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Filling the GAP in HR services: Refusing to get money from the Government?!

Written by Carolyne Wahlen

Just before Christmas I read about a small employer trying to save money.

Nothing wrong with that, but only if you’re sensible about it.

This company wasn’t.

Instead, they’ve ended up in tribunal after telling a pregnant employee that it was the company’s policy “not to pay statutory maternity pay (SMP)” under any circumstances.

Supposedly, they were going to help her to apply for maternity allowance directly from the government.

However, as the tribunal pointed out, where an employee meets the criteria for SMP an employer MUST pay her at least the current statutory rate; it can’t ever avoid this legal responsibility.

More to the point, they were giving away free money.

Small business owners often tell me that they don’t want to employ staff of childbearing age as they’ll have to pay maternity pay as well as for a temp to cover the position.

They are always amazed when I advise them that they will be able to claim back any maternity pay from the government at 103%. The government pays YOU for being THEIR paymaster.

Given that this is pay that you have to pay anyway, getting something back from the government is surely worth doing and means you avoid the £20,000 costs of a tribunal!

If you need any of this clarifying, just drop me a note and we’ll talk it through.

 

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About Carolyne Wahlen

Carolyne is the founder and owner of Gap HR. She's seen what works in HR and what doesn’t, and has practical answers to real problems that small businesses can apply with immediate effect.

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• We exist to help you stay legal, compliant and profitable, without shelling out for an in-house HR manager.

• Our founder Carolyne has worked in people management since 1995, which means you’ve got decades of experience you can rely on.

• Over 160 clients benefit from the experience and expertise of the Gap HR team.

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Where our clients are:

Mark Ghafoor, KCC Basildon

“Whether it’s a simple question or a more complex query, GAP HR have ensured that we have the most up to date knowledge of current legislation and processes to ensure we can offer the best support to our teams.
It is reassuring to know that expert advice is only a phone call or video conference away!”

Deb Green, Vermatech Pest Control

“We have been using Gap HR for several years now. Carolyne and her team are professional and efficient and we would not hesitate in recommending them for small businesses. It is a great relief to know we are supported by them for our HR advice and paperwork is kept up to date.”

Justin Wilkie, 2Excel Logistics

“I have been working with Carolyne and her team for 6 years now , when I first purchased 2Excel Logistics I found the HR scary as I wanted to do the right thing for my staff , with Gap HR on my side this all seemed easy and we have gone from 9 staff to 28 with no hassle what so ever , thank you to all at Gap HR”

Ashley Lewis, Wallingford Tiles and Bathrooms

“So pleased to be working with Gap HR. They’ve straightened us out in no time. Their pricing is clear and they really know what they are talking about.”

Helen Gordon, Kitecreative

“We are a growing company but do not have facilities in house yet for HR services in house. Gap HR is our go to service for all kinds of advice about HR for our business and we have found them very reliable, communicative and efficient. Would definitely recommend them”

“Carolyne and team continue to provide great support to our business, with quick and accurate responses to help with our various HR needs.”

“Gap HR have been at our side for a number of years now and are a great help in dealing with our HR needs”

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