June 2009 Newsletter

In a world obsessed with looks and appearance are we becoming blind to what is truly important?

There is no better example to illustrate our unsighted misconceptions than Susan Boyle's unexpected performance on the ITV show Britain's got Talent last weekend. She has taken the world by storm! However our unlikely response has resulted in her breaking down.

Similarly an article published on the BBC website looks at an up and coming film based on how the visually impaired fall in love. Voice, personality and brain make up a minds eye view of the individual creating a much clearer picture....

Is the sobering reality that we are just fickle, only focusing on what looks appealing to the eye? Would we be happier and less judgemental if we were unable to see?

In a time of recession it is essential for HR managers to take a step back and see the bigger picture, taking off the rose tinted spectacles to really get a sense of what is going on outside of their organisation. Making any changes possible to ensure survival in such a competitive market.

If you think that there are changes that need to be made at your organisation or for any other HR advice contact us on 0870 050 1131, email hrdsupport@noblehr.co.uk or take a look at our website

Agency Workers

After many years of consideration a final version of the temporary agency workers directive proposal has been published. Employers now have until 2011 to implement its provisions.

Employers are under pressure to implement three main factors within the 2 year period.

After twelve weeks on assignment an agency worker will be entitled to:

• Equal treatment, for example, the same basic pay as comparable permanent employees.

• Equal access to facilities, for example, childcare or catering facilities

• Penalties will be awarded for non compliance by agencies and end users

To find out more about how this affects your organisation and for up-to-date information about new employment legislation contact us on 0870 050 1131, email hrdsupport@noblehr.co.uk or visit our website

Fit to work?

Recent figures show that increasing numbers of individuals are off work on long-term sick leave. This is a huge expense to organisations.

To address this, as of June 2009 a new initiative is in place to get people back into the work place. GPs will be encouraged to give a 'fit for work' note stating what an individual is able to do rather than what they are not. The aim is that employers will be able to find a reduced capacity job for the employee to undertake until they are fit and well.

So what can you do to gear up for these changes?

As a HR department is has been recommended that you review current processes and policies related to absence, return to work, flexible working, and implement supporting training with key stakeholders to ensure that people are encouraged to stay at work and return to work as soon as is practicable.

Noble HR Solutions publishes any developments to legislation on our website. For any HR advise please contact us on 0870 050 1131 or email hrdsupport@noblehr.co.uk

How are your managment skills?

So, the expenses scandal goes on. More and more MP's are facing investigation, leaving the government and political leaders in desperate humiliation. This not only questions their morality but also their ability to manage.

How would you rate your management skills? Can you cut it in the highly competitive workplace?

MAP Assessment is equipped to answer these questions and many more. The course is the only objective management assessment tool available in the UK, assessing managers against 12 generic management competencies, highlighting their preferred Management, Personal and Communication styles.

For a more detailed look at MAP Assessment click here 

If you want to attend a MAP Assessment there are still a few places on the 9th and 16th of June. But hurry places are filling up fast!

To book your place or for more information about MAP and how it could help you call 0870 050 1131 or email hrdsupport@noblehr.co.uk