1-in-10 firms expecting redundancies in 2023

MORE than one in 10 employers are likely to make staff redundant this year, according to a new survey.

Research by YouGov, commissioned by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) showed 13% of firms were likely to let people go in the next 12 months.

Acas chief executive, Susan Clews, said: “Some businesses are facing tough challenges and our poll reveals that one in ten employers in the South West are considering redundancies in the year ahead.

“Acas advice for bosses in the South West is to exhaust all possible alternatives to redundancies first but if employers feel like they have no choice then they must follow the law in this area or they could be subject to a costly legal process.”

If an employer finds there are no other choices than to make redundancies, then there are strict rules on consulting staff that they must follow.

An employer must discuss any planned changes and consult with each employee who could be affected. This includes staff who may not be losing their jobs but will be impacted.

The minimum consultation period varies depending on the number of employees that an employer wishes to make redundant.

By law, employers who wish to make 20 or more staff redundant over any threemonth (90 day) period must also consult a recognised trade union or elected employee representatives about the proposed changes.

For 20 to 99 redundancies, consultation must start at least 30 days before the first dismissal can take effect, and for 100 or more redundancies, it must start at least 45 days before.

For less than 20 redundancies, there is no set time period, but the length of consultation must be reasonable.

If an employer does not meet consultation requirements, employees can take their employer to an employment tribunal. If successful, the employer may have to pay up to 90 days’ full pay for each affected employee.

Someone can also make a claim of unfair dismissal to an employment tribunal on the grounds that they were not consulted, or the consultation was not meaningful.

Employers should consider all possible options before considering redundancies as other solutions to their situation could be found through consultation with their staff, employee representatives and unions.

Acas said advisers had seen many examples of this joint working that’s produced creative alternatives to job losses, such as part-time working, cuts to overtime, finding alternative roles and retraining.

Acas advice for staff and employers is available at www.acas.org.uk/redundancy.

Funeral Directors

French Classes

Say bonjour, to new French classes at Fisherton Mill

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THIS JUNE sees the start of weekly French classes at Fisherton Mill, right in the heart of Salisbury.

Fantastique French Tuition (FFT) has been providing French tuition and classes across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire since 2013; and for owner Tim Robins the move to Fisherton Mill is the next stage in its development: “With its award-winning gallery and on-site artists and craftspeople, Fisherton Mill is one of Salisbury’s premier cultural venues.

“As learning a language is all about discovering another culture, we are really excited about this new partnership. And we are delighted to be teaching in the centre of Salisbury, enabling even more people to come and discover -– or re-discover – the joy of speaking French.”

FFT is offering courses (on Thursdays) for both new and existing students at four different levels – from absolute beginners right through to advanced learners. Classes are strictly limited to a maximum of eight students to enable everyone to participate fully. The emphasis is very much on having fun, promoting confidence in real-life situations and focusing on the French you already know

(thanks to its similarities with English). Memorising pages of verb tables? Non merci!

So if you fancy a new challenge, or want to re-connect with the language as you prepare to cross the Channel again, please don’t hesitate to get in contact. And to celebrate our move, readers just need to quote ‘Salisbury & Avon Gazette’ and they’ll receive their first lesson 100% free!

For more détails and to réserver your place, visiter fantastiquefrenchtuition.co.uk or téléphoner 07944 340563. Merci et à bientôt!