Pam’s Flower Power September – Aster Pages 18

into the autumn it was seen as joining him in pushing the long dark days of winter away. There is an old rhyme that reminds us that there are few flowers still blooming in midOctober:

‘The Michaelmas Daisies, among dede weeds, Bloom for St. Michaels’s valorous deeds. And seems the last of flowers that stood, Till the feast of St. Simon and St. Jude.’

In an extra little bit of folklore surrounding Michaelmas it is believed that it is bad luck to pick Blackberries after mid-October. When the Angel Lucifer was thrown out of heaven for rebelling against God he landed in a thicket of brambles. He was so angry and furious at his treatment that not only did he spit all over the blackberries covering the bramble bushes but wee’d over them too making them unfit to eat! He then made his way to Hell to plot against heaven and earth. Best not make a crumble with them in that case!

As with other flowers the aster was seen by the Victorians to hold specific meanings and symbolism. It is said to broadly represent daintiness, patience and charm with different colours carrying different types of meaning – purple symbolises wisdom and royalty, white purity and innocence, red undying devotion and pink sensitivity and love. Back next month for fascinating facts about the flower associated with October which is the Marigold By Pam Waggott References. www.rhsplants.co.uk www.floraqueen.com www.plewsgardendesign.co.uk www.ftd.com www.flowerfairies.com

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QHR Are you recruiting new workers or applying for jobs?

Welcome back to regular readers and a very warm welcome to any new readers this month! I hope you’re keeping safe and well. Many organisations are recruiting workers at the moment, and many people are applying for jobs. A number of my existing clients have also asked me recently for advice on recruitment and what they should consider before making employment offers, so I thought it might be helpful to share some of this advice and give you a few things to think about before making (or accepting) a job offer.

Does your preferred applicant have the Right to Work in the UK?

Before making an offer of employment, employers should check that job applicants have the right to work in the UK. This involves physically checking certain original documents and taking and storing copies of them confidentially. Failure to follow the required process can cause the organisation and the applicant serious problems which could potentially lead to legal action.

Does your preferred applicant actually have the required Qualifications?

Before making an offer of employment, employers should also check that job applicants have the appropriate qualifications. Again, this involves physically checking original certificates and/or documents and taking and storing copies of them confidentially.

How do you go about seeking References?

References are normally sought when an offer of employment is made (subject to satisfactory references and checks being received). The organisation’s Recruitment Policy and/or Procedure should detail the process that will be followed when taking up references and how they will be used. This should be communicated to job applicants. It is advisable to seek at least two references from current and previous employers.

Can you ask an applicant to complete a Medical Questionnaire?

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to ask applicants to complete a medical questionnaire before being offered a job. Organisations can, however, make it clear in job advertisements about any physical or medical requirements of a particular role. Employers should also ask applicants if they need any specific adjustments or have any access requirements as part of the recruitment process.

How should you make an Offer of Employment?

Offers of employment should always be made in writing, setting out the main terms and conditions of the role. It is important to note, however, that if you make a verbal offer of employment during the recruitment process, the verbal offer is legally binding, just like the