6 FARM NEWS AUG / SEP 2018 • farmers-mart. co. uk
6 FARM NEWS AUG / SEP 2018 • farmers-mart. co. uk
I am expanding my farm operation and looking to employ full-time staff members. What should I be aware of?
We are living in an increasingly litigious society, where claiming for anything from PPI to personal injury has never been easier.
|
HOWEVER, as an employer, you’ re more likely to have an employment claim than a fire. It is a fact, that in 2017 almost one in four UK businesses reported they’ d had an issue that could have result in legal action. From misuse of social media, to staff disagreements, claims can come from things you’ d least expect. Those without the right protection are leaving themselves open to costly and often lengthy disputes.
Employment rights continue to be strengthened in the UK and can leave the uninitiated open
|
|
|
|
|
to a claim that can cost many thousands of pounds. Even if you successfully defend a claim, you’ ll have a large legal defence bill to cover too. What seems like an innocuous issue can quickly spin out of control. Most farms don’ t have any HR support, or even have any training on how to manage such a situation.
The ability to access the right advice quickly and taking the correct action is key and can often prevent a situation escalating rapidly into a full-blown court case. The legal framework behind UK employment law is a minefield, something most of us don’ t have time to study.
The insurance industry has reacted to this and offers a type of policy called Employment Practice Liability( EPL). This offers a defendant protection against the costs involved in a claim, such as legal representation and dealing with grievance issues( such as mediation), and often a telephone helpline to call as soon as an issue arises. Remember, you’ ll need to cover defence costs even if you’ re in the right.
I believe EPL should be part of every farm’ s insurance programme, when the farm has its own employees. You can only do so much and making a mistake with employment issues can be extremely costly – the right insurance can be the difference between a hefty legal and compensation bill, and a withdrawn case and apology. Look at it as your employment law fire brigade.
Thomas Jones Farmers & Mercantile
The RITCHIE Combi Clamp has many useful features making it a unique and highly versatile sheep handling solution
Hands Free
Operating with your hands free allows you more time to deal with drenching, vaccinating, dagging or tagging. Completing tasks in less time makes life easier and healthier for you and your sheep. Minimal physical effort is required to hold the sheep compared to traditional methods.
Quiet The quiet operation is one of the most underrated features.
Left or Right-Handed Configuration
The clamp can be rotated to accommodate left or right-handed users and the approach race with the stop gate can be changed to enable the operator to stand on either side.
Safe Handling
The RITCHIE Combi Clamp has a“ wrap around” effect providing increased grip but less pressure on the sheep, thus reducing the risk of sheep rearing up or sitting down. The unit is much kinder on in-lamb ewes and prime lambs reducing bruising.
Powerless Operation
The operator’ s body weight is all that is required to operate the RITCHIE Combi Clamp mechanism, enabling the unit to be operated in remote areas. An optional removable axle and drawbar is available for easy movement between farms and fields.