New regulations introduced on transparent and predictable working conditions

As a result of the EU Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions, new regulations are now in force in Ireland. Some key features of the regulations, that employers should now be complying with, include:

• Probationary periods: Probationary periods are now limited to a duration of six months unless there are exceptional circumstances and an extension is in the interest of the employee, in which case the duration may be extended to a maximum of 12 months.

Probationary periods can also be extended beyond six months if the employee is absent during the probationary period.

• Outside activities: Employers cannot prohibit employees working for another employer outside of their working schedule unless there are objective grounds for doing so (e.g., health and safety and protection of business confidentiality). Any restrictions on outside activities should be proportionate and set out in writing to the employee.

• Terms of employment: The regulations expanded the list of written terms that must be given to employees when they start employment. Additional terms that now need to be provided within five days of employment include those relating to hours of work, probationary period and place of work (among others). Additional terms that now need to be provided within one month of employment include those relating to training entitlement and information relating to unpredictable work conditions (if applicable).

• Mandatory training: The cost of any mandatory training must be covered by the employer. Time spent by an employee on such training should be regarded as working time and carried out

CSNA/JDM Insurance Tips: Be alert and take precautions against forced entry

Be warned that there have been a number of forced entries to convenience stores and service stations recently.

All signs indicate that the burglars are highly skilled in disarming intruder alarms, cutting through steel bars and gaining entry. They cause extensive property damage and clear out retailers’ stock of cigarettes as well as any accessible cash and alcohol.

They are extremely quick and will have fled the scene well in advance of the arrival of the retailer and/or gardaí.

Be aware that these incidents inevitably occur just after the targeted retailer has had a delivery of cigarettes. There are frequently apparent false alarm activations a few days in advance which indicate that they are calculating the amount of time they will have to the alarmed response.

Please consider if the storage of your cigarettes is adequate and if indeed it could be better. Review your intruder alarm protections. Have you an adequate number of PIR (passive infra-red) detectors –including in your attic? Your alarm system should be connected to a central monitoring station. Ideally with a dual link including phone and GSM with a pulse system to alert the monitoring station if/when your alarm has been deactivated. Don’t allow yourself to be these criminals’ next easy target.

Employers will have to ensure they comply with the new regulations on areas such as probationary periods and mandatory training within working hours (where possible).

• Predictability of work: Employees with at least six months’ service and who have completed their probationary period can request more predictable and secure working conditions. Employers must respond in writing within one month.

In recent incidents, burglars have fled the scene well in advance of gardaí’s arrival

CSNA makes submission to Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media

The CSNA was recently invited to make a submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media in regard to the ‘Future of the Media: Future Business Model Plans’.

Within this submission we outlined the main issues that we see regarding the future of the media. We covered topics such as the continuing decrease in retailers selling print titles due to increasing

The CSNA outlined the real issues that retailers are facing day-today in the business of selling newspapers costs and the application of two delivery charges for retailers that sell newspapers.

We were happy to make the committee aware of the real issues that retailers are facing day-to-day in the business of selling newspapers and how we feel that the committee can assist our members in sustaining their newspaper and magazine category whilst lowering the ever-increasing

The CSNA has been overwhelmed by the uptake by members to attend this year’s AGM. The association is looking forward to seeing you all for what the team promises will be an informative and enjoyable AGM. The CSNA AGM will be held on 25 May in Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Dublin.

If you have not yet registered for this year’s AGM, you can do so by calling 045-535050.

Register for this year’s CSNA AGM by calling 045-535050 costs to our members that sell newspapers and magazines.

We have also indicated that we are willing to attend a future meeting of the committee on this very important topic.

As always, we will keep members informed on this topic. ■

While saving money for retirement is important, Retailwealth advises that it’s equally vital to invest wisely to ensure a steady income stream