Contractual issues top among calls from practice managers

27 July 2011

CONTRACTUAL issues are a hot topic for practice managers seeking employment law advice, according to new figures from MDDUS.

Almost half of calls (46 per cent) to the Union’s in-house employment law advisory team in the first six months of 2011 were contract-related.

MDDUS employment law adviser Janice Sibbald said: "Practice managers have become more financially aware in the current economic climate. As a result, almost half of the calls we received asking for employment law advice have been contractual.

"Common contractual issues include the employment of new staff on revised terms and conditions or guidance on contract interpretation. We also receive a number of calls from our members on policy issues such as maternity or sick pay."

MDDUS is the only UK defence organisation to offer members access to an in-house HR and employment law advisory team. They provide members with the confidence that the advice given is compliant with the latest legislation.

The Union’s call figures show that as well as 46 per cent contract-related calls, 13 per cent related to job performance, 11 per cent to staff absence and 10 per cent discipline.

Janice Sibbald added: "One of the day-to-day challenges facing practice managers is getting the best out of staff. Whether it’s dealing with personality clashes within a practice or simply giving a practice manager guidance and practical tips on an issue of concern.

"MDDUS members who employ staff are confronted daily with increasingly complex issues surrounding their responsibilities as employers, due to the growing area of employment legislation and associated compliance requirements. Inevitably, these issues can detract from the delivery of healthcare and may often cause significant stress and anxiety for members."