Member’s Newsletter June 2023
Message from the CEO
Dear Member,
Firstly, I want to welcome our new Chair, Marc O’Dwyer, and new Vice-Chair, Finbarr Filan, on their election at our AGM in May. We had a much higher level of interest in the National Council election this year, with a number of candidates who were unsuccessful. However, I hope those unsuccessful nominees retain their interest and will consider standing again in 2025.
It is interesting to see the pre-budget jockeying starting already between the Government parties. We published our Pre-Budget Submission 2024 in April, and we encourage you to make representations to your local TDs and Ministers on the budgetary areas of interest to you The summer is actually the time that the Government Departments submit their estimates for spending, so the budget itself will be largely written over the next three months. Do not let that time pass without making representations to your local representatives on what is important for your business. If you don’t know who your local TDs are, you can find their names here.
The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 will be signed into law shortly This Bill provides for the introduction of new rights for employees, including support for those who are victims of domestic violence. It will provide victims of domestic violence five days of paid leave per year (TBC). We will shortly have advice ready for you on how to manage this within your business.
We experienced the very unusual situation last month of being “invited” to the Retail Forum to explain to Government why retail prices were still inflating. Given the amount of extra cost imposed by the State on businesses this year alone (aside from the energy crisis) we were very surprised at the suggestion that grocery retailers were “price gouging” or “profiteering. ” We left the Government side in no doubt about the impact their legislation has had on grocery prices.
2023 is a significant year for ISME as we have reached our 30th anniversary! We will hold an event in late November or early December to mark the occasion, but we want to understand from you the members what type of event you’d like to attend, and where. Please take 60 seconds to complete our quick survey here.
Don’t forget- If you need money, use the ISME FINANCE FINDER!
We completed our spring roadshows in Portlaoise and Shannon in May. It was good to see you when we were on the road, and we’ll be back in the autumn. While many of you will now be taking well-earned holidays, for others, this is the busiest time of the year for you. Whatever you’re doing, we wish you and your staff all the best from the ISME team.
Atlantic Cabins & Containers Limited
Beacon Business Commercial Services
Cube Design
Govern Tooling Precision Engineering Ltd.
Heavey Kenny Associates
Herbal Earth
J Mac IT & Office Solutions
Living Legacy
McDonogh Trade Centre Limited
Mint-Tek
Mobile Music School
Momentum Healthcare Limited
Monaghan Hire
Ouncel Ltd.
Sarah Jane Vincent
Senoptica Technologies Ltd.
Simply Workflow Ltd.
Tosca Reusable Solutions Ireland Ltd
Tribe Study Abroad
ISME welcomes new members
Meet your 2023-2025 Chair and National Council
On 23rd May, Marc O’Dwyer was elected as the new Chair of the National Council for the 2023-2025 term at ISME’s AGM that took place at Stephens Green Club ISME’s 27 strong new Council members are elected owner/managers of SMEs from all over Ireland and from a variety of sectors. You can find out more about the 2023-2025 National Councilmembers here.
ISME HR Hub – your HR support
To support Members to deal with the ever-changing world of HR and employment law, we have created a portal to give you access to guides, templates, contracts, policies and more to support you in managing HR in your business We have curated the information based on the HR Life Cycle: Attraction, Recruitment, Onboarding, Policies & Training, Performance Managementand Exit.
You can also find information from government agencies and other third parties in our General Information & Resources page, links to the top downloads and view our selection of blogs including Statutory Sick Pay FAQs and EU Directive on Transparent and PredictableWorking Conditions
To find out how it works and looks, click on the video about the portal here To use the ISME HR Hub loginto the Members Area, click on the top leftbutton.
Wellness for your team
ISME partners with Laya healthcare and their health & wellbeing provider, SpectrumLife to provide 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support Programme (EAP) for ISME Members We offer unlimited access for your employees and their families to a 365 freephone EAP service, accessible via website, app, or live chat. The cost for up to 30 employees is €500 + VAT and each subsequent employee €9 per employee Find out more here
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ISME celebrating 30 years
2023 marks 30 years since ISME’s founding in 1993 For our “pearl” anniversary, we intend to mark the occasion with an event in late November or early December We would like yourfeedback on how you would like to see ISMEmark the occasion.
