Oscar La Vista, Baby!
The theme of have and have not continues. Last night we witnessed the annual glitz of the Oscars, where Christoph Waltz, who has won every best supporting actor gong going, has now completed the set by winning an Oscar. Waltz plays Colonel Landa in Inglourious Basterds (my English teacher must be spinning in her grave).
On the other hand, the Sunday papers have let it be known that the Government is considering adding VAT to food, a move that will strike dismay into the heart of most people. Over the last 18 months, we have already seen significant increases in the cost of day-to-day living. The thought of a potential 17.5% tax increase is the stuff of nightmares.
Many employers are still struggling to get back on track in the still weak economy. Few employees got a pay rise last year and understandably they may want a pay rise if food prices continue to rise.
The law provides protection as regards the employer’s duty to pay the national minimum wage, and giving equal pay for equal work for men and women, but there is no right to an annual pay increase. Many employers give a cost of living rise for comfort, but there is no requirement to do so. Employment contracts often say that pay will be reviewed annually, but employees should have no automatic expectation of an increase.
This is tough news for employees. But there could be a one ray of light. Become an MP! Despite millions of employees facing pay freezes or redundancy as a result of the recession, it was reported last week that MPs will get a 1.5 per cent pay increase from 1st April. This means that for the first time Westminster salaries will exceed £65,000. Given such poor economic performance over the last 18 months, not to mention public indignation over the expenses scandal, you would have thought they would have had more sense and deferred the increase.
Russell HR Consulting can’t help you get selected for Parliament, but we can help with pay queries, contracts of employment and many other HR issues. Contact us on 0845 644 8955 or email info@russellhrconsulting.co.uk or visit our website www.russellhrconsulting.co.uk.