FusionHR Blog

Employment Tribunal Rules Hermes Couriers as Workers and not Self-Employed

Friday, 13 July 2018

An employment tribunal in Leeds has ruled that 65 Hermes couriers are actually workers as opposed to being self-employed in the most recent “gig economy” case. The couriers disclosed that they had been denied basic workers’ rights, when in fact they are entitled to receive benefits such as holidays and national minimum wage.

The DBS Update Service – How it could help schools

Friday, 13 July 2018

We are frequently asked how often DBS checks need to be renewed and whether the DBS Update Service is a better option for employers. Keeping Children Safe in Education has been updated for September 2018 and clearly sets out the requirements for schools to carry out DBS Checks. Here we explain how the Update Service may be useful for some employers/employees.

FusionHR – Expanding the team

Friday, 13 July 2018

Meet our new recruits as we further expand the team to deliver the best service possible for our clients. Read about new and exciting projects that will be happening over the Summer.

Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006

Friday, 13 July 2018

From the 1st September 2018, changes to Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006 will come into effect. The key change for schools and private nurseries is the removal of disqualification by association from non-domestic childcare settings. The rules will still apply to domestic childcare providers such as childminders. You must continue to follow the current statutory guidance dated June 2016 until 31st August 2018.

BUPA receive fine of £3m after health and safety failings

Friday, 13 July 2018

Ipswich Crown Court ruled that there had been “significant and serious” care failings. Concerns for Legionnaire’s disease were raised in 2012 however, these were ignored until 2015. Read more about the case and how Risk Assessments and training could have helped.

Providing references for schools and multi-academy trusts

Friday, 29 June 2018

References are a critical part of pre-employment checks to ensure that schools employ suitable staff to work with children and young people. Read our summary on what forms a reference and what process you should follow to ask for references.

Paternity Leave – what are the rules?

Monday, 25 June 2018

Working fathers, including adoptive fathers, have the right to paternity leave and since April 2015, shared parental leave. According to the Department for Business, take up of shared parental leave could be as low as 2%, and the government plans to better inform parents about the policy going forward. Read more about the rules around Paternity Leave.

Taking Stock - GDPR and Data Protection

Monday, 25 June 2018

So, the 25th May 2018 has passed and the world didn’t end, thankfully, however some organisations are still a little behind where they need to be regarding GDPR. Our DPO highlights how they should tackle ongoing compliance.

Recent Health and Safety cases schools should be aware of

Monday, 25 June 2018

There have been quite a few Health and Safety cases recently on Legionella, External Contractors, Working at Heights and Occupational Health, that give guidance useful to schools, so we thought we would pool together the information for you in one place.

MAT Challenges!

Monday, 25 June 2018

The latest version of the Academies Financial Handbook sets out the financial management, control and reporting requirements that apply to all academy trusts. It describes a financial framework for trusts that focuses on principles rather than detailed guidance and reflects their accountability to Parliament and to the public.

Where to start with Succession Planning

Monday, 25 June 2018

Succession planning is instrumental to ensuring effective leadership, and recruiting and retaining key talent within schools and MATs. Our MD, Kathryn Birch highlights the key things it think about for effective succession planning.

When is Notice of Dismissal Effective

Friday, 11 May 2018

Recent case guidance from Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust v Haywood gives further information about when a notice of dismissal is effective.

Is a failure to enhance Shared Parental Leave direct discrimination?

Friday, 11 May 2018

Many employers have enhanced maternity pay for female employees, but do not replicate this within shared parental leave – which can be taken by male employees. The EAT have determined that an employer’s decision not to pay enhanced shared parental leave to a male employee (in circumstances where it paid enhanced maternity leave to female employees) was not direct sex discrimination.

GDPR - The Countdown, Two Weeks to Go

Friday, 11 May 2018

Two weeks to go to GDPR, we look at our journey and what you should have in place

Mental Health Awareness Week 14-20 May 2018

Friday, 11 May 2018

The DfE have recently published updated research and analysis on supporting mental health in schools and colleges. One case study highlights a whole organisational approach to supporting mental health which encouraged and equipped staff to promote good mental health but was built upon clear team structures and defined roles and responsibilities.

Department for Education ‘Guidance on Searching, screening and confiscation’

Friday, 11 May 2018

The Department for Education updated its advice on searching, screening and confiscation in schools. Read about the main changes and guidance.

Sun Awareness Week 9-15 May

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

After what seems like a long winter, we are all more than ready for a bit of sunshine! National Sun Awareness Week is designed to highlight the dangers of over-exposure to the sun and promote safe behaviour. Read our tips on how to increase awareness and improve employee well-being

Managing employees with Diabetes

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

Things to consider about managing employees with diabetes as new reports suggest that the number of people with diabetes is increasing.

Celebrating the new Prince – What are the statutory rights around Maternity Pay

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

In celebration of the birth of Prince Louis, we look at the rights surrounding maternity pay

GDPR Updates - New policies and terms

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

Updates and support available for the forthcoming General Data Protection Regulation on 25th May.

Temporary contracts – can I just finish them at the end of the academic year?

Friday, 20 April 2018

The most common reasons for a fixed-term contract is usually linked funding or maternity cover, although there are many reasons for having a fixed-term contract in place. However, there are certain actions you must do when considering terminating a fixed-term contract. Read our checklist.

Stress Prevention (Stress Awareness Month – April)

Friday, 20 April 2018

April is Stress Awareness Month and with the focus on teachers' workloads at the moment, it's important to monitor stress in your school or Trust. We look at what your next steps should be. We have also produced an updated risk assessment template and guidance on stress which includes some practical examples of working to prevent stress and advice on how to recognise and manage stress when it does occur.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work – 28th April

Friday, 20 April 2018

According to the HSE, 31.2 million working days were lost due to work related illness and workplace injury in 2016-17. With World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28th April we look at how you can ensure the safety and health of your employees and ensure attendance remains high.

Fusion News - New Model Documents on GDPR

Friday, 20 April 2018

We’ve been working hard over the Easter break and we’ve refreshed many of our document download templates which have now been uploaded to our document portal on our website. Our data protection templates have been updated in line with GDPR regulations.

Workforce Planning for Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts

Friday, 20 April 2018

The Department for Education has recently updated it’s guidance for School Workforce Planning. As it explains all schools and Multi-Academy Trusts should be able to consider all options available to them to maximise the efficiency of staff and best utilise the budgets available. But what are the options and what should you consider?