… in brief

This
weeks news in brief

HSE
fines increase

Health
and safety convictions rose to nearly 900 during 2001-2002, with an average
fine of more than £12,000. The Health & Safety Executive’s Offences and
Penalties Report identifies offenders and shows that more than 84 per cent of
prosecutions resulted in conviction.  www.hse.gov.uk

Getting
back to work

The
Government has developed a package of measures to help people with a long-term
illness or disability get back into full-time work. Outlined in a Green Paper,
the changes aim to get people off the benefits system.  www.dwp.org.uk

Pathologist
shortfall

The
shortage of pathologists in the NHS has begun to have a serious effect on the
delivery of healthcare services, with more than 1,000 vacancies for qualified
staff remaining unfilled. Amicus has warned that urgent action is needed to
halt the deepening crisis.  www.aeeu.org.uk

Argos
Sunday review

Retailer
Argos is ready to review its policy of compulsory Sunday working. Argos chief
executive Terry Duddy agreed to the review after holding two meetings with the Secretary
of State for Scotland Helen Liddell. Argos will open negotiations with unions
over 11 staff sacked for refusing to sign contracts.  www.argos.co.uk

Transsexual
rights

Transsexuals
have won new rights following a ruling by an employment tribunal. A
male-to-female transsexual won her case against West Yorkshire Police after her
application to join the force was rejected. The police argued she would not be
able to do the job because she was legally male and therefore unable to search
female detainees.

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Don’t
miss an opportunity to attend the fifth Employers’ Law briefing in association
with Allen & Overy. This one-day conference, held on 5 December 2002 at the
British Library, London, will focus on ‘managing incapacity’, approaching the
challenges from legal, occupational health and HR perspectives.

For further information about this event please contact Jacqui Winn on 0208 652
3304