Businesses face increased chance of theft

Insurance companies are warning that there may be an increase of computer theft as a result of the recent earth quake and tsunami in Japan.

Production of key electronic and computer components such as flash memory chips, batteries, and microchips used in mobile phones and computers has been disrupted by the recent events in Japan.  With Demand for these components on the black market likely to increase, so are the chances of theft.  Consideration should be given to improve security and to make sure your business is adequately insured for computer equipment, please see the RSA Insurance property security advice document

For further information or advice on how best to protect your business assets, please contact ECS Insurance Brokers on 01142 802 830

Cost of Agency Workers Set to Sky Rocket

Regulations coming into force in October will give agency workers unprecedented new rights that could end up costing businesses.

As of the 1st September 2011 The Agency Workers Regulations are to be amended giving unprecedented new rights, businesses who rely on agency temps to supplement their existing workforce will find that the new regulations increase the costs of doing so.  With penalties of £5,000 for each agency worker against businesses that deliberately attempt to avoid the regulations, the potential impact of falling foul of the new rules is not to be sniffed at.

The regulations will give agency workers unprecedented new rights.  They will now be entitled to the same facilities and amenities as permanent staff from day one.  These include things like canteen and childcare facilities as well as transport services (for example car parking), prayer rooms and shower facilities.  Although temps won’t be entitled to sick pay, occupational pensions, redundancy or maternity pay, businesses may find hiring temps significantly less economical than they did before.  A break between or during assignments will not trigger a new 12 week qualifying period unless the temp stops working at the business for more than six weeks. However, sick leave of up to 28 weeks, annual leave, a temporary cessation of work for a pre-determined time (such as school holidays or seasonal factory shutdown), jury service of up to 28 weeks, and any industrial action will only cause the qualifying clock to pause if the agency worker returns to the same role.  In circumstances where the absence is for reasons relating to pregnancy, childbirth, or maternity, paternity or adoption leave, the qualifying clock will continue to run even during absence.

Claims for failure to provide the same basic conditions could prove costly so businesses are advised to review how long agency workers are needed for an assignment and engage with agencies in order to ensure that their temps receive equal treatment to comparable permanent employees.

ECS are advising businesses to make sure their existing insurance portfolio includes optional extensions to mitigate these costs.  If you would like more information or should you wish to have ECS check you have adequate cover in please, then please contact ECS Insurance Brokers on 0114 280 2830