HR
03/02/2006
Due to the increasing burden of employment legislation, dealing with employment issues is becoming increasingly time consuming and costly for local businesses.
In response to growing concerns, the Chamber, which represents businesses in Bedfordshire and Luton, has launched a new service for its members, Chamber HR. This comprehensive Human Resource service provides proactive employment and health and safety support through a bespoke website and dedicated Human Resource advice line, as Richard Lacy, Chief Executive of the Chamber explains:
'This new service has been designed to further support our members. By accessing the website or the 24 hour advice line, members have access to a wide variety of literature, including contracts of employment, health and safety policies and an employee handbook. Alternatively they can talk through any HR related issues with a trained professional.'
Also available on the bespoke website is detailed information relating to major legislation covering employment law and health and safety, access to over 150 downloadable policies and factsheets, as well as aservice offering members preferential rates for bespoke Human Resource and health and safety consultancy.
Many small businesses are unaware that if you employ more than one person you have an obligation to provide a Contract of Employment, and that if you do not have a compliant Grievance and Disciplinary procedure you could face financial penalties. Every year approximately 100,000 employment disputes end in an application to the Employment Tribunal service.
'Employment legislation can be a minefield for small businesses,' added Richard Lacy. 'The new service can help ease the burden, providing our members with peace of mind and instant access to all the latest employment information.'
Chamber HR has been set up with Qdos Consulting and Composite Legal Expenses. Further HR support is available, including bespoke recruitment and selection projects and redundancy programme assistance.
The HR initiative is the latest innovation from the Chamber, which has over 1,600 members from businesses across Bedfordshire. Other services provided by the Chamber include the Members Marketplace, a service which helps local businesses gain new contacts, the Chamber Connect Card, which provides a discount on a wide range of services, along with many other discounts and benefits. All services are aimed at helping local businesses to save money, raise their profile and improve competitiveness.
The Chamber HR advice line telephone number is 02920 349614 or you can visit the Chamber HR website at www.chamberhr.co.uk . For further details on Chamber membership, please contact the Membership Services Team on 0845 390 1345.
