While most of us hope never to find ourselves needing legal representation, as a professional, there’s a good chance you will encounter workplace situations that call for legal guidance. Employment law is incredibly complex, which makes it tricky to manage specific workplace situations without the help of an experienced employment lawyer at HKM.com.
From unfair dismissal and dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace to understanding on-compete agreements and more, here are five times it’s in your best interest to rely on an employment lawyer.
Review An Offer Letter And Employment Contract
If you’ve recently been offered a new job, there’s no doubt you’re thrilled to get on board to enjoy the position’s better perks and salary. However, employment contracts and offer letters can sometimes be quite deceiving. There’s often a lot of fine print and confusing terms and conditions.
Contractual clauses like non-compete, non-disparagement, and non-solicitation are common examples of employment contract clauses that you might not fully understand. Instead of signing documentation that could later land your career in hot water, it’s best to consult legal experts to review the offer letter and contract.
Review A Severance Package
Whether you have been retrenched, unfairly dismissed, or let go from your position for any other reason, it’s crucial to consult an employment lawyer to review your severance package before you accept your employer’s offering.
Often, severance packages don’t provide sufficient benefits and compensation to employees. So, to ensure you receive a fair severance package with rightful pay, contact a lawyer to negotiate the package with your employer.
Whistleblowing
Blowing the whistle on illicit activity in your place of work is a delicate undertaking. Even if your employer has whistleblowing policies and procedures in place, you might be rightfully concerned about potential backlash in the form of retaliation.
Fortunately, retaliation bothers labor laws. So, the best course of action is to consult an employment lawyer to assess the situation and guide you through the process of safely blowing the whistle on wrongdoing in your workplace.
Negotiating Injury Compensation Payouts
Workplace injuries are prevalent in specific industries. But at the same time, injuries can occur in just about any work environment. If you have been injured at work, you are entitled to compensation and benefits that cover your medical bills and more.
But if you don’t have the expertise of a legal professional, you might not receive the compensation you really deserve.
Court Representation
Whether you are claiming unfair dismissal, discrimination, unfair treatment, disputing clauses, or claiming compensation, there are times when these matters may go to court. Instead of facing your employer’s legal team alone, it’s worthwhile to rely on legal representation.
Your employment lawyer will ensure you are treated fairly throughout the process of appearing in court and after that.
Facing workplace disputes and conflicts can be stressful. Handling things the wrong way could jeopardize your career path and reputation as a professional. Fortunately, lawyers can build and strengthen your case to protect your best interests and the future of your career.
People use the internet and look for privacy; thus, they find VPNs. It touches on individual cases. When it comes to business, the tools change.
Some strive to find the best vpn for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux for commercial usage. It uses the same fundamentals of privacy and security but scales them to the company level. More details are in the article below.
What Is a VPN?
A Virtual private network provides safety and anonymity for online activities. The service connects you to the remote server and allows you to hide your IP address and encrypt your sensitive info.
It helps users stay anonymous on websites that impose geographical restrictions. It also protects information from interception if using a public network.
That is what most users are used to in terms of individual usage. Business usage also aims to provide safety by keeping valuable information enclosed.
What Does a VPN for Business Do?
The components of a business VPN suggest the following:
Prevent unsanctioned access to data – the network connects computers to the system. If someone tries to access the information without knowing the password, they will fail.
Encrypt data to make it unreadable to third parties – if someone tries to pass the data for personal profit, a VPN for business makes it impossible due to encryption.
Make remote work efficient – remote employees connect to the network, have authorized access from their PCs, and do not need to go to the office. It opens up more opportunities for both company leaders and employees.
Help comply with specific industry requirements – some industries, like healthcare or insurance, demand additional layers of security to keep information hidden. Business VPNs provide such features and facilitate data management.
Simplify collaboration – if companies need to work together on projects or in long-term cooperation, a VPN helps manage and sort the data the other party has access to. Thus, you prevent information leaks, maintain high-level security, and keep the data well-managed.
Grow according to how the business grows – VPNs for businesses tailor tools to the needs of particular companies and are usually scalable. So, when the business meets new challenges, a VPN service will meet the requirements.
Details on how VPN providers deliver these features depend on the service. Legislation peculiarities may impact these details considerably. It is appropriate to look for a VPN provider that operates in your country and complies with local laws and regulations.
