Discount rate change in Scotland will further increase legal costs
THE Scottish Government has announced its intention to follow the decision made in England by the Lord Chancellor to cut the discount rate applied to personal injury claims from 2.5 to -0.75 per cent. This will result in an increase in the size of compensation payments, leading to significant new costs for the NHS in Scotland and medical defence organisations (MDOs), such as MDDUS.
MDDUS input on new GMC indemnity guidance
MDDUS is pleased the GMC has addressed concerns on how "adequate and appropriate indemnity and insurance" is interpreted as part of new updated guidance.
MDDUS launches new mission statement and brand values
MDDUS has launched a new mission statement and set out its brand values after an extensive consultation involving staff, the Board and a membership survey and working group.
Sign up for new risk webinars
Find out more about managing incapacity in adults, the new NHS Scotland complaints handling procedure and the use of chaperones in the latest MDDUS risk management webinars.
New complaints procedure in Scotland
A NEW complaint handling procedure for the NHS in Scotland comes into effect from 1 April 2017.
An office romance
GIVEN the amount of time that colleagues spend together in the practice, it is perhaps not surprising that personal relationships at work can develop.
Don't forget
THE national living wage rate for workers aged 25 years and over increases from £7.20 to £7.50 per hour.
Case study: Is a self-employed contractor entitled to the rights of a worker?
DETERMINING the difference between an employee, worker and someone who is self-employed is a complex area of employment law.
HR Alert: Legal obligation over workplace dress code
A RECENT report on dress codes at work has called on the government to take urgent action to ensure existing equality legislation is enforced more vigorously.
Ask the expert: Flexible working request
Q. ONE of my employees has returned from maternity leave and asked if she can discuss changing her working hours. I am keen to keep my staff happy but also need to ensure our business needs are met. What are my obligations as an employer?