HCS Business Matters
31 March 2010
Clued Up or Clueless?
HCS recently exhibited at the New Start Scotland exhibition at the SECC, Glasgow. It was great to see so many potential & newly established companies trying to find the secret to success right here in Scotland. A common theme from the visitors to our stand was uncertainty around becoming an employer for the first time. Did these budding business leaders have cause for concern? Well, take a look at the results of the survey we conducted at the show – how do you score? (Correct answers in BOLD, % of respondent who chose the answer)
1: When must you issue all new employees, including any part-time, temporary or fixed term staff, with a statement of their terms and conditions of employment?
A- Upon completion of their 3 month probationary period 21%
B- Within 2 years of commencing employment 5%
C- Within the first 8 weeks of commencing employment 73%
D- You don't need to issue contracts of employment 2%
2: What is currently the statutory minimum number of days' holiday that must be given to full time employees per annum including bank holidays?
A- 20 29%
B- 25 22%
C- 28 47%
D- There is no statutory minimum 1%
3: Under the Data Protection Act 1998, how long must you hold the details of candidates you have interviewed on file, even if unsuccessful? (including hand written notes)
A- 6 Months 53%
B- 5 Days 7%
C- 2 Years 25%
D- 1 Month 13%
4: Under what conditions must an employer introduce a non-contributory pension scheme?
A- Once they reach 50 staff 7%
B- Once they employ 5 or more staff 18%
C- There is no obligation to have a pension scheme 66%
D- All employees over 21 years of age, after 6 months service 9%
5: Which of the following statement is not true?
A- As a small business (under 5 staff), you are exempt from employment legislation 46%
B- Becoming a parent through adoption has the same leave & pay entitlement as maternity/paternity? 21%
C- Employees with the minimum statutory holiday entitlement are not able to carry over any holidays year to year? 19%
D- All employers, regardless of size must have Employer's Liability Insurance, up to £10 Million coverage 14%
It is clear to see that businesses are right to be cautious about the staff they employ! Speak to HCS today and find out how we can free your mind from employment worries so you can focus on delivering business results!
31 March 2010, webeditor
news feed