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Softworld HR & Payroll 2003 – Europe’s leading software solutions event for the HR & payroll community takes place on 24-25 September 2003 in Hall 9 at the NEC Birmingham. We have more details in this month's issue of PZ Direct.


Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 every employer must provide ”such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of his employees”. So begins the very popular Jeremy Stranks column. Read on.

"You would be surprised at how many senior and apparently confident people suffer from speakers' nerves. Many of them have to speak in public and their need to master nerves is imperative. They are always grateful when they find out that there are tried and tested ways of mastering nerves." So writes Peter Martin at the start of his article.

Don't miss this month's IPPM column with the intriguing title "Merger in the air or murder in the air?"

In March 2001, we had the opportunity of reviewing Bruce Nixon's book, Global Forces - A Guide for Enlightened Leaders - what Companies and Individuals can Do. We are very pleased to be able to bring you details of another of Bruce's books. This one called Making a difference - Strategies and Tools for Transforming your Organisation.

Pensions are still very much at the forefront of many people's minds. Now, Mazars, international accountants and business advisers, has called on European Union member states to change their rules on cross-border pension funds. The firm estimates that British workers are currently barred from paying over £300 million into their pensions every year.


Richard Smith, HR expert at Croner Consulting said: "The cut in training
budgets is ironic given that the tough times demand smarter and more efficient employees.Like any budget, training must be justified as having a positive impact on the bottom line, which I firmly believe it does, but is often difficult to prove. Evaluating training is very subjective as several factors can affect motivation and performance at work, such as experience, working environment, relationships, health, company culture and employee safety. Some employers don't offer training because they feel that recruiting new staff solves their skill-shortage problems. But this is a very expensive and laborious substitute (especially in the current economic climate) and shortsighted if there is talent that could be nurtured in the existing workforce. The survey indicates that many companies have cut their training budgets. However, if implemented effectively, training can be extremely cost effective, and be a crucial factor in ensuring companies survive tough times and emerge fitter and stronger with a competitive advantage." Read the rest of this piece in this month's PZ Direct.

Doesn't time fly! Once again, entries are being invited for the prestigious World of Learning Conference & Exhibition (WOLCE) Awards. The closing date for entries is 1 September 2003. So, read how you can take part and then follow the link to the WOLCE award site.

We have a fascinating case study about Quality Care, an organisation, who have established a secure reputation for the provision of a high quality domiciliary care service tailored to meet the needs of local clients. The service can range from a "pop in" visit to check that all is well to 24 hour live in care. Their customers and clients need assurance that their provision of care services is fast, effective and reliable. The case study explains how they have adopted Webroster.net to solve their rostering challenges.

"Women still not promoted on equal basis to men" is the finding of a survey by Vielife. 81 per cent of women believe that men are uncomfortable working with influential women, according to a survey from Eve-olution, the leading training and development firm for female leaders and vielife, the leading health management firm. What do you think?

In Product and Company Update, we have news from Edexcel, Adval, Jarvis Exhibitions, Arinso.

Diary Dates is filling up nicely for the autumn and Legislation and News Update is full of interesting facts.

Make sure that you read PZ Direct!