New National Minimum Wage/Living Wage rates come into effect in April. Make sure you're up-to-date with the changes.

View April changes 

Acas have further guidance and resources available:

Pay       Pay deductions       Tips and gratuities      Contracts of employment

Help for small firms: handling pay and wages

Gender Pay Gap reporting - less than one month to go
Employers with 250+ employees have until 30 March (for public sector) or 4 April (for private or voluntary sector) to publish their Gender Pay Gap figures.

If you haven’t already done so register your organisation on the government’s online reporting service.

We have guidance on how to make your calculations, where to publish, and what to do to tackle your gender pay gap.

National Apprenticeship Week
This week it's National Apprenticeship Week. We have guidance on apprenticeships and also guidance for anyone starting out in work. 

Apprentices       First job       New to work

Watch our first job video 
to find out how Soph gets on at her first day of work.

General Data Protection Regulation
In May, employers will be required to carry out audits of employee personal data that they collect and process to ensure it meets the General Data Protection Regulation.

Managing conflict
Working relationships don't always run smoothly so it's important for managers and employers to know how to deal with conflict. Most of the time an informal chat can sort things out. We have a range of guidance to help:

Having difficult conversations

Managing conflict

Discipline and Grievance and the Acas Code of Practice

Become a mediator in your workplace with our internal mediation course find out more: Certificate in Internal Mediation (CIWM)

Recruitment
If you're a small business owner, or new to HR, recruiting staff may seem an exciting but daunting prospect at first. We have some helpful tools to help you get it right.

Recruiting an employee: a step-by-step guide

Hiring staff forms and templates

Free webinar - managing sick leave
Acas and HMRC are holding a free webinar for employers and HR professionals looking at how to manage sick leave, and deal with the wider impact it has on employment relations. HMRC will also be providing a summary of statutory sick pay. You will be able to ask questions of the presenters live throughout the webinar.

Webinar being held: Th‌ur‌sd‌ay 2‌9 March 12p‌m - 1p‌m      Register now 

Ricardo agrees Chicago disposal

Ricardo, the engineering, environmental and strategic consultancy group headquartered in West Sussex, has agreed a $5.5m (£3.9m) deal to sell its Chicago technical facility.

The business has signed an asset purchase agreement to sell the facility to Power Solutions International, a US manufacturer of engines and power systems.

Ricardo will relocate its heavy-duty test operations to its existing facilities in Detroit. In addition to the asset purchase agreement, Ricardo and PSI have also entered into a strategic technology relationship. Ricardo's expertise in advanced engine development, and in electrification, hybrid and autonomous vehicle controls, will support PSI's expansion into these new areas.

The sale of the test engineering and development facilities located at Burr Ridge, Chicago, was said to reflect Ricardo's strategy to reshape its asset base and ensure the business is more agile, efficient and more closely aligned with the changing patterns of customer demand.

Ricardo chief executive Dave Shemmans said: "The sale of the Chicago technical facility and the refocusing of test operations at our Detroit technical centre is an important step which will help to increase our operational efficiency.

"This will help us to better serve the emerging requirements of our customers in North America, across all market sectors, as well as in the increasingly important development of electrified vehicle solutions."

https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/southeast/ricardo-agrees-chicago-disposal?utm_source=surry_sussex_kent_newsletter&utm_campaign=surry_sussex_kent_news_tracker&utm_medium=deals_article

NEW REPORT SHOWS WORTHING THEATRES’ £6M CONTRIBUTION TO LOCAL ECONOMY.

Every £1 spent by Worthing Borough Council on its theatres returns more than £7 into the local economy, a new report says.

The economic report by destination consultancy Blue Sail says Worthing Theatres is doing a good job attracting both spending into the borough but also retaining consumers within the borough who might otherwise go elsewhere.

“The success of Worthing Theatres will help the Borough fulfil the cultural needs of its communities and also support inward investment,” the report says.

The report highlights:

·        Total income for 2015/17 was £3.5m including ticket sales, catering and merchandise

·        Direct impact on the economy is estimated to be £6m based on spend of customers, local purchasing and staff spending.

·        More than £3m a year spent in restaurants, shops, hospitality and travel by theatre-goers from outside Worthing

·        More than half (53 per cent) of those attending live with in the borough or Adur district keeping cultural spend local.