Please complete the form here to have you say on what you would like to see us organise. The survey will close on Friday 30th June.
The Ukraine Credit Guarantee Schemeon the ISME Finance Finder
Has your business been affected by inflation and rising energy costs? The Ukraine (inflation) Credit Guarantee Scheme supports Irish SMEs affected by rising costs If your business has been adversely affected by rising energy and otherday to day costs, you may be eligible foralow-cost business loan
The Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme is designed to provide short and medium-term finance for businesses in Ireland facing supply chain disruptions, increased energy costs and other economic consequences of the crisis.
The scheme offers loans unsecured with no requirement for a Personal Guarantee on amounts up to €250,000. Amounts greater than €250,000 may be secured Interest rates are also offered at a discount on standard rates.
More information on the Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme is a click away on your ISME Finance Finder The expert team at Swoop is also standing by to provide you with more informationorassist you with yourapplication.
Q4 2022 Surveys
How did your business find Q4? In an ever-changing business environment, we want to hear from you on how your organisation has been impacted by completing our Q4 Trends Survey 2022. The Trends Survey provides us with the latest up-to-date information on pay, insurance costs and confidence indicators in the SME sector.
You can take the Q4 Trends Survey here
ISME news
New Affinity Programme
With rising costs and the pressure on businesses to reduce spend, ISME continue to provide saving to its Members. We are delighted to introduce a new programme to the ADVANTAGE Affinity programme from ISMEMemberbusiness AJ Products .
AJ Products provides furniture and interior workplace solutions for all areas of business –offices and conference, Warehouse and workshop, schools and education, canteen and locker room facilities They are offering 10% discount on orders over €250 for office furniture, school furniture, warehouse shelving and more for all ISME members. Other benefits include free standing desks installations, free delivery on orders over €199 (ex VAT) and a 7-year warranty Find out more details aboutthe programme here
Consultation and Safety Representatives
Active worker engagement in safety and health reaps dividends for a company and ensures greater protection for all Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, employees can put their name forward to be selected by their colleagues to act as their Safety Representative. The Safety Representative provides a direct link between the employer and employees on safety and health matters
For furtherinformationgo to:
• HSA website
• HSA – Safety Representatives Poster
• HSA – Safety Representatives Information Sheet
• Shortcourse for Safety Representatives
• HSA – Safety Representatives and Safety Consultation Guidelines
• Shortintroductory 2-minute video available on the HSA YouTube channel
Upcoming Employment Law update
Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to stay ahead in employment law Enroll in this ISME Employment Law Update and empower yourself with the latest legal knowledge. Leading the webinar is Katherine McVeigh Katherine is a practicing barrister with a general civil practice, specialising in employment and equality law. She appears regularly before the WRC, Labour Court, and civil courts in employmentlaw disputes.
Read more about the webinar which takes place on 9th June on page 11
You can book yourplace on the webinarhere
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Intreo Supports for Business
The Department of Social Protection is probably best known as a provider of income support payments, but a large part of their remit is to provide a free publicemployment services to employers.
Intreo, is the Irish Public Employment Service and is part of the Department of Social Protection It offers a wide variety of recruitment, financial and work placementsupports to employers including:
• Free Advertising, Recruitmentand CandidateMatchingService on www.jobsireland.ie
• Free European RecruitmentService forhard to fill vacancies on EURES on www.eures.europa.eu
• Financial Supports forhiringnew employees through Jobsplus on www.jobsplus.ie
• Financial Subsidies to supportthe employmentof Peoplewith DisabilitiesWage Subsidy Scheme and ReasonableAccommodation Fund on www.gov.ie/wss and Reasonable Accommodation Fund
• Work PlacementExperience opportunities with Work Placement Experience Programme on www.gov.ie/wpep
For furtherinformation please visitEmployerSupports at Intreo or email employer@welfare.ie
Useful Resources fromHSA
HSA has updated theirRemote WorkGuidance and Checklist
The responsibility for safety and health at work rests with the employer regardless of whether an employee works remotely or at the employer’s premises. Employers must provide a safe work environment and, in doing so, assess the risks and ensure appropriate controls are in place to safeguard employees atwork
This Remote Work Guidance and Checklists provides useful information and advice on managing remote working away from the employer’s normal work premises This guidance would be useful foryourbusiness if you have employees working remotely.
