Feature Articles

Rebecca Fisk advises on how to support the development of listening skills in young children.

How does coronavirus affect different occupational groups? Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, which highlights impacts on UK society, the economy and specific worker groups, is a searchable guidance resource — with added analysis drawing on US figures and experiences. Jon Herbert investigates.

In its COVID-19 Recovery Strategy, the Government said that it wanted to begin a gradual return to work in England by way of a three-stage process. The second stage would begin no earlier than 1 June (subject to the most up-to-date assessment of the risk posed by the virus). Paul Clarke examines how a phased return for early years settings might work and how providers can prepare for it.

Ben McCarthy, lead researcher and employment law writer, explores the main points which employers may be faced with in the workplace after the pandemic.

As the COVID-19 emergency evolves, understanding your changing occupational health and safety responsibilities becomes more challenging. There is a lot of guidance from the Health and Safety Executive continually being updated online. Jon Herbert reports.

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed many facilities managers into unfamiliar territory, as millions work from home and workplaces become low use or temporarily empty. Vicky Powell reports on the advice covering maintenance, security considerations, statutory compliance and insurance implications from the Building Engineering Services Association.

An EAP — an employee assistance programme — is one of the benefits that can be offered to employees to support them in challenging times. But how much do employee assistance programmes cost, and are they worth it?

Rebecca Fisk advises on encouraging children in focusing attention, both visual and auditory, so as to develop early communication and language skills. This can be used in your communications to support parents managing children at home.

An empty property can quite easily go from being an asset to a liability as such buildings are prime targets for anti-social behaviour. Laura King reviews some of the latest statistics and considers the options for protecting vacant sites from unwanted visitors.

As the pandemic continues, employees may be struggling with their mental health, especially if they are working from home for the first time. Ben McCarthy, lead researcher and employment law writer at Croner-i, outlines ways of tackling this issue.