In Scotland new regulations were introduced on 17th December. Under previous regulations, employers were required to have regard to guidance published by the Scottish Government. The new regulations expand on this, and now require businesses to take measures based on official guidance to reduce the incidence and spread of the virus. Specifically, the regulations state that anyone who is responsible for … Read More

With unaccompanied test drive theft on the rise, PIB’s Motor Trade Practice Group looks at how to mitigate risk whilst keeping customer satisfaction at the forefront. The pandemic and regulations around social distancing meant that the number of accompanied test drives decreased dramatically, whilst unaccompanied test drives increased. Even before lockdowns came into place, the trend showed that customers found … Read More

Together with the HSE, the Ladder Association have launched a new guide to the safe use of ladders and stepladders. “LA455 Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders – a brief guide” builds on the HSE’s existing similarly titled publication “INDG455 Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders – a brief guide”. Both publications include guidance on when a ladder should be … Read More

Statistics recently released by the HSE show the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector to be particularly hazardous with a rate almost of 11.4 fatalities per 100,000 workers employed. This is particularly poor when compared to the all industry average of 0.43 fatalities per 100,000 workers in England, Scotland and Wales. There can be particular risks for those parts of the … Read More

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that takes many years to develop following the inhalation of asbestos fibres, but progress is usually rapidly fatal following symptom onset. Figures recently released by the HSE show that 2,369 people died from mesothelioma in Great Britain in 2019. While this is 7% lower than the annual average over the period 2012-2018, taking into … Read More

The UK Government will continue to pay 80% of your furloughed employees’ usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,500 per month, to the end of June. In July, CJRS grants will cover 70% of employees’ usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,187.50. In August and September, this will … Read More

From June 2018 a change in the law allowed learner car drivers in England, Scotland and Wales to take driving lessons on motorways. Previously learners were only able to have motorway lessons after passing their driving test. Motorway lessons are voluntary and the learner driver needs to be accompanied by an approved driving instructor driving a car fitted with dual … Read More

The HSE have now launched a review of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The HSE is seeking the views of anyone who manages asbestos in their workplace or works with asbestos. They have launched an online survey which runs until Friday 11th June. When the current regulations came into force it was a requirement that from time to time … Read More