Benefits of Using a VPN
Generally, the benefits that VPN services bring to business customers include the following:
commercially valuable information is secure;
sensitive data remains protected;
VPN prevents malicious initiatives and attempts;
you do not need to implement additional protective tools in collaboration;
providing access to new remote employees is less risky;
remote work is faster and more efficient because people operate within the same network;
centralized control means simplified problem-solving;
more flexible work opportunities mean comfortable conditions that contribute to better productivity.
VPN services for businesses make the working process faster, simpler, and safer – so, generally, better. It saves much time on management and, from a long-term perspective, shows better budget efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Businesses have more requirements for VPN services because their demand is higher. Companies must save their customers’ and employees’ data, manage enormous amounts of information about potential customers and business partners, and so on.
These tasks suggest creating an enclosed network that would protect against any external or internal attempts. VPNs for businesses can provide such features and additional security layers.
Choosing a credible VPN provider for your business is a complicated task. Consider reputation, years of expertise, encryption, connection protocols, and other aspects. Explore and call for professional consultations for better selection.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ireland & the UK feel that HR requirements are overwhelming vital resources, according to a survey commissioned by Meath-based HR tech company HR Duo.
In its survey of over 300 SMEs it was found that almost two-thirds (64%) say that trying to keep on top of all elements of HR in their business is extremely challenging. But despite the difficulties in the current business environment, just 10% say their HR function is likely to decrease in the next 12 months, with 45% predicting an increase. This is leading to a perfect storm, where HR requirements are continually increasing while a majority of SMEs feel that they are already overextended.
The survey identified that the lack of suitable HR technology for SMEs is central to their struggle to manage the HR workload. Three quarters (74%) feel that automation of manual tasks would be of major benefit to their business, with 66% saying that there are lots of paper processes in need of digitisation.
Yet roughly the same amount (67%) feel that addressing HR challenges is very different in SMEs compared to large organisations, meaning that existing options don’t address their needs. Indeed a majority (60%) of SMEs feel that HR tech platforms generally are geared towards the needs of larger companies, and adapting these to the needs of SME would be too onerous, with 70% believing they need a lot of expertise to set up and use effectively.
The result is time and resources wasted by SMEs in conducting routine HR tasks, which would be better utilised running and growing the business.
Jerome Forde, Founder and CEO of HR Duo, commented, “SMEs are the driving force of the Irish economy, employing 1.19 million people – roughly two-thirds of the total workforce – and generating almost half of the turnover in the private sector (source: ISME). But so much time and resources are being wasted on outdated manual tasks, meaning less opportunity to grow the business and hire new people.”
Unsurprisingly, two-thirds (64%) of SMEs said that increased productivity through better use of automation and tech is a priority for them over the next 12 months. Recent entrants to the market are making this more of a possibility for SMEs and challenging incumbent brands that prioritise larger organisations.
Jerome continued, “From speaking to SMEs around the country, it is clear that here is a huge need for a simple but innovative software solution that works for them straight out of the box – time is critical for them and they need a service tailored to their needs. With this in mind we developed HR Duo, a cloud-based platform that automates 80% of routine HR tasks, with the remaining 20% serviced by an expert team to help with more complex issues. unlocking capacity that can be better used in their business.”
HR Duo’s easy to use, low cost, and ‘always on’ proprietary software make it ideal for its target market of SMEs with 50-1,000 employees, acting as a bolt-on support to HR personnel, or indeed as a HR back-up for companies without a dedicated HR department. With subscriptions starting from as little as €10 per employee per month, the service can be scaled up or down as the business requires, with no lengthy, onerous contracts.
While HR tech solutions tailored to SMEs are now finally available, this does not mean they intent to reduce or eliminate HR capabilities. Indeed, feedback received during the survey revealed that SMEs don’t want a simple ‘set and forget’ solution – instead, there is a strong desire for a system to build institutional knowledge, with 85% wanting a HR platform that adds to their knowledge base. What SMEs desire is not a silver bullet, but a long-term partner in helping with their HR needs, freeing them up to build and scale their businesses into the future.
Survey Details
Research conducted by Heads Up Research & Insight (www.headsupinsight.com) throughout April 2023. Final survey response was 305 people who have influence in terms of HR decisions and/or resourcing the HR function in SMES between 30 and 500 employees in size. Maximum margin of error is +/- 6%.
In today’s fast-paced world, time is money. Every second a business is not operating, it can result in significant losses.Business downtime is not just an inconvenience; it can have substantial financial implications and damage reputations. This article sheds light on the cost of unplanned outages and ways to mitigate the disruptions they cause.
