Free Childcare
Released On 31st Jan 2024
Porter Dobson Employment Law update regarding Free Childcare!
We are talking about the Government’s expansion of its ‘Free Childcare’ policy, designed to support working parents as well as hopefully ease the recruitment struggle faced by almost every employer we ever speak to! For those who haven’t followed it, the Government is phasing in additional funding, providing more paid help with childcare for younger children. Great news! However, the policy isn’t without its hitches – parents require a ‘code’, which they are reporting they can’t access, and the childcare settings can’t meet the demand through lack of employees and space. It got us thinking; policies are great, but they really do need to work in practice.
We can’t argue that writing HR policies and procedures is the most exciting task. The truth is, though, you only ever pay attention to them when you are relying on them and, by that point, your colours are nailed to the mast. Departing from your own policy usually sees employees throwing their toys out of the proverbial pram, leaving you dealing with side arguments (and often tantrums?) you’d rather not have.
Some examples of policies gone wrong (from real life!):
‘We will provide you with the outcome of your disciplinary hearing within 3 working days.’
Of course, you need to provide it fairly promptly, but can you guarantee you’re going to hit that deadline? What about sickness, holidays, other work pressures. It’s better to give an indicative timeframe and reserve the right to extend it depending on the circumstances.
‘Your grievance will be dealt with confidentially and will not be disclosed to anyone else.’
Can you really promise this? In almost all cases, I would argue the answer is no. If you are going to properly investigate a complaint, even if you don’t disclose the person’s name, the circumstances will reveal who it is. The outcome? A grievance and potential claim.
A 37-page maternity leave policy.
Can you beat that?! We condensed it into about 3 pages. You can be too prescriptive with a policy. Aiming to cover every eventuality in minute detail is not the goal.
Policies are about setting a framework. They should be clear, simple and flexible, because they need to be regularly reviewed and updated as the law and the way in which we work changes. If that’s something that’s perpetually on your ‘to do’ list, we can help you tick it off so you aren't left holding the baby!
For more information Contact Porter Dobson
Phone:01935 424581
