Pro Installer August 2019 - Issue 77 | Page 39

AUGUST 2019 | 39 Installer Support Installer Support is sponsored by Kayflow COMPLY WITH WORKPLACE RULES OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES Some regulations are well known like paying the minimum wage and workers’ holiday entitlements, yet failure to comply with these rules (and more) could see tradespeople end up with a fine, and worst-case scenario, in court. Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk said: “Taking on staff isn’t as easy as finding someone decent and paying them a wage at the end of the week. There are lots of rules and regulations an employer must comply to ensure staff employ adequate payment and entitlements. For a small business or one-man band taking someone on for the first time, getting to grips with the workplace rules can seem daunting, but we’ve picked out seven that are definitely worth paying attention to.” 1. Minimum wage Workers must be paid the minimum wages which stands at £8.21 per hours for employees aged 25 or over, £7.70 for 21 to 24-year olds and £6.15 for those aged between 18 - 20. Failure to pay the mini- mum wage could see an employer end up in court if they refuse to pay. 2. Working time directive The average working week should be no more 48 hours, averaged over 17 weeks. This is called the working time directive or working time regulations. If an employee is under 18 years old, they can’t work more than eight hours a day or 40 hours a week. 3. Night working The night period is 11pm to 6am and any staff who work for three hours during this time is classed as a night worker. They must not work more than an average of eight hours in a 24-hour period. kayflow-Advert-149.6x266.4.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 13:12 Page 1 Complete system with bespoke components for an authentic cast iron appearance. on staff isn’t ‘ as taking easy as finding 20-minute rest break during their working day if they work more than six hours a day. Daily rest is the right to 11 hours rest between working day and weekly rest, an uninterrupted 24 hours without any work each week or 48 hours without any work each fortnight. someone decent and paying them a wage ’ 4. Overtime Overtime are any hours over an employ- ees contracted working hours. An employer does not have to pay staff over time, but average pay for the extra hours must not fall below the minimum wage. 5. Rest breaks at work Workers over 18 are entitled to rest breaks at work, daily rest and weekly rest. Workers have the right to one uninterrupted 6. Sunday working An employee can’t be made to work on a Sunday unless they’ve agreed to it with their employers and it’s put in writing. 7. Time off Most workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks’ holiday a year. Some employers include bank holidays within this. Others will give the bank holidays as extras. Rainwater, Underground & Soil Systems 01827 317200 www.kayflow.co.uk