The Ipswich Flyer IpswichFlyer_Sep2018_For_Web | Page 6

The Flyer Columns Advice Pets at Work Policy? Employers committed to creating a safe working environment have the responsibility for assuring the health, safety and welfare of all employees. In keeping with that objective, it may mean that you Clare Whight need to set out the Company’s approach concerning employees bringing their household pets to the offi ce or workplace environments. All pets, particularly dogs, are generally not permitted. That said, we have been asked to write a Pets at Work Policy with permissions granted on a discretional basis and on the understanding that the Company guidelines are followed. A sensible risk assessment should be considered, and welfare guidelines issued by the RSPCA should be considered and included. Clear guidelines are recommended to avoid misunderstandings: • Responsibilities • Exercising and restraints • Emergency evacuation • Provision and access to water As with all discretional policies and procedures, if these guidelines are not followed then the privilege can be removed. Pet and Assistance Animals Pet and assistance animals such as guide dogs, can be permitted in accordance with and under the guidance of the Equality Act. These animals are trained and relied on by their owners for independence. An approved and appropriate risk assessment will need to be carried out. This will include certifi cation of criteria, vaccinations and insurance to be provided. Animals must be appropriately inoculated and under the control of the owner at all times; they are not to be allowed to roam freely in offi ces or outside areas. Any reasonable adjustment will be considered as part of the assessment. Animal owners may be held liable for any injury or damage caused and will therefore need to have appropriate third-party insurance cover. For further information on a compliant policy, HR advice or guidance please contact SOS-HR 01473 276170. • Disposal of animal waste • Injury to third party In creating this policy, we had to take into consideration various issues that animals may pose such as a threat of infection or causing allergic reactions or illness as some employees may not share the same animal enthusiasm 6 as others. They may experience fear, stress or any other physical or psychological discomfort, feel threatened or be distracted by the presence of animals; particularly dogs. The Bank of England has raised interest rates to 0.75% **Sources SOS-HR and RSPCA Please note that the content of this article is for general information and reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always take advice and follow the correct best practice. TH E FLYER | SEPTEMBER 2 0 1 8 Terry Weller This month’s Finance article from Luke Durrant, an Independent Financial Adviser with Lifetime Financial Solutions Expectations of a strengthening economy, solid employment levels, more consumer spending and the potential for wages to rise have all played a part in the decision. The Bank’s main priority is to keep the rising cost of living - known as infl ation - under control. It uses its key interest rate, known as the Bank rate or base rate, which is the reference point for how much banks and building societies pay savers and charge borrowers in interest. Generally, a rise in the Bank rate is good for the UK’s 45 million savers and bad for borrowers. Five interest rate facts • More than 3.5 million residential mortgages are on a variable or tracker rate • The average standard variable rate mortgage is 4.72% • On a £150,000 variable mortgage, a rise to 0.75% is likely to increase the annual cost by £224 • A Bank rate rise does not guarantee the equivalent increase in interest paid to savers. Half did not move after the last rate rise • No easy access savings account at a major High Street bank pays interest of more than 0.5% Variable-rate mortgages Across the UK, 9.1 million households have a mortgage. Of these, more than 3.5 million are on a standard variable rate or a tracker rate. These are the people who would be most affected, as their monthly payments would increase. The average outstanding balance is £112,000. For somebody with 20 years left on this mortgage, the monthly increase would be about £14. Fixed-rate mortgages The vast majority of new mortgage loans - 96% - are on fi xed interest rates, typically for two or fi ve years. Currently half of all outstanding loans are on fi xed rates, equating to about 4.7 million households. Some of these rates are expected to rise after the latest announcement. Of course, none of these borrowers would see an immediate rise. However, when such borrowers reach the end of their term, they may fi nd they have to make higher monthly payments. That said, they could - depending on when they took out their loan - end up on a cheaper deal. Lenders offering fi xed rates tend to be especially competitive. Continued on Page 7. Pl ease menti on ‘The Fl yer’ when respondi ng to adv e rti s e me nts