Ferndown Business Network

Growing business together

Month: November 2020

Employment Law End of Year Update 2020

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As we near the end of 2020, this is a summary of this year’s key changes to employment law relevant to SMEs:

  • All workers are now entitled to receive a written statement of terms (contract of employment) on or before the first day of employment. 
  • The abolition of the Swedish derogation relating to pay for agency workers came into force in April.
  • Businesses/agencies now need to provide agency workers with a Key Information Document setting out key facts at the start of an assignment.
  • For businesses with over 50 employees, regarding the ICE (Information and Consultation of Employees) Regulations, there has been a reduction in the percentage of employees required to make a valid request for an agreement on the sharing of information and consultation within the workplace. Previously it was at least 10% of the workforce who must put in a request before an employer is obliged to take steps to comply with this right. This percentage has now reduced to 2%. The requirement that at least 15 employees make the request has remained.
  • The holiday pay reference period increased from 12 weeks to 52 weeks.
  • There is now the right to parental bereavement leave and pay. Employed parents now have the right to 2 weeks’ leave if they lose a child under the age of 18, or suffer a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy. Parents will also be able to claim pay for this period, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
  • At the end of the year, the free movement of EU workers is due to end.

We hope you find this update useful, please don’t hesitate to contact FBN member Rebecca Clayton from R Human Resources if you’d like further information.

How to support your IMMUNE SYSTEM in these difficult times.

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If you’re vulnerable to coughs & colds, infections, even flu or worse (Covid-19), you need to do everything you can to boost your immune system – the body’s natural ‘defence army’.

In addition to the lymphocytes (white cells) in our blood, the correct balance of gut bacteria plays a very significant role too – and you can do something about this.  The following advice won’t guarantee that you will never catch one of the bugs that go around, but it will help make your immune system ‘fighting fit’ and better able to mitigate symptoms if you do catch something. So, what should you consider taking:

Forever Aloe Vera Gel Drink.  
Aloe is great for skin and is an ideal pre-biotic digestive aid, but it’s also an immune system modulator.  Available in 3 flavours: – Natural (Code 715), Berry Nectar (Code 734) and Peaches (Code 777). £22.94 per litre carton.  Recommended daily dose is 60 to 100ml and take all year round for wide-ranging health benefits.

Forever Active Pro-B.
Blends six strains of friendly bacteria to quickly help counter balance too many ‘unfriendly’ ones.  The capsules do not require refrigeration, are allergen free and suitable for vegetarians.  Code 610.  £35.71 for 30 capsules.  Recommended daily dose is one capsule, but only for one month.

Forever Immublend.  
This synergistic blend of nutrients is high in Vitamin C, D and zinc, all of which contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Code 355. £18.19 for 60 tablets.  Recommended daily dose is 2 tablets.

And don’t forget personal hygiene – you can’t go wrong using Forever Aloe Hand Soap, a gentle but effective liquid formula of Aloe with fruit extracts to leave your skin clean, soft & hydrated.  Code 523. £14.83 for 473ml pump dispenser.

And for sanitizing your hands, there’s nothing better than Forever Instant Hand Cleanser.  Powerful & refreshing, this cleanser will keep the whole family protected wherever the adventure leads.  This citrus-scented aloe-based hand cleanser is ideal in all circumstances. Code 003. £12.85 for 250ml bottle.

All these products are available from Ferndown Business Network member Peter Stockwell-Jones M: 07947 685785 E: peter@wessex-aloe.com or via his online shop at www.wessex-aloe.com

7 Major Points Why Magazine Advertising Works!

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1. Target a captive audience

Our readers are incredibly proud and passionate about where they live. Our local magazines offer a sense of community and serve as an important ‘hub’ where locals can learn about their surroundings… including your products and services!

2. Make sure your ads stand out

Do not fall for the myth that ‘print’ is dead. In an age where the online space has a sea of digital ads, your local magazine has far less competition. Thus enabling you to stand out from the crowd!

3. Enable sense of security

Web surfers have become weary of clicking on banner ads. Even if they are enticing, they feel there is a lack of security online. With our print magazines the consumer has nothing to fear. This makes your audience more receptive to your message!

4. Longer shelf life 

While digital ads come and go, print ads have staying power! Our magazines are read countless times. Your advert can be strategically placed to maximise your promotion! Our magazines are placed directly in the hands of your local consumer through door to door distribution. They are also available at large retail outlets with high foot traffic!

5. Brand recognition & loyalty

Advertising in reputable local magazines like ours allows local people to become familiar with your business. In the long run this encourages brand loyalty and recommendation to others!

6. Credibility

Our local magazines are valued and respected publications that build a sense of community among local consumers. As an advertiser, you benefit from this credibility as your ads become much more than ‘just an ad’, they become recommendations from a trusted source.

7. Tactile experience

Did you know that the average reader only spends 15 seconds on a website before moving on? People interact differently with our print magazines, they take their time and linger. This means they fully interact with our content including your ad!

Interested in Promoting your business. Contact FBN member Dorset Publications to answer any other questions you have! Tel Debbie: 01202 894397

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