I do however still have some space for our final two events (both next week) for anyone interested?

The two events are:

1) Bristol Employment Seminar:

This is a full morning event, covering Employment Law, Employee Benefits, and Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace.  The venue is Bristol Zoo, and all delegates get free access to the zoo after the event.

For full details of this event (including how to book one of the remaining places), please see the following link:   

http://www.jelfgroup.com/blog/2013/05/bristol-employment-seminar-bookings-now-being-taken/

2) Employee Benefits Workshop (including cost saving ideas):

This workshop takes place in London next Monday afternoon.  It’s a more intimate affair than the larger seminars, giving delegates the opportunity to question the speaker (that’s me!) as the presentation unfolds.

For full details of this event (and how to book) please follow this link:

http://www.jelfgroup.com/blog/2013/05/employee-benefits-workshop-bookings-now-being-taken-3/

Thanks and best regards

Steve

My initial concerns have been lessened by the decision to ”phase” minimum contributions over several years.  Thus the minimum employer’s contribution level of 3% will be achieved in (hopefully) manageable steps for the more hard-pressed employers.  This is a good thing.

And I am now starting to see some “green shoots” of a positive (albeit possibly temporary) boost to the UK jobs market as a direct result of this legislation.  This evidence arises on two distinct fronts.

The more obvious area is, of course, the pensions industry itself.  There will be a spike in demand for AE expertise in the next 18 months (indeed it is already here), and as a result the industry are adding, and retaining, many more staff than would otherwise be expected.

But a less expected piece of good news for the jobs market arises from outside of the pension industry.  Increasingly I am seeing HR and Finance delegates at Jelf’s workshops and seminars with “Auto Enrolment” included in their job titles.  It is therefore clear that many employer’s have now appreciated the enormity of the task, and have taken decisive action to employ an individual to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

So despite AE being administratively difficult, and of course expensive, for employers, it appears that this legislation may be helping the wider UK economy in ways other than just reducing the savings gap.  

Best regards

Steve

Yet the attached link will take you through to an article in last week’s Telegraph, which suggests that some employers are intending “wilful non-compliance” according to research undertaken by the IOD.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/pensions/10086984/We-wont-pay-your-pensions-firms-threaten.html

Needless to say, this approach is not recommended by Jelf Employee Benefits!

Ultimately, any overt avoiders of the legislation are likely to be amongst the first to be heavily fined by the Pensions Regulator, and there could also be reputational damage to consider.

So please take this article with a pinch of salt, and likewise please continue planning for your staging date.

Best regards

Steve

Below are full details on the workshop, including details of how to book a place.  As ever, early booking is advised.

Workshop content:

• The impact of the austerity years on Employee Benefits
• Employee engagement and benefits
• Tax efficient benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits:  Pensions, Childcare Vouchers, Bikes for Work etc
• Isolating cost savings
• Duplication of cover (and how to avoid this)
• Group Life Assurance
• Group Income Protection
• Group Medical Cover
• Cash Benefit Plans
• Employee Assistance Plans
• DSE Regulations
• Return on Investment
• Benefit Communications
• Q&A Session
• Other topical issues as relevant

 Date and start time:  Monday 24th June:  14:00

 Venue:  Room G07, HBOS Offices, 33 Old Broad Street, London,  

Duration:  Approx 75 minutes

How do I book a place?

If you (and/or an appropriate colleague) would like to attend, please emails me:

steve.herbert@jelfgroup.com

with the following details for each delegate:

• Full Name
• Job Title
• Company Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number (preferably direct dial)
• Please add ‘London Benefits Workshop’ to the subject line of your email

All bookings are subject to our usual terms and conditions that can be viewed here:

http://www.jelfgroup.com/blog/2011/03/revised-seminar-and-workshop-acceptance-terms/

Best regards

Steve

Below are full details of the Pensions Workshops, including details of how to book a place.

These workshops are very popular, so early booking is advised.

The content of the Pensions workshop includes:

• Latest research and updates
• Anecdotal auto-enrolment updates
• Staging dates and options
• Categorising each employee’s ‘Worker’ status
• Tactical use of waiting / postponment periods 
• Employer Duties under the new regulations
• Earnings thresholds
• Which scheme (or schemes) should an employer use?
• Certified pension scheme criteria
• NEST/  NOW: Pensions/  The People’s Pension
• NEST restrictions and the DWP consultation
• Contribution levels and phasing
• The Retail Distribution Review:  what this means for employers
• Abolition of the Default Retirement Age
• Increases in the State Pension Age 
• Salary Sacrifice
• What now for Workplace Savings?
• Q&A session
• Other topical issues as relevant

Dates and start times:  Monday 24th June: 10:30

Venue:  Room G07, HBOS Offices, 33 Old Broad Street, London

Duration:  Approx 120 minutes

How do I book a place?

