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Integrated HR information system frees up professionals to do strategic thinking
National Minimum Wage
Integrated HR information system frees up professionals to do strategic thinking
An integrated IT system frees up more time for HR professionals to focus on strategic business issues and show the value HR can make to business performance, according to research.
The report, by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Cranfield School of Management, indicates that an effective IT system is essential for monitoring the efficiency of HR processes.
Rebecca Clake, CIPD organisation and resourcing adviser, said: "Pressures to meet customer and stakeholder requirements have made accurate measurement a necessity in order to demonstrate value. HR information systems can do the basics brilliantly in terms of improving the efficiency of HR processes. But well-implemented systems have the potential to drive business performance, as well as providing effective means of employee engagement and communication.
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National Minimum Wage
Published by HMRC
October 2007 uprating
National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates and the accommodation offset rate will increase for pay reference periods starting on or after 1 October 2007.
Targeted Enforcement
Our programme of targeted enforcement, which is now in its third year, was introduced to work with employers and workers to address issues and concerns around the NMW and to produce guidance in order to assist employers in meeting their obligations.
For the third programme we are working with representatives of the hotel sector, where a high number of migrant workers are employed. This programme will run for twelve months with targeted enforcement beginning in November 2007. We will build on this work by targeting the hospitality sector more generally throughout 2008-09.
As the employer, failure to meet your obligations under the National Minimum Wage Act constitutes a criminal offence and could result in a heavy fine.
It is a criminal offence to:refuse or wilfully neglect to pay NMW
- fail to keep or preserve records, cause or allow false entries in records
- produce or furnish false records or information
- delay or obstruct an HMRC compliance officer
- refuse or neglect to answer any questions or produce documents for an HMRC compliance officer.
If you need any help or advice about the National Minimum Wage you can visit the HMRC website or call our Helpline on 0845 6 000 678. In Northern Ireland call 0845 6 500 207.
Landmark National Minimum Wage case heard
On the 28 August 2007, a children's nursery owner was fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £500 costs in the first National Minimum Wage criminal prosecution case.
The owner of the day nursery in Walthamstow, pleaded guilty to a charge of obstruction at Waltham Forest Magistrates' Court. She had prevented compliance officers from looking at employee records to find out whether nursery workers were being paid the correct amount under the National Minimum Wage.
Judge Gott commented that the owner had "demonstrated a clear and deliberate intent to obstruct officers and this was a scandalous breach of the National Minimum Wage legislation."
Andy Millican, the Criminal Investigations team leader said: "This prosecution sends a clear message to employers that we will actively pursue those we suspect of flouting National Minimum Wage law." He added. "We have a duty to ensure workers receive their salary entitlement. If employers obstruct us and refuse to comply with the law they could receive a fine and a criminal record."
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