Fraudsters, poorly performing trustees, and rogue employers are being tackled through the use of a wider range of powers by The Pensions Regulator (TPR). Its latest quarterly compliance and enforcement bulletin highlights how TPR is using its powers more to give better protection to pension holders. Between April and June this year, a number of different powers have been used for the first time by case teams dealing with pension scams, scheme valuations and automatic enrolment. Production orders, which require institutions to hand over evide... Continue reading

Six in ten working people fear that greater workplace surveillance through technology will fuel distrust (65%) and discrimination (66%), according to research for I’ll Be Watching You, a new report published by the TUC. The study reveals that most UK workers (56%) believe they are currently monitored by their boss at work. This can take a variety of forms such as: monitoring internet use, keystrokes and through webcams; location tracking by handheld or wearable devices; recording time away from work tasks (for example, timing toilet br... Continue reading

Almost 30% of businesses have seen an increase in the number of staff taking time off for mental health reasons, according to a survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce and insurer Aviva. One in three (33%) business leaders have also noticed an increase in the length of time that staff are taking off due to mental health issues. The survey, of over 1,000 business leaders from every region and nation of the UK, suggests that firms are more aware than ever of mental health concerns in the office, and that the topic is becoming less ... Continue reading

The pressures that come with being a self-employed courier or taxi driver may significantly increase the risk of being involved in a collision, a new report by UCL finds. The majority of those surveyed – 63% – are not provided with safety training on managing risks on the road. Sixty-five per cent said that they are not given any safety equipment such as a high visibility vest and over 70% resort to providing their own. Dr Nicola Christie and Heather Ward (UCL Centre for Transport Studies) carried out 48 qualitative in-depth interviews wi... Continue reading

Landlords must have electrical installations in their rental homes checked every five years under new rules. The new mandatory requirement for PRS landlords is one of a number of safety measures to be brought in by the government, which has also launched a consultation into building regulations’ fire safety guidance. A start date for the checks to be introduced has yet to be announced. The government has clarified the guidance, following recommendations made by Dame Judith Hackitt in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and is now seek... Continue reading