Financial Implications of Downtime
When a business faces unexpected downtime, it’s not merely the immediate sales that are lost. Clients might opt for competitors, future business opportunities could be jeopardized, and there’s the added cost of fixing the root cause of the outage. A simple technical glitch can cascade into thousands, or even millions, of dollars in lost revenue, especially for large corporations. It’s vital to understand the potential financial hit an unplanned outage can cause.
Moreover, businesses often underestimate the long-term financial impact of downtime. Beyond the immediate revenue loss, there are expenses associated with recovery efforts, including IT personnel overtime, emergency equipment purchases, and potential legal costs if customers or partners decide to take legal action due to service disruptions.
Reputation Damage and Customer Trust
Money isn’t the only thing at stake during downtime. A company’s reputation can be significantly harmed. If customers can’t access services or products, they might feel the business isn’t reliable. This sentiment can spread, especially in the age of social media, where one negative experience can be shared with thousands in mere minutes. Restoring customer trust after such incidents can be challenging and time-consuming.
To mitigate reputation damage, businesses should also consider proactive communication strategies. Transparently informing customers about the outage, its causes, and the steps to prevent future occurrences can go a long way in preserving trust and goodwill.
ConnectWise states, “Downtime impacts employees by disrupting workflow, productivity, and collaboration, causing stress, frustration, and inefficiency.”
Identifying Weak Points
One of the first steps in mitigating business disruption is identifying weak points. This could mean outdated software, aging hardware, or even staff not adequately trained to handle emergencies. Knowing where vulnerabilities lie, businesses can take targeted steps to strengthen those areas, making unplanned outages less likely.
Regular risk assessments and audits can help pinpoint these weak points. Additionally, seeking external expertise through third-party security assessments can provide an objective view of potential vulnerabilities that may have been overlooked internally.
Investing in Redundancies
In the business world, putting all your eggs in one basket is rarely a good idea. Having backup systems or redundancies in place can be a lifesaver when primary systems fail. This could mean having backup servers, secondary power sources, or even alternative suppliers. The goal is to ensure that if one system goes down, there’s another ready to take its place, minimizing downtime.
Redundancies not only apply to technology but also to processes and personnel. Cross-training employees to handle multiple roles can ensure that essential functions continue even if key staff members are unavailable during an outage.
Continuous Monitoring and Training
Technologies and threats evolve, and so should a company’s strategies. Continuous monitoring of systems can help detect potential issues before they escalate into full-blown outages. Training staff to recognize and appropriately react to threats is equally crucial. A well-trained team can differentiate between a minor hiccup and a major business disruption.
Unplanned outages and the resulting business downtime can be a costly affair, both financially and in terms of reputation. However, with proactive measures, continuous monitoring, and ongoing staff training, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of disruptive outages. In the modern business environment, being prepared for potential disruptions is not just wise; it’s essential.
By implementing a robust and comprehensive business continuity plan, organizations can not only minimize the impact of unplanned outages but also position themselves as resilient and reliable partners in the eyes of their customers and stakeholders.
A new survey undertaken by the Dell Technologies in association with the Executive Institute found that two-thirds (66%) of businesses in Ireland are planning to invest in their cyber security as cyber threats continue to increase. Moreover, 93% of organisations have already taken steps to enhance their data protection measures in the past twelve months.
The latest ‘Digital Pulse Survey’ from Dell and the Executive Institute of over 150 business leaders, shows that Irish businesses are struggling under the weight of increasing cyber-attacks. The majority of respondents (64%) say that the ever-growing number of attacks is the main barrier to enhancing their organisation’s cyber resilience, with 13% citing lack of in-house cyber skills and expertise and 9% citing outdated technology and upfront investment in cybersecurity solutions.
Highlighting the cyber dangers posed by hybrid working, 68% of businesses have already taken steps to mitigate the cyber risks of flexible and remote working models.
The Digital Pulse Survey also reveals that Irish businesses are increasingly turning to technology to help them achieve their sustainability goals. Over 8 in 10 business leaders (84%) say that technology has positively impacted their sustainability goals to date. Over one-third (37%) are using technology to increase energy efficiency, 24% are using it to facilitate hybrid or remote working, and 20% are using technology to help reduce carbon emissions.
In addition, almost half (49%) of Irish business leaders say they are considering replacing outdated technology in the next 12 months to reduce higher energy costs.
