Andrew Cuomo, New York Governor, and his simple power-point presentations are fast becoming a highlight in my day. Keeping it simply without dumbing-it-down, he has helped me to focus on what employers want to know. Cuomo spoke yesterday of 'unpausing New York' - I think it's worthwhile to whittle that concept down to 'unpausing my [...]
If you have found yourself querying the 'termination date' box on the Covid-19 support scheme form you are not alone. We have had many employers contact us asking us: if they have put their employee on lay-off what do they do with this box? ESA contacted the DESP (Department of Enterprise and Social Protection) and [...]
Things will eventually get back to a new 'normal' and while we are working towards that by staying at home and social distancing, there are some housekeeping activities that employers have to keep note of. Yes there is new legislation that has changed how many of us work, but that didn't simply bin all of [...]
Employers are raising concerns that while their businesses have been hit by the Covic-19 pandemic, that they have funds to pay employees and can not therefore avail of the wage subsidy scheme. There are two important elements of the scheme to keep in mind: It states that if your business has suffered a 25% drop [...]
Many employers have raised questions with us regarding public holidays and annual leave entitlements - specifically the right of an employer to make employees take annual leave during the Covid-19 emergency. This is quite a complex subject and so we would urge employers to contact ESA to make sure that they are applying the rules [...]
Businesses have voiced their concerns over their potential liability to employees under the Corporate Manslaughter Act in Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Act makes businesses accountable for gross health and safety failings that result in death. We normally see this in areas such as construction, but Covid-19 has brought a new dimension to this [...]
1. The first benefit pay for thousands is to be received today. Reasons for non-payment include incorrect applications, the wrong PPS number being given and duplicate applications being received. The Department has asked that applications be made online and that the phone only be used in cases of emergency in order to alleviate the backlog. [...]
Mental Health Central Online Workplace Tool Mental Health Central is a free online exchange, connecting people with mental health-related organisations, helpful workplace tools, services, resources, and professionals. Included are listings for support groups, books, training, upcoming conferences, events, workshops, educational information, as well as healthy recipes, expert advice, research information and more. Find Community Mental [...]
The HSE have published free posters and resources on the subject of Covid-19. Go to https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/ to view.
Working from home still means that employers have to look after their employees health and safety. One of the best ways of doing this is to carry out a VDU (Visual Display Unit) assessment is done. A VDU assessment makes sure that the ergonomics of your at home workstation is correct to prevent problems such [...]