The report identifies a renaissance at Worthing Theatres based on a more diverse programme which has led feedback survey satisfaction scores to rise from 3.9 per cent in 2015 to 4.3 in 2017.

Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Customer Services, Cllr Dr Heather Mercer said, “This report confirms what we have always said; that our investment in culture and in particular Theatres pays dividends.

“It’s not only that people who live here have a richer cultural experience nor that those looking to move to the coast will often look at what our leisure offering is. It’s actually an investment in our economy that far outstrips the amount of money we put in.

“People wouldn’t question spending on many other services, and rightly so, but I wonder how many actually make such a return on our investment. This is down to the hard work and talent of our Theatres team who really have turned the venues into must-go destinations.”

Applying models used by the Economic Impact of UK Theatres Study for the Arts Council and similar studies for Chichester and Brighton the report estimates that £6,055,000 is the positive accumulative  effect on Worthing’s economy made up of ticket sales, direct spending, spending by staff and spending of goods and services by Theatres in the local economy.

Standards practice when making economic impact studies like these is to look at direct spend such as ticket sales and catering and also to examine the ripple effect of such spending so that suppliers of services such as restaurants and wine merchants benefit and use services services such as accountants and plumbers themselves.

Meanwhile the year has got off to a flying start at Worthing Theatres with three national tours  getting the highest ticket sales in Worthing. David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny is now virtually sold out more than a month before the performances and tickets are going fast for all childrens’ theatre shows particularly for  Captain Flynn and the Pirate Dinosaurs. In addition contemporary dance piece Atomos by Wayne Mcgregor played to a near full house. The result of these successful sales is that Worthing Theatres are increasingly being seen as a definite on the touring schedules of top companies.

In addition tickets for top-flight comedians and comedy shows, including Milton Jones, Reginald D Hunter, Joe Lycett, Ant Middleton have sold out and Mother's Ruin, a comedy cabaret about gin has just a handful of tickets left.

Takings for next Christmas’ panto are already at £70,000 following on the success of this year’s Snow White production for which CBeebies Richard David Cain is on the shortlist for best supporting male at the Great British Panto Awards.

Worthing Borough Council’s Head of Culture, Amanda O’Reilly said; “I’m really pleased with the audience reaction to the shows this year we are building our reputation with the top touring companies and show producers, something that hasn’t always been the case.

“The more diverse and excellent the offering the more people come and the more that helps our local economy as the Blue Sail report makes clear.”

Use them or lose them – businesses urged to get savvy on Tax Reliefs

With just a month to go before the end of the tax year (April 5), businesses across Sussex are being urged to avoid becoming one of the thousands missing out on tax relief designed to encourage innovation.

Stuart Noakes, Partner and Head of Tax Services at Worthing and Gatwick based MHA Carpenter Box chartered accountants and tax advisers, says that small and medium sized companies are notoriously shy of claiming Research and Development tax relief – and in doing so are overlooking a possible 230% tax benefit.

“Many SMEs simply don’t appreciate the scope of R&D tax relief, which provides an enhanced deduction against tax of 230%. It can even provide an actual cash refund in a loss making situation,” says Stuart.

“Research and development broadly applies to work carried out to overcome a scientific or technical challenge – but many companies assume their activities wouldn’t qualify or fail to appreciate the full range of expenditure that falls within its scope, including staffing costs, consumables, power, fuel, water, software and sub-contracted work.”

He also points out that R&D activity leading to a patent can in the right circumstances enable profits directly attributable to the innovation to be charged at a tax rate of just 10% under the Patent Box regime, whether this be a product or process or royalties.

Says Stuart: “Likewise, there is a growing suite of special tax breaks for the creative sector - one of our region’s most important growth industries – so the message to all companies is to seek advice on possible tax incentives around process or product innovation and do it sooner rather than later.”

www.carpenterbox.com

Night to remember - midnight walk 2018

Click here to sign up

Saturday 30th June starting at 10:30pm

Giant wheel coming to Worthing this Easter

A giant observation wheel is set to roll into Worthing this Easter. 

Visitors to the south coast will get the chance to go spinning high into the air as the temporary attraction is brought to the town’s Steyne Gardens.

Standing at 35 metres high, the wheel is one of the tallest transportable attractions of it’s type currently available in the UK - giving those boarding the chance to see up to ten miles in the distance.

