News
Employment Law Update (June 2009)
"You're "Hired" – Alan Sugar hired to advise government on
small business issues
The recent cabinet reshuffle threw up a few surprises for
employers. The first surprise was the "hiring" of Sir Alan Sugar as
the Government's "Enterprise Champion". In his role - which will be
unpaid - according to information released by 10 Downing Street,
Sir Alan is expected to give the government advice on how to ensure
small firms and entrepreneurs make the most of the help available
from the government and other organisations.
The second change in the reshuffle is that the government
department responsible for business – previously known a "BERR"
(Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) – has been merged with
the department for Innovation, Universities, and Skills, to create
a new super-department responsible for Business, Innovation and
Skills ("BIS").
It is not yet clear what priority the new department will be
giving to future employment regulation, but it has already
indicated that the extension of maternity and paternity leave
pencilled in for April 2010 is now under review due to the economic
climate.
Future e-bulletins will keep you informed of any developments
which will affect your business.
Three good reasons why recruitment's not so easy in the
real world
Sir Alan Sugar's appointment raised a few eyebrows, in
particular because at first even he seemed unsure of what his
duties would be and whether his role would have a political slant
which might conflict with his other business and television
activities.
In the real world, hiring a new member of staff is not
so simple…
- When hiring a new employee, you should be sure of the job
purpose, key responsibilities and what is required from the
employee before you begin the recruitment process. Interviews
should take place and candidates should be measured against your
requirements. This will not only ensure fair recruitment, but will
also make sure you get the best candidate for the job and that you
will be able to measure their performance in the job.
- Equal Opportunities law requires you to select the best
candidate for the job, regardless of gender, race, religion or
belief, disability, sexual orientation or age. Simply hiring an
acquaintance will not only limit your choice – so people who would
have been better qualified applicants if they had the opportunity
to apply aren't even considered – but it might also amount to
unlawful indirect discrimination. The Equality Bill, which is now
passing through Parliament, will require businesses to show they
have a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community, and
simply hiring people within an existing "network" is unlikely to
achieve this.
- Sir Alan has been appointed on an unpaid basis, but employers
must always pay workers at least the National Minimum Wage.