News

February 26, 2016

Also in the news this week - 26 February 2016

Start-ups look outside London to save on office costs

New data from Office Broker highlights the huge differences between the cost of office space in London and in other UK cities. The average cost of space per desk in the capital is £820 per employee per month. This compares to £200 in Newcastle and £150-400 in Birmingham. Its survey of start-ups has found that 58% said they would prefer to start their business outside of London.

Is your workplace making your staff happy?

The latest Leesman Index report into workplace effectiveness has shed light on the importance of the work environment for employees. The report finds that workplace design is important to 85% of those surveyed but only 54% agree the design of their workplace enables them to work productively. Tim Oldman, ceo of Leesman, said: "Our research suggests that two out of every five employees believe their workplace doesn't contribute towards a sense of community or create an enjoyable environment in which to work. This, along with a number of other factors, can seriously impinge both motivation and performance."

Appeal rejected in landmark holiday pay case

People who earn commission should see their holiday pay reflecting their full earnings, not just their basic pay, after an appeal in a landmark case has been rejected by the Employment Appeal Tribunal. The decision in the British Gas v Lock case secures the original ruling that holiday pay must take account of people who earn both commission and basic pay. It is the latest ruling in the case and it affects how employers calculate holiday pay under the EU Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR). Previously, employees earning commission would only receive paid holiday leave based on their basic pay.

Workers sceptical about stress-related sick leave

Almost one in five British workers are sceptical about colleagues who take time off as a result of mental health issues such as depression, stress or anxiety, according to new research. A study by Willis PMI Group reveals that 48% of UK employees have worked with a colleague who suffered from mental health issues. It found that 14% do not believe stress is a genuine condition - despite the fact that 29% say they have suffered from mental health problems themselves.