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Assessment centres as methods of personnel selection
Written by John Berry on 28th February 2019. Revised 26th October 2020.
6 min read
An assessment centre is where a number of candidates participate together, undertaking exercises as selection tests while being observed and rated by multiple assessors. The candidates are effectively in competition. Assessment centres can replace interviews and a host of other tools as methods of employee selection but they are misunderstood and controversial. Here's why.
Good, Bad and Ugly Job Adverts
Written by John Berry on 28th February 2019. Revised 26th October 2020.
5 min read
Writing a job advert is a test of communications brilliance - or communications stupidity. Yet, many managers believe that by asking for passion or enthusiasm or by describing the boredom of a job, great candidates are going to apply. So just what is the role of the job advert and what should a job advert contain.
Closing the Risk Assessment Circle
Written by John Berry on 16th September 2020. Revised 23rd September 2020.
4 min read
It’s imperative that managers implement a COVID-19-guidelines-compliant plan. This will involve the now-familiar controls such as limited numbers, distancing, screens, face-coverings and contact details for track and trace. But how can senior managers be sure that the plan is adhered to? We argue that the answer is though audit.
About payments when making furloughed staff redundant
Written by John Berry & Sue Berry on 28th June 2020. Revised 27th August 2020.
4 min read
Pay as present leading up to the notice of redundancy, and pay both notice and redundancy pay based on normal wages. The firm is liable under statute for both notice and redundancy payments. We believe it wrong to use Government payments intended to keep the firm afloat to meet the firm’s redundancy payment obligations. Here's our rationale.
Solutions for career management in SMEs
Written by John Berry on 23rd November 2017. Revised 28th June 2020.
5 min read
People believe that they must move up to progress. But in an SME, that’s rarely possible. Modern SMEs have flat structures and opportunities to move ‘up’ are few. So it’s often assumed that ambitious staff in SMEs have to leave to advance. To give careers in SMEs management and staff must e re-defined 'progress' on a personal level. It’s the taking on of greater responsibility, making greater contribution to the business and gaining greater personal achievement. Here's how progress becomes career.
How will the Supreme Court ruling on tribunals affect employers?
Written by Sue Berry on 23rd August 2017. Revised 28th June 2020.
4 min read
Employment tribunals in England and Wales and Scotland deal with disputes between employer and employee. Fees are no longer payable. Just because there are no fees does not mean access to informal and speedy justice. Employment tribunals are neither informal, nor are they speedy. In principle, all grievance could move from tribunal to company procedures. This needs high trust by employees on management. There’s significant benefit for management striving to be a high trust firm. Here's how..
