Have you ever been in a situation where words, phrases or statements, like those below, have been uttered?

“I can see that you are upset.”

“Don’t do that again!”

“How many times have I told you …..”

“You are right; thank you.”

“Why me?  It’s always me; it’s not fair!”

“Brilliant; just what I wanted.”

The reality is that we all have at some time been in such circumstances.  Everyday we come into contact with people who think differently; have differing moods and different agendas.  Some may even act, or react, in a way that makes you feel as though you are being threatened.  Dealing with such a situation requires both a cool head and excellent communication skills.

Read the rest of this entry »

When it comes to buying or selling property the mantra is “Location, Location, Location”.  When it comes to managing change (at any time) it is “Communication, Communication, Communication”.

It is vital during a period of change to communicate with staff and involve them in the development of corporate plans.  Employers have a legal duty to communicate and consult with staff when planning changes that include redundancies, transfer of undertakings, re-structuring and amending terms and conditions of employment.  By involving staff in the process it should improve their understanding of the challenges facing the company; help to identify and address their concerns and provide an opportunity for them to offer their own solutions to the problem(s) the employer faces.

Failure to get this right could have serious implications for an employer.  Not only could it lead to – potentially costly – industrial disputes and employment tribunal claims, it could also mean reduced productivity, lowering of morale amongst those that remain following the changes and negative perceptions on the part of customers, clients and suppliers.

So, what can employers do to ensure that the negative impact of changes is minimized?

Read the rest of this entry »

At MMA we have extensive experience of providing pre-retirement support to employers.  By now you may have heard that from this month (April 2011) the UK Government is to phase out the default retirement age (DRA).  So what does this mean for you the employer?

Read the rest of this entry »

In 2005 I wrote an article proclaiming that ‘For many, working long hours has become the norm.  The effects of this are plain, with increasing incidences of stress, or even depression, being reported.’  So what has changed in past 6 years?

Read the rest of this entry »

From April 2011 the UK Government is phasing out the default retirement age.  So what does this mean for both employers and employees

Read the rest of this entry »

One of the outcomes of the government’s comprehensive spending review announced last week is that 490,000 UK public sector jobs are now at risk.  A similar number is also forecast to go in the private sector according to Price Waterhouse Coopers estimates, as a direct result of reduced public spending.

Now that the dust has settled a little it is time to ask what this means for UK job seekers.

Read the rest of this entry »