The 144-capacity attraction is set to operate from late March to mid April, which includes the Easter holidays.

As well as bringing many tourists into the town, the attraction is expected to generate revenue for local businesses as well as rental income for Worthing Borough Council.

Councillor Kevin Jenkins, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “I’m delighted to welcome this exciting temporary attraction to town.

“Observation wheels are a proven popular attraction for people of all ages. It will become an instant landmark for everyone in the town, as well as giving people the chance to see Worthing from an entirely new perspective.

“I’m confident it will be a big success and yet another reason why people should come and discover Worthing.”

The 24-pod wheel, which is silent when it spins, will operate between 10am and 10pm, seven days a week.

It will be run by the Giant Wheel Company, who are based in Manchester and have a track-record of bringing similar attractions to cities across the UK 

Within the agreement, the company will construct the attraction using a 105-foot truck-mounted crane. It takes two days to build the wheel and one day to dismantle.

No planning permission or licensing approval will be required as the wheel will be in place for less than 28 days.

Journeys will take approximately ten minutes and a standard ticket will cost £5 with concessions for children and OAPs.

Other locations, such as the seafront and Beach House Grounds, were considered. But the excellent links and accessibility of Steyne Gardens made it the preferred location.

Councillor Diane Guest, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “I believe this is an excellent use of our town centre open space.

“Some people may be concerned at the potential impact the wheel could have on the park. But Steyne Gardens has a track record of hosting events and pop-up attractions, such as the ice rink, festivals and concerts.

“The operators have assured us that by using tracker boards, they can prevent any damage to the grass in this high-profile location.”

Partners such as the Worthing Town Centre Initiative, Worthing Hospitality Association and hoteliers at the Chatsworth and Ardington have been informed. Letters are also being sent to local residents. 

Sharon Clarke, of the Worthing Town Centre Initiative, said: “We are pleased to see a Giant Observation Wheel coming to Worthing.  Having a new attraction over the Easter period will bring people into town which we know will also increase footfall for the town’s businesses. It’s great to see Worthing rising to new heights.”

Acas Working for everyone - Workplace news

'Beast from the east' - travel disruption: from time to time, travel disruption can affect an employees ability to get to work on time, or in some cases at all. For situations from public transport cancellations to severe weather, employers and employees should consider how this could impact on the workforce. Employees are not automatically entitled to...read more.

Managing absence.

Employees refusal to work: the Court of Appeal has held that an employer was entitled to dismiss an employee for refusing to work, even though it was the employer's actions that had prevented them from resuming their full role. Refusal to work was a breach of contract, amounting to misconduct. It said ‘it is not the law that an employee who is the...read more. 

Dismissing employees.

 The National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2018: the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2018 have been laid before parliament. They provide for the annual increase to the minimum wage and national living wage with effect from 1 April 2018. Amongst others, the latest changes can be viewed here...read more.

National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage.

https://obs.acas.org.uk/subscription/

The Worthing and Adur fund is ready to pay out

APPLY NOW!! Deadline 4 th  May

Since  2010 Worthing and Adur Chamber has encouraged a number of local individuals and businesses to become Founder Donors of Worthing and Adur Fund. Businesses continue to donate to the fund enabling local people to manage the distribution of grants with emphasis on local small groups where a small grant of around £500 can make a significant difference.

The fund that keeps on giving!

These donations established a core endowment fund (currently worth £79.099.22) which is held at Sussex Community Foundation,

 The income from this  has enabled us to give 34 grants worth £20,687.00 to charities and community groups from Worthing and Adur over the last 7 years.

Over £4000 to give away!

Here’s what some of last year’s grantees said-

Jess Estcourt from Tide of Light

We are grateful to the Worthing and Adur fund for their grant to Tide of Light 2017. We used it to increase our community outreach through arts activities at community festivals. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the making activities preparing them for the Tide of Light Parade in November. 

Sue Wellfare from Adur Sea of lights  

The funds were used to put on this well attended free session which was open to everyone.   We also had a second grant given to us to buy free standing rechargable flood lights.

Dorothy Calderwood from Kamelia Kids

Beach School means that children who live by the sea can learn by sea!

Our Beach School project encourages children to explore their environment, learn about the natural world and helps develop their cognitive, physical, practical and social skills. The Turtle bus partly funded by Worthing & Adur Fund, buggies, wheelchairs and on-foot down to the beach has and is a great asset to the nursery in terms of transporting and of course a great marketing tool!