Managing Psychosocial Hazards inthe Workplace 2023
Psychosocial hazard identification assesses risks and how they are controlled and managed. It is important to understand how to control psychosocial hazards or stressors which can lead to conflict, distress, poor physical health or occupational illness, and long-term absence from work. This Information Sheet gives practical advice on what psychosocial hazards are, and the roles and responsibilities of employers and employees in relation to managing psychosocialhazards. Download the information sheet here.
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SEAI Energy Supports
SEAI is encouraging SMEs to take control of their energy use with the Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) The scheme provides eligible businesses with a €2,000 voucher to cover the cost of an energy audit. An energy audit identifies tailored energy saving opportunities that can save businesses up to 30% on their energy bills and help to reduce their climate impact The audit also assesses whether renewable energy technologies are a viable option for their business. To find out more about the SEAI Support Scheme for Energy Audits and to apply visit here.
Always get advice from a registered professional. Before you commit to purchasing and installing upgrades orinvestments, check if there is an SEAI grant available here.
MinisterCoveney announces new Energy Efficiency Grant for small businesses
The latest support to aid small businesses on their sustainability journey was announced by Simon Coveney TD Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 26th May The Energy Efficiency Grant was detailed at the Building Better Business event in the University of Limerick
The new support, available through the Local Enterprise Offices, will enable small businesses to invest in technologies and equipment to make their businesses more energy efficient The grant will be available to companies who through participation in the Green for Micro, GreenStart or SEAI Energy Audit programmes have identified the technology and equipment need and benefits
The grant will cover up to 50% of the costs to a maximum amount of €5,000. The scheme will reduce the impact of small businesses on the environment and may help them to reduce costs overtime to enable them to become more competitive
To find out if you are eligibleforthe grant, click here. Read full details here
ISME in the news
ISME featured in the mediathis pastmonth speakingaboutthe followingsubjects:
• ISME Roadshow Series Spring/Summer2023
• Marc O'Dwyerappointed chairof ISME
• Neil Mc Donell on The Hard ShoulderHighlights with Kieran Cuddihy on Newstalk
• Neil McDonell on UpfrontWith Katie Hannon on RTÉ
You can view and listen back to a selection of ISME’s mediacoverage here.
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Learning & Development
In the ever-evolving landscape of employment law, staying updated is essential for both employers and employees The ISME Employment Law Update offers a comprehensive and practical learning experience that equips participants with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate these legal complexities effectively. By enrolling in this course, HR professionals and business owners can ensure legal compliance, minimize risks, and foster a fair and conducive work environment. With its focus on legislative updates, case law analysis, best practices, and interactive learning.
Time & Date: Friday, 9th June, 08.00 am – 10.00 am
The webinarwill be led by Barristerof Law, Katehrine McVeigh
Areas we will coverinclude:
• Suspensions: A brief on the seminal judgment on an employer suspending an employee which has changed the landscape in employmentlaw and the duty of an employer.
• Probations:We will coverthe new legislation regarding probations
• Whistleblowing: Information on The Court of Appeal judgment on whistleblowing and the Protected Disclosures Act.
• Employmentlaw injunctions:Discussion on arecent judgmenton the subject
• WRC Annual Report: A look at the report which sets out the most common cases and the determinations and redress beingawarded from thatstatutory body.
• Work-Life Balance Act: We will speak about the Act which has been signed into law by the President. This imposes new duties on employers as regards employees’ rights under the Act. Katherine will also coverDomesticViolenceLeave policies in this section.
