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Establishing a successful recruitment process and clear written employment contracts for new employees can have a major impact on your business.

Every business needs to be aware of its obligations under minimum wage and equal pay laws, as well as recent pensions auto-enrolment changes.

You must comply with legal restrictions on employees' working hours and time off, or risk claims, enforcement action and even prosecution.

The right employment policies are an essential part of effective staff management. Make sure any policy is clear and well communicated to employees.

While sick employees need to be treated fairly, you need to ensure that 'sickness' is not being used as cover for unauthorised absence.

Most pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave and maternity pay, while new fathers are entitled to paternity leave and paternity pay.

As well as undermining morale, illegal discrimination can lead to workplace grievances. Employee discrimination is covered by the Equality Act 2010.

Home, remote and lone workers are becoming increasingly commonplace. Key issues include communication and how to manage and motivate people remotely.

The right approach to consulting with and providing information to your employees can improve employee motivation and performance.

Disciplinary and grievance issues can be a major burden to employers. Putting in place and following the right procedures is essential.

Following the right dismissal and redundancy procedures helps protect your business and minimise the risk of a legal dispute at tribunal.

Employment tribunal claims are a worrying prospect for any employer. A tribunal case is a no-win situation – even if the claim is unjustified.

Rise in shoplifting affects one in two small firms

7 May 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association is urging authorities to take more action on retail crime as a new survey finds that half of small business owners say that shoplifting is a big problem.

A survey by insurer Simply Business has found that shoplifting is a "huge concern" for small business owners, with half (50%) reporting it as a problem. It comes as the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that shoplifting increased by 37% last year.

The findings reveal that 57% of respondents have lost over £250 to shoplifting in the past year; 16% say they have lost between £1,001-£5,000. As a result, many small businesses have been forced to implement measures to prevent shoplifting, including:

  • Enhanced surveillance with CCTV cameras (34%);
  • Increased staff presence and customer engagement (30%);
  • Joining forces with other local shops to spot and report crime (20%).

"We know that incidences of shoplifting have increased by 37% in the past year, and we can't understate the impact this has on small businesses. Shoplifting not only drains the financial resources of SMEs but also undermines their sense of security and stability. As vital contributors to our local communities, it's crucial that we stand united in support of small businesses. SMEs are the backbone of our economy, deserving our unwavering support now more than ever." Bea Montoya, UK coo, Simply Business.

Action needed on retail crime

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) says more needs to be done to protect shop owners, workers and shoppers. The association, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses across the UK, said the ONS figures show how serious the situation has become.

"The latest ONS crime figures paint a troubling picture for independent retailers and businesses across the UK. The 37% increase in shoplifting highlights the significant challenges faced by our sector. Retail crime not only inflicts financial losses but also poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of shop staff and customers." John Halliday, marketing director, Bira.

A recent survey by Bira has further exposed the harsh realities endured by those working in retail. The survey shows that 35% of individuals have experienced verbal abuse within their shops; incidents of physical abuse are also alarmingly high and 70% of those physically assaulted have opted not to report the incidents to the police.

Bira is urging authorities to take immediate and decisive action to combat retail crime, including increased police presence in retail areas, improved reporting mechanisms and enhanced support for victims.

"It's imperative that urgent action is taken to address this concerning trend and ensure the security of both businesses and their employees and customers," said Bira's John Halliday. "Bira has been trying to tackle this issue for a long time and will continue to work with the Home Office and police forces to better protect businesses, their owners and people who work in a shop."

Written by Rachel Miller.

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