uktemps - temporary and part time jobs

Most temporary workers in the UK recruitment market actually working in temporary employment recently admitted that they did not know the minimum wage in the UK. Here are a few important facts and figures that you as a temporary worker should know:
WHO
All workers in the UK are entitled to be paid at least the national minimum wage.
The minimum wage applies to:
All workers over school leaving age, overseas workers even if they are only in the UK for a short time, agency workers and homeworkers who may not otherwise qualify as ‘workers’ in employment legislation, Crown employees, staff of the House of Commons and House of Lords,
mariners and agricultural workers already covered by the agricultural minimum wage.
It does not apply to:
The genuinely self-employed, office holders, directors (unless they have an employment contract). School children below school leaving age, the armed forces, share fishermen, volluntary workers and prisoners working under prison rules.

HOW MUCH

The minimum wage is a legal right which covers almost all workers above compulsory school leaving age. There are different minimum wage rates for different groups of workers as follows:

The main rate for workers aged 22 and over increased on 1 October 2006 to £5.35 an hour from £5.05 an hour.
The development rate for 18-21 year olds increased to £4.45 an hour from £4.25 an hour
The development rate for 16-17 year old increased to £3.30 an hour from £3.00 an hour
On 1 October 2006 the rate of the accommodation offset increased to £29.05 per week (£4.15 per day) from £27.30 per week (£3.90 per day)

It is important to note that these new rates only apply to pay reference periods beginning on or after the date they came into law.

From 1 October 2007 the National Minimum Wage will increase again as follows. Adult rate (workers aged 22 and over) will increase to £5.52.
Development rate for 18-21 year olds will increase to £4.60.
Development rate for 16-17 year olds will increase to £3.40
The rate for the accomodation offset will increase to £30.10 per week (£4.30 per day).

For more information on the Minimum wage so temporary workers know where they stand visit the following governement website:

• http://www.berr.gov.uk/employment/pay/index.html

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Here are a few tips on how to hang onto your talent :

• Hire the right people, goes without saying but think hard before you simply offer them the job!
• Offer flexible working, besides this being the law, it creates more of a team vibe within the office place.
• Involve all the employees in decisions, don’t forget that temp you’re hiring to cover reception could be a former lawyer who has simply extended their maternity leave, though hopefully your vetting will have already spotted this!!
• Exploit small firm flexibility
• Celebrate your success with your team, offer days out, team lunches and bonuses which include your part time staff
• Be responsive to the feelings of your staff, don’t do a David Brent but do make the effort to speak to the whole team, you will build loyalty which will lead to increased productivity and longevity.
• If you see the potential of an employee, offer them a share of the business… they will work harder and stay longer.
• Most of all create an atmosphere of friendship and trust.

I hope these simply tips help you retain your staff, if you can’t do all of the above at least try a few.

Tags: UKtemps website news, Useful work information by Kate // Add a comment »