Pensions auto enrolment
The RMT Union is claiming a significant victory for seafarers and offshore workers, resulting in their inclusion in the automatic enrolment provisions of the Pensions Act 2008. But are these celebrations premature? Consultation is still ongoing. Some questions still need to be answered.
How does the Government plan to enforce the law against an entity that may not be subject to jurisdiction in the UK courts, or where the courts lack authority, as will often be the case?
Could low-paid workers suffer because of auto-enrolment? And who exactly does the inclusion apply to? Will it be only those on the UKCS? Perhaps also those in areas like the Irish Sea, EC waters, Norway and Faroe? Or all UK offshore workers, wherever in the world they work? What about people who work onshore but rotate in and out of the country?
Looking in more detail, will the rules apply to mariners who work only in inland and territorial waters, those who sail to and from UK ports, those whose vessels visit a UK port and those employed in UKCS-related roles? Will contractors be included or is it an employee-only benefit?
To have your queries answered about this, and other human resource and payroll issues, take just ten minutes of your lunchtime and drop in to the first of four Bon Accord Employment Services’ support surgeries, on Wednesday 20 July at Simpson’s hotel, Queens Road. Have your niggles resolved quickly, conveniently, confidentially and free of charge.
The surgery will be managed by Donna Reid, director and co-founder of Bon Accord. Employment law specialist Sandy Kemp, of Simpson Marwick, and The Yuill Consultancy’s Jim Yuill, Scotland’s social security expert, will also be on hand to provide business owners with solutions to human resources and payroll concerns.
Further surgeries will take place throughout summer, where Sandy and Jim will be joined by Paul Shanahan of Futura Investments, a financial planner who specialises in employee benefits and pensions for the shipping and energy industries.
Bon Accord Employment Services’ surgery schedule:
• Wednesday 20 July, 10.30am – 2.30pm, Simpson’s Hotel, Aberdeen
• Friday 26 August, 10.30am – 2.30pm, Thistle Aberdeen Altens
• Friday 9 September, 10.30am – 2.30pm, Craighaar Hotel, Dyce
• Thursday 6 October, 10.30am – 2.30pm, Express By Holiday Inn Aberdeen Exhibition Centre
Sessions are ‘drop-in,’ but appointments can be made in advance. For further information, or to guarantee a slot with an HR expert, contact Donna Reid on 01224 619367 or donna.reid@bonaccordemployment.com or visit www.bonaccordemployment.com