back work-life balance, claims survey
A recent survey has revealed that three out of five UK human resource professionals back EU measures that aim to restrict company employees' working more than 48 hours-a-week.
A survey carried out by business information provider Croner revealed that 61% of HR professionals thought their employers should not be able to ask employees to work more than the set limit of hours.
The survey, comes as the EU is investigating the UK's opt out clause on the Working Time Directive, which, in the UK has allowed employees to opt out from the 48 hour weekly working limit since the Directive came in to force in October 1998.
Employment law expert at Croner, Richard Smith, said: "It's perhaps surprising to find that a large proportion of businesses we surveyed are happy to see a wholesale limit imposed on the length of time they can ask their employees to work.
"A lot of companies tell us they feel they need to be able to ask certain essential staff groups to work more than the suggested maximum number of hours in order to keep the business viable. However, our survey also shows that many firms are increasingly keen to support the rights of employees to go home at a reasonable time and enjoy their private life. This a positive indication that work-life balance is being taken seriously by employers, and there is a strong case to say it could make employees more productive and motivated."
Croner advise that the hours of work should be clearly stated in the contract of employment, with employers stipulating in the contract that flexibility of working hours may sometimes be required. We would also advise employers to possibly stipulate maximum weekly working hours in the contract.
He added: "If the requirement for extra hours becomes a regular or permanent occurrence, it could indicate that employers need to reassess their staffing needs or working procedures."
(SP)
A survey carried out by business information provider Croner revealed that 61% of HR professionals thought their employers should not be able to ask employees to work more than the set limit of hours.
The survey, comes as the EU is investigating the UK's opt out clause on the Working Time Directive, which, in the UK has allowed employees to opt out from the 48 hour weekly working limit since the Directive came in to force in October 1998.
Employment law expert at Croner, Richard Smith, said: "It's perhaps surprising to find that a large proportion of businesses we surveyed are happy to see a wholesale limit imposed on the length of time they can ask their employees to work.
"A lot of companies tell us they feel they need to be able to ask certain essential staff groups to work more than the suggested maximum number of hours in order to keep the business viable. However, our survey also shows that many firms are increasingly keen to support the rights of employees to go home at a reasonable time and enjoy their private life. This a positive indication that work-life balance is being taken seriously by employers, and there is a strong case to say it could make employees more productive and motivated."
Croner advise that the hours of work should be clearly stated in the contract of employment, with employers stipulating in the contract that flexibility of working hours may sometimes be required. We would also advise employers to possibly stipulate maximum weekly working hours in the contract.
He added: "If the requirement for extra hours becomes a regular or permanent occurrence, it could indicate that employers need to reassess their staffing needs or working procedures."
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 February 2004
10% of UK workforce is incompetent: survey
Britain's employers believe that 10% of their staff – or around 2.4 million of the working population – are incompetent, according to a survey commissioned by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).
10% of UK workforce is incompetent: survey
Britain's employers believe that 10% of their staff – or around 2.4 million of the working population – are incompetent, according to a survey commissioned by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).
10 June 2002
Report reveals reasons for UK’s long working hours
According to the latest figures from the Employment Relations Research Series, workers in the UK have the longest hours in Europe because they want to increase pay and also because of the sheer volume of work needed to be addressed.
Report reveals reasons for UK’s long working hours
According to the latest figures from the Employment Relations Research Series, workers in the UK have the longest hours in Europe because they want to increase pay and also because of the sheer volume of work needed to be addressed.
07 May 2002
Young accountants press for flexible working hours
Most accountants under the age of 30 want a shorter working week, according to the latest research into flexible working hours within the profession.
Young accountants press for flexible working hours
Most accountants under the age of 30 want a shorter working week, according to the latest research into flexible working hours within the profession.
01 March 2006
Employers reminded to stop paying Working Tax Credit
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have reminded employers that they must stop paying Working Tax Credit via their payroll by the end of this month. Since its introduction in April 2003, Working Tax Credit has been paid via employers to supplement the wages of people on low incomes.
Employers reminded to stop paying Working Tax Credit
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have reminded employers that they must stop paying Working Tax Credit via their payroll by the end of this month. Since its introduction in April 2003, Working Tax Credit has been paid via employers to supplement the wages of people on low incomes.
03 October 2016
HMRC Announces Webinars On Statutory Payments
HM Revenue & Customs has announced a series of free webinars throughout October aimed at helping employers understand statutory payments for sick pay, maternity pay and parental leave. The webinars include: • Statutory Sick Pay Feel better about SSP - find out when to pay, how much and for how long during this interactive webinar.
HMRC Announces Webinars On Statutory Payments
HM Revenue & Customs has announced a series of free webinars throughout October aimed at helping employers understand statutory payments for sick pay, maternity pay and parental leave. The webinars include: • Statutory Sick Pay Feel better about SSP - find out when to pay, how much and for how long during this interactive webinar.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