***ISME members be sure to use the code ISMEMemberfor a 10% discount***
Book your place here
Learning & Development
The ISME Learning & Development service is here to help both the business owner and their employees. ISME Members can receive up to 40% discount for ISME Skillnet training, view courses below. View
book
full listings &
here
Learning & Development
Personalised in-house training
Did you know ISME Skillnet can co-fund in-house training, reducing the costs of training by up to 50%. We have a carefully selected panel of certified expert trainers, business coaches and mentors with deep sectoralexperienceand domain expertise.
If you would like to discuss your requirements with the ISME Skillnet team, please email skillnet@isme.ie.
Innovation and Creativity for Commercial Success
This series includes three interactive online sessions. Sign up forthe whole set, orsimply the sessions that you will find most valuable.
Price:€135 or €45 persession
Dates:
• Session 1:Weds 7th June
• Session 2:Weds 21st June
• Session 3:Fri 7th July
Over the three sessions we will look at:
What is innovation
How to identify innovation potential
How to establish an environmentforcreatingvalue from innovation
Find outmore or book your place here
PensionAuto-Enrolment - What we know so far
The Department of Social Protection published a summary of the employer and employee implications of AutoEnrolment, which is due to commence in January 2024. Some of the main points are as follows:
Auto Enrolment (AE) for Employees
• Employees aged between 23 and 60 years, who earn more that €20,000 per year across all employments, and who are not currently a member of a workplace pension scheme, will be automatically enrolled in the AEscheme.
• Employees outside the earnings and age brackets, who are not a member of a workplace pension scheme or PRSA, may opt into the scheme.
• Eligible employees will be enrolled in the scheme for the first 6 months. There will be a 2-month window during month 7 and 8 where employees can opt out.
• Employee contributions will start at 1 5% of the gross pay They will increase to 3% in year 4, 4.5% in year7, and 6% in year 10
• In month 7 and 8 following each rate increase, employees will also be able to opt out
• Employees who opt out will receive a refund on their employee contribution The employer contribution and State contribution will remain in the pot.
• Employees will be able to suspend their contributions at any time outside of the 6-month mandatory participation period
• Every €3 an employee contributes will be matched by an employer contribution, and the State will also top-up by a further €1. Employer and State contributions will be capped at an upper earnings limit of €80,000 peryear.
AE for Employers
• Employees who meet the eligibility criteria, who are not provided with a workplace pension or PRSA, will be enrolled.
• Employers will not be responsible for deciding who should be enrolled.
• Employers will need to ensure that their payroll software will be capable of taking an enrolment instruction, calculating and returning contribution amounts to the Central Processing Authority (CPA).
• While contributions will be calculated based on the employee’s gross pay, they will be deducted from the employee’s net pay.
• Employers will be required to match the employee’s pension contribution, subject to an upper earnings limit of €80,000
• Employer contributions will be deductible for income tax/corporation tax purposes
• Employers who fail to meet their obligations will be subject to penalties and possibleprosecution
HR Update
HR Update
The Central Processing Authority (CPA)
• The CPA will be the body responsible forthe administration of AE.
• It will decidewhich employees should be enrolled and inform employers.
• It will collect contributions from employers and the State and distribute them to Registered Providers forinvestment.
• It will operate an online portal where employees can log into their account, see their accountbalance and make decisions such as optingout
• It will facilitate the ‘pot-follows-member’ approach whereby employees will have only one account with the CPA overtheirworking life.
• Auto Enrolment forthe Pensions Industry
• Designed to run in parallel with the existingpensions industry.
• Existing pension schemes or PRSAs will continue. Employees who are contributing to workplace pensions orPRSAs willnot be eligible forAE
• Pension providers will have the opportunity to be involved in the AE system and those selected to provide investment management services will be called Registered Providers
• Registered Providers will not have any direct contact or relationship with employees.
The HR Teamare watchingthis space tentatively forthe proposed startdate of January 2024. Any queries in relation to this topiccontactHR@ISME.ie orPhone 01 6622755 Option 2.
