Questions and Answers

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced an early roll-out of “free places” from this September. What are free places and how will the scheme work? Will two-year-olds be entitled to a free early education place?

We believe that one of our employees is abusing the sick pay system and are considering suspending his sick pay. What do we need to do before we can take this step?

We are erecting a bandstand for the Olympics. What do we need to do to ensure the safety of our employees?

The older people who make up the majority of the clients of our domiciliary care agency often seem reluctant to take on the responsibility for managing their own care finances. Why then do the Government and our local authority pressurise them to take on personal budgets?

Our fridge/freezer has stopped working, and appears to be damaged. I am worried some of the chlorofluorocarbons may have been released. What should I do?

The school is revising and updating its absence management procedure. We are preparing a draft for consultation. Is it advisable to make clear in the procedure when a member of staff's sick pay can be suspended?

In relation to normal chemicals, is there more than one definition for “mixtures”?

A day centre for older people in our area is closing — is this a national trend?

What advice can you give on managing social network access?

I have been told that a compromise agreement is not appropriate after an allegation of abuse. Is that right?