This Month's Articles: The Tipping Point , Blowing hot and cold, Is care of the vulnerable - vulnerable?, Reaping the Rewards of Refurbishment |
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The Tipping Point |
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The Government has announced that as from October this year, the practice of using tips to make up staff pay to minimum wage levels will be outlawed. Whilst this move has been welcomed by unions and consumer groups, who describe the current practice as “cheating staff and misleading customers”, the timing of the decision is awkward, to say the least, when many operators are already struggling in the economic downturn. |
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The actual cost to the industry is hotly debated but will certainly run into millions, with those business owners affected seeing a sharp rise in wages costs and National Insurance contributions (for staff on the higher basic wage). It should be noted that the minimum wage itself will also rise by 7p in October, to £5.80 an hour. |
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Business operators will still be permitted to retain a proportion of tips or discretionary service charges for themselves, and the Government concedes that many may seek to take advantage of this to offset the additional costs now faced. The Government has promised to work with the hospitality industry to compile a new code of best practice regarding disclosure and transparency of tipping policy. |
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| Whilst some operators may be tempted to seek loopholes in the new legislation for their own benefit (do the words ‘MPs’ and ‘expenses’ come to mind?), those who already deem it common decency to pay a fair wage to staff will welcome a more level playing field. |
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| Article by Pinders Director Wendy Webber |
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Blowing hot and cold?
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It appears that the topic of the hole in the ozone layer has become old news being replaced by carbon emissions, sustainability, energy consumption and other “green” issues. However ozone depletion is still very relevant in relation to global warming and the campaign to reduce/eradicate the gases that contribute to the problem goes on. |
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| Since 1994, there has been an action plan in relation to ozone depleting refrigerant gases. Initially CFC and Halon gases were phased out and eventually banned. Now HCFC gases are rapidly reaching the end of the period for which they can be used. Since 1996, when such HCFC gases as R22 refrigerant, was banned from being used in domestic refrigeration equipment, there has been a timetable for their eventual total ban. By 2004 they were finally banned from all new air conditioning installations. The end of 2009 sees the end of the use of virgin (new) HCFC’s in all uses. Recycled HCFC materials will still be able to be used until 2015 when the total ban comes into effect. |
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However as replacement of old air conditioning equipment (generally pre 2001) could involve the need for planning permission and/or building regulations, there could be a considerable lead in time. You could find that you are unable to get your equipment repaired when it breaks down and be forced into making hasty arrangements for it to be replaced leaving you exposed to potential inflated costs. What to do if you still have equipment that still uses these types of refrigerants, needs consideration sooner rather than later as time is running out. |
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| Article by Pinders Director Ray Chamberlin |
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Is care of the vulnerable - vulnerable? |
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Many will be aware of the recent Debbie Purdy judgement regarding the Law Lords' decision requiring the Director of Public Prosecutions to publish an offence-specific policy statement clarifying the law on assisted suicide. |
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At first sight this may not appear to impact upon the care sector's role, but, as involved practitioners, care and nursing home operators may care to consider whether they should contribute to the consultation process which is to begin in the autumn. |
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From a moral perspective at least, all of us are equal in the eyes of the law. The right to live our life in dignity, especially in the case of the most vulnerable, has to remain at the very foundation of the law making process. |
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For those whose situation appears hopeless, there are very serious concerns not only from a moral point of view, but also from a care perspective. Which of us cannot feel very genuine sympathy for anyone who finds themselves in such a position - those with disabilities and chronic illness especially? |
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| And yet the care providers’ role will understandably continue to be paramount in ensuring that these most vulnerable members of society do not become subject to subtle pressure that they have become unwanted or a burden to others. |
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| How that responsibility might be incorporated into the regulatory process will create its own problems. |
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| However, at least an involvement in the consultation process should ensure that any future legislative changes in this most difficult of areas reflects the experiences of those at the heart of this caring profession. |
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| Article by Pinders Director Steve Marriott |
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Reaping the Rewards of Refurbishment |
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Pinders are nearing the end of managing a three-year office refurbishment programme, with a total value of £5.3m, for a blue chip corporate client.. |
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Pinders directed a team of professionals who designed and worked on the phased remodelling and refurbishment of offices in London, Winchester, Warwick and Halifax. As a result of our project control, we were able to manage a complex programme of 'decanting' staff to avoid disruption to the business. |
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Staff now benefit from a vastly improved working environment and amenities, with enhancements including intelligent lighting and VRF (variable refrigerant flow) air-conditioning systems. Pinders ensured that the new air-conditioning equipment specified qualified for Enhanced Capital Allowance, which meant that the client was able to offset the full cost of the design, equipment and installation against taxation. |
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| Article by Pinders Director Simon Coats |
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