Groundwork Business Briefing

Stop smoking for the New Year

Many people may make stopping smoking their resolution for the New Year. Employees can also take the opportunity to implement a smoke-free policy in their workplace, in preparation for the Health Act 2007, which will be implemented in July this year, which will require all workplaces to be smoke free. A transitional period can
help to allow smokers to get used to the changes.

More advice on stopping smoking can be found at:

www.smokefreenorthwest.co.uk
www.givingupsmoking.co.uk

Groundwork is running a ‘Smoke-Free Workplaces’ seminar to help employers deal with the changes. This event aims to highlight all the key points in the new legislation, and provides details of your duties as an employer, how to write and implement a smoke-free policy and information on services to help stop smoking. The seminar is FREE and will be held at Rochdale Football Club on 8 March, from 9.30am - 12.

To book your place on the Smoke Free Workplaces Seminar, contact Vicki Handforth at Groundwork EBS on: 0161 624 1444.

Stress the biggest problem in the workplace

A recent Trade Union Congress (TUC) survey showed that, for 6 out of 10 people questioned, stress is the most pressing concern at work. When asked what factors were most likely to lead to problems, over three quarters of respondents stated excessive workloads were to blame. Job cuts, rapid change, long working hours and bullying are also common triggers for rising stress levels amongst employees.

For advice on tackling stress in the workplace contact Martin Morris in Groundwork’s EBS department on: 0161 624 1444.

Save water – save money

Business use counts for one third of all water use within the UK. Although water is not as costly as other resources, businesses can save up to 30% of their bill by reducing water consumption and using water wisely.

Along with cost savings and improved efficiency, benefits to businesses include enhanced social and environmental
reputation, which will be appreciated by clients, investors, public and staff.

In order to reduce water consumption, industry can introduce recycling, reuse or rainwater harvesting options. Smaller businesses can achieve savings by using smart metering to detect water consumption. Refitting with push taps, timed urinals or dual flush toilets can have a large impact. A cost effective option is to simply raise staff awareness.

For advice on how to reduce water consumption and save money on your bills, contact Groundwork EBS on: 0161
624 1444.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations

The new regulations were published in December 2006 and are set to be implemented in January 2007. The legislation is aimed at minimising the effect of electrical waste on the environment, requiring producers of new electrical and electronic equipment to pay for recovery, treatment and recycling.

There will be two sets of regulations: one will cover producer responsibilities, product marking, take-back and the financing of treatment and recycling, and the other will deal with site licensing and treatment standards.
For more information on electronic waste, contact Groundwork EBS on: 0161 624 1444.

Companies in favour of road pricing to reduce congestion

A survey of over 1,300 businesses conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has discovered that congestion is now so bad in the UK that 87 per cent of businesses support the principle of road pricing.

The main reasons cited for congestion are sheer traffic volume, road works and poor road design and planning.
Support for road pricing, however, comes with the caveat that amendments are made to other forms of taxation such as fuel duty and road tax or that revenue raised is dedicated to improving the road network and public transport.
For more information on reducing your environmental impact by implementing a sustainable transport strategy, contact Groundwork EBS on: 0161 624 1444.

Cash available to reduce packaging waste

Packaging accounts for a sizeable chunk of the rubbish that ends up in our household bins. To combat this, the Waste amp; Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has announced it will provide £3.8m in grants to organisations who are taking an innovative approach to reduce packaging waste.

Potential projects could involve anything from the development of a lightweight container, reusable, refillable or returnable packaging, innovation in secondary packaging design or even ideas to reduce packaging waste arising from home delivery and internet shopping.

Submissions must be received by January 31st 2007, with projects anticipated to begin on April 1st 2007. More information is available on the WRAP website at www.wrap.org.uk

For more information on packaging, contact Trevor Bates at Groundwork EBS on: 0161 624 1444.

 

Managing sickness absence and return to work

Sickness absence can have a big impact on the productivity of your business and the life of your workers. If not managed effectively it can have devastating effects on business costs and the quality of life of the employee concerned.

This guide is for managers and employers. It shows best practice and also offers simple, practical advice and suggests steps you can take to help employees following injury, ill health or the onset of disability. It aims to help you reduce sickness absence, improve competitiveness and the productivity of your business, as well as
protecting the wellbeing of your employees. It will also be helpful to trade union and other employee representatives.

The guide is priced at £9.95, available from www.hsebooks.com or contact HSE books on 08701 545500.