Emily Phillips fro Over the Moon

Our grant has enabled us to put on free knitting and crochet sessions for both adults and kids to learn to learn from scratch or rekindle skills they thought they'd forgotten. These sessions have included bookable small group workshops in local libraries and an art gallery, drop ins at community venues and markets and bespoke sessions for Brownies and Rainbows. This has contributed to the wellbeing  of many people and increased their skills. It has enabled them to feel proud of making a contribution to our community yarnbomb that will take place throughout Adur in June, which will be a large scale art work showcasing community teamwork to the public

For more information and to make an application to the Worthing & Adur Fund, visit www.sussexgiving.org.uk/worthingadur

Creative picnics and food for thought

There is so much coming up at Colonnade House this spring that we've had to write a second newsletter this month!

We are delighted to be hosting the team from always possible who will be taking over Colonnade House from 12-17 March with an informal programme of events that are open to all. They are here to help creative individuals, organisations and networks make brilliant decisions and the week will include:

• workshops   • games   • talks    • interviews   • expert sessions   • networking   • debates  

• drop-ins    • coaching sessions    • business support surgeries    • podcast recordings

and much more..... including a creative picnic every lunchtime.

Events must be booked in advance, but are all either free or pay what you can. 

Monday 12 - Sat 17th March - check times and details of sessions HERE

Local marketing company are finalists in the National mumandworking Awards 2018 hosted by NatWest 

The finalists for the prestigious ‘mumandworking awards 2018’ have been announced and Shake It Up Creative in Worthing is amongst them.  These pioneering awards were launched over 8 years ago to celebrate the UK's leading lights in the world of flexible working – the inspiring individuals, businesses, charities and networks demonstrating and showcasing how working and family-life can go hand in hand with huge benefits for all involved.

Never has the importance of flexible working been so documented. ‘Mumpreneurs’ in particular, continue to generate billions for the UK economy, supporting in excess of 200,000 jobs and we have witnessed significant positive changes in government policy towards flexible working in recent years, but there’s still a long way to go. Research in 2016 suggested improvements in flexible working opportunities for mums would enable and empower huge numbers of mums to return to the workplace with the potential to generate a massive £60+ billion boost to the UK economy.*

Award organisers were therefore delighted at the wealth and the standard of the submissions for this year’s mumandworking awards which will be hosted by NatWest at Bishopsgate London in March with media partner Key Women in Business. Hundreds of nominees entered from across the country, across 14 categories including special categories for bloggers, team members, franchisors and technology and innovation.

Shake It Up Creative, founded in 2015 by two mums each with three children, has been revealed as a finalist in the Start-Up category. The company provide marketing, design, web development, search engine optimisation and public relations services to businesses and charities in London and the South East of England.  Meg and Rachael, Directors of the business also provide free drop-in help hubs to help support the local business community, twice a month in Sussex.  Awards for the Start-Up category are judged by a panel of leading business women, very familiar with the challenges juggling a family and a career can bring.  Judges include Ali Golds from West Sussex – recently named as one the Independent’s 20 Extraordinary Women of 2017, Susannah Schofield OBE, Helen Pattinson – co-founder of the innovative, award-winning Montezuma's Chocolate and Julie Baker, Head of Financial Inclusion and Enterprise, NatWest.

Rachael Dines from Shake It Up Creative said: "Flexible working is at the heart of our business because we were parents first and business owners second.  When you have children, a lot of things change but it doesn’t mean the lead parent has to give up on their ambitions.  We are over the moon to be a mumandworking finalist and send our congratulations to all those that have also made it this far."

The winners and runners-up will be announced at the live awards ceremony and sparkling celebratory reception on 6^th March.

Suzanne Borrell, Events Director for mumandworking.co.uk concludes:

‘The wealth of nominations, the thousands of votes, our esteemed VIP judging panel and the range of nominees – from international businesses to amazing individuals - reflects the significant and continuing support for the promotion of flexible working. These awards are so important as they showcase the UK’s best – fantastic examples of how a flexible approach to working practice can benefit the UK economy, businesses, parents and growing families. We are honoured to host these awards and we can’t wait to reveal our winners at the live event in March!’

To see all those shortlisted visit www.mumandworking.co.uk/awards