If you (and/or an appropriate colleague) would like to attend, please email me:

steve.herbert@jelfgroup.com

with the following details for each delegate…

• Full Name
• Job Title
• Company Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number (preferably direct dial)
• Please add ‘London Pensions Workshop’ to the subject line of your email

All bookings are subject to our usual terms and conditions that can be viewed here: http://www.jelfgroup.com/blog/2011/03/revised-seminar-and-workshop-acceptance-terms/

Best regards

Steve

And coincidentally, that same day the following article was issued by Corporate Adviser magazine.  I’m quoted in here alongside some others in the industry, and you will sense a theme of uncertainty about exactly what this change suggests.  Right at the end of the article the statistics from our February Jelf Employment Seminar on this subject are also shown, which represent an employer’s view of this important topic.

The article can be viewed via the following link:

 http://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/channels/corporate-adviser/healthcare/a-wall-coming-down/1071294.article

I will certainly keep followers posted on progress on this one, as this is potentially a major step forward for tackling sickness absence in the UK.

Best regards

Steve

But to wrap up the week, I thought I should take a couple of minutes to update you on the big pensions news stories (from this blog’s perspective) of the week, ‘cos there are quite a few threads now seemingly approaching their final phase.

This week we have progressed on all of the following:

• The Flat Rate State Pension 

A long time in the making, it looks like this one has finally moved forward.  Many followers will be aware that this was included in the Queen’s speech this week, so it’s clearly a high priority for the Coalition Government to push through before all the political parties retrench for the 2015 election campaign.

• Small Pension Pots and Automatic Transfers

A topic we have covered here before, and now included in the amended Pensions Bill, so now progressing.  I suspect that this one may not have quite such an easy glide-path to legislation as the Flat Rate State Pension, and it will be interesting to see what the final legislated rules look like.  

It is however evident that there is a recognition that Auto-Enrolment will create many more micro pension funds (as employees move from job to job), and that something needs to be done to ensure that such funds are not lost to the employee, and protected from any possible erosion by charges (something which is much less prevalent in today’s pension world than a decade or more ago it should be noted).

• The removal of Short-Service pension refunds

Another long running topic, and also included in The Pensions Bill now, so again progress towards legislation here. 

• Consultancy Charges

Many followers of this blog will be aware that the Retail Distribution Review took hold on the 1st January this year.  This effectively removed the recently favoured ‘factored’ commission structure for group pension planning, which many employers had relied on to pay for their pension consultancy services.

One proposed solution to this was the concept of ‘consultancy’ charging.  Under this method, funds would be directly taken from the employee’s pension fund to meet the consultancy costs.  

To be honest, this idea has never got off the launch pad, and there has been a question mark hanging over consultancy charging for many months now.  Any ambiguity about this has now seemingly been removed, with The Minister for Pensions today announcing the Government’s intention to ban consultancy charging in automatic enrolment schemes.  We will presumably have to wait a few months to see if there is any possible way that this can still be used (for high end, non-auto enrolment schemes for instance), but for most employers it appears this option has now been completely removed from the landscape.

This does however again raise a couple of key questions.  Some schemes have already been established within the industry on the consultancy charging basis, and quite possibly for Auto-Enrolment schemes.  Will this legislation apply retrospectively?  If so how could such a charging structure be unravelled after the event?  These are interesting questions that may pose significant challenges to both employers and the industry in such cases.

So a long week in pensions, but at least we are moving towards the end game for some of the big questions of the moment.

Best regards

Steve

• Bullying & Harassment at Work:  This interactive session is designed to promote understanding of the issues, and provide delegates with the confidence to tackle inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.
• Employment Law:  The learned Mr Randles will be guiding our delegates through the jungle of Employment Law, in his usual relaxed and humorous fashion.
• Employee Benefits:  A mixed bag of old and new topics, all of which will be important to employers, employees, and employee benefit offerings.

Our superb venue is the Clifton Pavilion at Bristol Zoo.  The Clifton Pavilion overlooks the zoo gardens, and all delegates will have free access to the zoo (usual cost £15.50) after the event.  Onsite parking is available, and the museum is accessible via public transport links. 

Seminar details:

• Date:  Friday 28^th June 2013
• Timings:  09:30 to 12:20
• Location:  Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton Pavilion, College Road, Bristol BS8 3HH
• Suitable for:  Senior Human Resources and Finance Professionals
• CPD:  The seminar will qualify for 2 hours CPD
• Cost:  FREE! (includes refreshments and access to the zoo post event)                    

Full Agenda:

09:30  Registration, coffee and networking

10:00  Welcome

10:05  Bullying & Harassment at Work:  “Myths and Realities”

Bullying and harassment continues to be a major challenge for organisations of all sizes in the UK.  This interactive session is designed to promote understanding of the issues, and provide delegates with the confidence to tackle inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.  Our speaker on this topic is Jean Kelly, who has 20 years relevant experience as a trainer, consultant, coach, and author.  Speaker:  Jean Kelly, Jean Kelly Consultancy Ltd

