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		R&H E-NEWS - DECEMBER 2006

		WINTER WEATHER PRECAUTIONS

		As the last few days may have demonstrated, now is a good time to prepare your business for the winter period, seeking to minimise damage to your premises and prevent interruptions to your business following severe winter weather conditions . We recommend you consider taking the following precautions recommended by various insurers... Click here to see our Client Bulletin on the subject.
		CHRISTMAS TIME, MISTLETOE & FINE!

		The festive season is upon us yet again and like many companies you may soon be holding your Christmas Party - A time when employees and employers alike tend to let their hair down and celebrate together. Have you ever considered however whether this Yule Tide fun could leave you with a legal hangover in the New Year? Some statistics have shown that almost 90% of employers receive some form of complaint after a Christmas Party. It is worth bearing in mind that complaints brought by employees do not need to be successful to cost a great deal of money. The average cost of just defending an employee compliant that has progressed to court is between £10,000 to £15,000, even if you are found innocent. Some examples of areas of risk – Drunken Banter – You may or not be aware that the laws on bullying, discrimination and harassment in the work place still apply at an office party regardless of the location. A comment made in passing, however innocent, could cause offence and lead to a complaint. Free Alcohol – Most companies will expect staff to uphold company policy regarding behaviour when attending a Christmas party. There have been instances where staff have been disciplined for rowdy behaviour, fighting and not turning into work the following day. It has been successfully argued that by providing free alcohol for the staff, the company was condoning this behaviour. Mistletoe – A kiss under the mistletoe is a traditional Christmas activity, or is it? Are you confident that your proposal for a kiss under the mistletoe will be taken with the innocence intended? A recent survey suggested that 13% of women find it inappropriate and lodge a complaint. Secret Santa – A bit of fun you may think, receiving a gift from a secret source, what will you receive? There have been complaints reported where gifts of underwear and toys of a sexual nature have offended or the person receiving gifts feels that the gift is an act of bullying. Liquid Lunches – If staff return to the office late or intoxicated it may be appropriate to discipline. However in the past a history of festive tolerance has been used as evidence at an Industrial Tribunal that action against an individual was unfair. Under-Age Drinking or Drugs – Employers have a responsibility to ensure that licensing and misuse of drugs laws are upheld at their Christmas Party. An employee ignoring drug use can be in breach of the Health & Safety at Work Act. In one extreme case an employer was found to be responsible for the death of a girl who was under 18 and died of alcohol poisoning whilst at the office party. Apart from taking obvious precautions and being aware of the situation, if you do not already enjoy the benefits of a Commercial Legal Expenses insurance or an Employment Practices Liability Policy, we recommend you consider protecting yourselves without delay. Failure to do so may subject your firm to significant legal defence costs and compensation payments. Click here to see our Client Bulletin on the subject. Contact your usual Rowlands & Hames Account Manager for a LEGAL EXPENSES or EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES quotation.



		FINANCIAL PLANNING & INVESTMENT

		Did you know Rowlands & Hames also provide a full Independent Financial Planning & Investment Service for companies and private clients? Should you require assistance with Pensions, Investments, Death in Service, Life Assurance, Critical Illness, ISAs, etc. please contact Bob Willis or Andrew Farnworth.


		MID/HIGH NET-WORTH PRIVATE CLIENT INSURANCE

		Should the reinstatement value of your household contents exceed £75,000 a high net worth household buildings and contents policy is advantageous. With no warranties re protections or alarms, claims will not be voided for accidental failure to set alarms or put all physical security precautions in place unlike standard household policies. In most cases, second homes can also be included within the one policy. Some policies also allow you to add your family's fleet including any classic vehicles you own and yachts and small-craft. Premiums tend to be very competitive against standard household and vehicle insurance. Contact our Private Clients' Manager Liz Kelly or your usual Rowlands & Hames contact for further information.


		Since 1925 Rowlands & Hames Insurance Brokers has established a reputation for providing corporate, small commercial and private clients with quality general insurance and financial services.

		Rowlands & Hames Insurance Brokers Ltd. 277 Dickson Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 2LG Tel: 01253 594211 Fax: 01253 358481 Email: mail@rowlands-hames.co.uk Web: http://www.rowlands-hames.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

R&H E-NEWS - DECEMBER 2006