Feature Articles

Predictions for 2012

30 January 2012

Eight leading accountancy professionals identify the big issues likely to dominate the next 12 months. Santhie Goundar

HMRC consultations

30 January 2012

We provide a round up of the latest government proposals that will affect tax paying businesses and individuals

What's in the news? January 2012

27 January 2012

In the news for schools this month is the move to unannounced Ofsted inspections from autumn 2012. Early years providers might think “what’s the problem with that? It has always been that way for us, no news there then”. The early years sector news is still dominated with the new EYFS. We have recently published a series of frequently asked questions, which will go some way to helping you prepare, but please feel free to submit any questions of your own. As always, child nutrition and money, too much of one and not enough of the other, also feature this month. Susan Roddy gives some details.

How to use a fire extinguisher

27 January 2012

This article is in no way intended to replace hands-on training in the use of fire extinguishers, but as it is unlikely that staff are likely to practice their use between training sessions, it may be a useful reminder.

Chemical considerations

26 January 2012

John Cherrie, research director at the Institute of Occupational Medicine, looks at the key steps employers should take to ensure and safe use and handling of chemicals at work.

Council fined for dangerous gas leak

26 January 2012

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has been fined after carbon monoxide leaked from a gas boiler at a community centre. Fenton Magistrates’ Court heard that after users of the town’s Westlands Community Centre called the fire service to deal with a suspected gas leak, firefighters found high levels of carbon monoxide escaping from the flue in the loft and evacuated the building.

Driving home safety improvements

26 January 2012

Laura Milsom discovers how social housing provider the mhs homes group managers risks to its employees’ health and safety.

Mental health best practice guide issued

26 January 2012

Just four in ten employees would feel confident disclosing a mental health problem to their employer, according to new research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. The survey was issued to coincide with the launch of a new joint CIPD/Mind guide designed to help employers manage and support mental health at work, and found that just 25% of organisations encourage their staff to talk openly about mental health problems.