No immediate changes to Personal Independence Payments or health assessments
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Mims Davies MP, has confirmed ‘There will be no immediate changes to PIP, or to health assessments. All scheduled PIP assessments and payments will proceed as normal, and claimants should continue to … provide any necessary information or updates regarding their circumstances.’ The reply was in response to a question from Labour MP, Imran Hussain, about the potential impact of proposed reforms to PIP on the mental wellbeing of people who could become ineligible.
Adoption of UK Cyber Security Council standards
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has announced they will adopt the professional standards developed by the UK Cyber Security Council. These commitments will establish a clear carer framework and build cyber skills at a national level. This announcement contributes to the Government’s National Cyber Strategy.
Spring vaccination reaches 2.5m people in England
Since the Spring 2024 COVID-19 campaign began on the 15 April 2024, 2.5 million people in England have been vaccinated. Those eligible are anyone currently aged 75 and over, or who will be aged 75 by 30 June 2024, older adult care home residents and people with a weakened immune system aged six months and over. Eligible people are being contacted via text, email or letter and invited to book, or they can make an appointment on the NHS website, NHS App or by ringing 119. Walk-ins locations are on the NHS walk-in finder. The campaign closes 30 June 2024.
Supreme Court identifies gap in trade union law and the protection of striking employees
A blog by Anthony Collins Solicitors considers two recent cases, including one in the Supreme Court, on the right to lawfully strike without fear of reprisal or dismissal, in the Trade Union Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. In particular it looks at whether employers can punish employees who engage in lawful strike action provided the punishment or detriment falls short of dismissal, an apparent gap in the UK legislation.
Better Security, Better Care publishes impact report
Better Security, Better Care’s impact report, published this week, has revealed that 70% (18,000) of all CQC registered care providers locations have an up-to-date Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) in place - up from 15% before Better Security, Better Care started in 2021.
Mediation: An approach to resolving workplace issues
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has published practical advice on using mediation to resolve workplace issues, as part of employers' wider conflict management strategy. This sets out what mediation is and when it may be useful, explores the critical success factors for its effective use, considers the differences between internal and external mediation, and the practicalities of selecting and training mediators for an internal mediation scheme.
HMRC webinars on R and D tax relief
The HMRC are holding free webinars on research and development for tax purposes and what does and doesn’t qualify for tax relief. Book here. There are also webinars on how to claim research and development tax relief: Book here.
Government to extend ‘hub and spoke’ dispensing
The government has confirmed plans to make ‘hub and spoke’ dispensing models available to all local pharmacies. Currently only larger pharmacy chains can take advantage of the efficiencies and cost-savings that come with centralising dispensing at a larger ‘hub’. The move is part of government’s drive to make patient access to medicines and treatment more efficient. More from: Government to make medicines dispensing more efficient
UKHSA announces launch of the Vivaldi social care pilot
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced a pilot scheme to monitor infections in 500 care homes in England. The new pilot builds on the findings of the Vivaldi study during the pandemic, with a wider remit to study other infections. The 2020 study identified the need to limit movement between care homes to reduce infection risk and highlighted the need for sick pay for care home workers.