10:50  Break/ Refreshments/ Networking 

11.10  Employment Law:  “Evolution or Revolution?”

The Employment Law jungle is difficult to navigate through, but we are fortunate to have secured an expert guide for our journey.  Tim will ask whether the  promised evolution of Government reforms will prove successful, consider the new legislation (including the various ACAS Codes), and offer an overview of the brave new employment landscape.  Tim will also provide a review of cases that have caught his eye and share some of his legal know-how.  Speaker:  Tim Randles, Associate, Penningtons Solicitors LLP 

11:45  Employee Benefits:  “Taming the Beast”

Steve will look at a mixed bag of subjects, all of which are potentially significant for both employers, employees and employee benefits.  Topics covered will include employee engagement, the Government’s response to The Sickness Absence Review, and recent budget changes to both healthcare treatments and childcare costs.  In addition, Steve will seek to dispel some Pensions Auto-Enrolment myths.  Speaker:  Steve Herbert, Head of Benefits Strategy, Jelf Employee Benefits

12:15  Closing comments

12:20  Drinks & Networking/ Free access to Bristol Zoo

Given our speakers, agenda, and superb venue, not to mention the hugely positive feedback from all our recent events, demand is likely to be extremely high.  Places will be allocated on a strictly first come, first served, basis.  Early reservation is strongly recommended.  

If you (and/or an appropriate colleague) would like to attend, please email:

steve.herbert@jelfgroup.com

with the following details for each delegate…

• Full Name
• Job Title
• Company Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number (preferably direct dial)
• Please add ‘Bristol Seminar’ to the subject line of your email

All bookings are subject to our usual terms and conditions that can be viewed here: http://www.jelfgroup.com/blog/2011/03/revised-seminar-and-workshop-acceptance-terms/

We do hope that you can join us for this event.

Best regards

Steve

Below are full details on the workshop, including details of how to book a place.  As ever, early booking is advised.

Workshop content:

• The impact of the austerity years on Employee Benefits
• Employee engagement and benefits
• Tax efficient benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits:  Pensions, Childcare Vouchers, Bikes for Work etc
• Isolating cost savings
• Duplication of cover (and how to avoid this)
• Group Life Assurance
• Group Income Protection
• Group Medical Cover
• Cash Benefit Plans
• Employee Assistance Plans
• DSE Regulations
• Return on Investment
• Benefit Communications
• Q&A Session
• Other topical issues as relevant

Date and start time: 

• Thursday 23rd May: 14:00

Venue: 

• People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3ER

The museum is close to public transport links, and NCP parking (at a discounted rate for delegates).   

Delegates will (of course) have free access to the museum after the workshop concludes.   The Museum tells the story of the British road to democracy, from the famous Peterloo Massacre of 1819, to the present day. 

Workshop Duration:  Approx 75 minutes

How do I book a place?

If you (and/or an appropriate colleague) would like to attend, please email me:

steve.herbert@jelfgroup.com

with the following details for each delegate…

• Full Name
• Job Title
• Company Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number (preferably direct dial)
• Please add ‘Manchester Benefits Workshop’ to the subject line of your email

All bookings are subject to our usual terms and conditions that can be viewed here: http://www.jelfgroup.com/blog/2011/03/revised-seminar-and-workshop-acceptance-terms/

Best regards

Steve

Below are full details of the Pensions Workshops (which includes a detailed look at Auto-Enrolment legislation), including details of how to book a place.

These workshops are very popular, so early booking is advised. 

The content of the Pensions workshop includes:

• Latest research and updates
• Staging dates and options
• Categorising each employee’s ‘Worker’ status
• Tactical use of waiting / postponment periods 
• Employer Duties under the new regulations
• Earnings thresholds
• Which scheme (or schemes) should an employer use?
• Certified pension scheme criteria
• NEST/  NOW: Pensions/  The People’s Pension
• NEST restrictions and the DWP consultation
• Contribution levels and phasing
• The Retail Distribution Review:  what this means for employers
• Abolition of the Default Retirement Age
• Increases in the State Pension Age 
• Salary Sacrifice
• What now for Workplace Savings?
• Q&A session
• Other topical issues as relevant

Date and start time: 

• Thursday 23rd May: 10:30

Venue: 

• People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3ER

The museum is close to public transport links, and NCP parking (at a discounted rate for delegates).   

Delegates will (of course) have free access to the museum after the workshop concludes.   The Museum tells the story of the British road to democracy, from the famous Peterloo Massacre of 1819, to the present day. 

Workshop Duration:  Approx 120 minutes

How do I book a place?

If you (and/or an appropriate colleague) would like to attend, please email me:

steve.herbert@jelfgroup.com

with the following details for each delegate…

• Full Name
• Job Title
• Company Name
• Email Address
• Phone Number (preferably direct dial)
• Please add ‘Manchester Pensions Workshop’ to the subject line of your email

All bookings are subject to our usual terms and conditions that can be viewed here: http://www.jelfgroup.com/blog/2011/03/revised-seminar-and-workshop-acceptance-terms/

Best regards

Steve