Commenting on the survey results, Catherine Doyle, Managing Director, Dell Technologies Ireland, said: “It’s clear that cyber risk continues to weigh heavily on business leaders as they advance their digital transformation plans. The vast majority have taken steps to enhance their data protection, and two-thirds are looking to increase this investment in the year ahead. Proactive and timely action will be vital to strengthening cyber defences.
“As businesses work to enhance their cyber resilience, it’s also positive to see the role of technology in driving sustainable innovation. From using technology to increase energy efficiency and facilitate remote working to achieving operational efficiency, digital transformation can help leaders shape a more sustainable future.”
Conor Morris, Managing Director, Executive Institute, said: “The results of the survey suggests that the threat posed by cyber-attacks continues to grow and threatens the future success of our member organisations. These attacks are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated. Planning for and adopting a security strategy that remains current and as up to date as new cyber threats themselves will be a key factor going forward.”
Recent comprehensive surveys conducted between March and October this year have revealed concerning trends regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace. The surveys, conducted by Legal Island, which encompassed a total of 500 HR respondents from various organisations across the island of Ireland, found that a startling 95% of these establishments have still to implement an active AI Use Policy in the workplace.
Mr. Barry Phillips, Chairman of Legal Island, and a former practising employment law barrister, expressed his concerns over these findings, stating: “These results are alarming. It suggests there’s something of a Wild West going on at the moment in the workplace, reminiscent of the early days of the internet’s introduction at work in the 90s. Employers back then chose to regulate its use only when it became clear employees were misusing email and the web, and when companies started facing penalties from regulators due to data breaches.”
The lack of an AI Use Policy can expose organisations to reputational risks as well as unnecessary legal liability. The findings signal a pressing need for businesses to develop and enforce clear AI policies, ensuring safe and responsible use in the workplace.
Phillips added “Employers need to be proactive and set about determining how AI is to be used at work, and within what parameters. It’s a complicated task when AI is evolving so quickly but those who choose to do nothing, preferring to watch from the sidelines, could end up in serious difficulties when they have no rules or practice guidelines to point to when something goes wrong.”
On Wednesday, 29th November, Legal Island will host a full day review of employment law topics, with a keynote session on regulating the use of AI at work. This will include a template AI use policy, as well as expert advice on how to mitigate the risks of AI at work, whilst maximising the benefits. The event, Annual Review of Employment Law, will be held simultaneously online and in person at the Dublin Convention Centre.
Legal Island is a multi-award-winning workplace compliance company, founded in 1998, working across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Legal Island helps HR professionals understand employment law and how it applies to their workplace.
For further information, or to register for the event on 29th November, visit www.legal-island.ie/events.
Narrowing down your business to a very specific niche often has some great advantages. You can target a small but loyal target audience, perhaps meeting a particular need that no one else is providing for. However, there are disadvantages to this business approach too. You can find yourself facing many challenges when you choose to run a business within a small niche, or within a niche that’s seen as alternative or risky. But, although these challenges can be difficult to grapple with, there are always things you can do to try and overcome them. Approach these challenges in the right way and you could make your niche business a success.
Finding the Right Services
For some businesses within a specific niche, finding the right services can be tricky. This is especially true if your business is within a niche seen as risky and if you’re looking for financial services. One of the ways to ensure you get the right tools and services for your business is to look for those designed specifically for businesses like yours. If you can find merchant accounts for CBD businesses, a bank that’s willing to work with casinos, or a payment service that understands your business model, it can really benefit you. These services are set up for businesses like yours.
Explaining Your Business
One thing that can help you find the right business services, among other things, is being able to explain your business clearly. This isn’t always an easy thing to do, as you can find yourself having to explain your business and product to someone unfamiliar with many of the terms and concepts you might want to use. But if you can tell people what your business is about and who it’s for, it could help you secure funding, generate leads, and much more. Perfecting your pitch in understandable language can really help you.
Finding and Retaining Customers
Of course, any business has the challenge of finding and keeping the right customers. But if you work within a very small or unusual niche, your target audience could be a lot smaller than others. Just finding the right audience can be a challenge. You need to work out where to target them, whether it’s on certain social media platforms, in industry magazines, at events, or anywhere else they might be found. And, because your audience is smaller, customer retention can be a lot more important too.
Smaller Growth Potential
A small niche will often mean smaller growth potential too. Your potential pool of customers is likely not as large as some other businesses. However, this is something many small businesses have to face. You may be happy with the idea that your business is only going to grow so far. But if you do want to keep expanding, you could consider ways to broaden your horizons. New products or services, or perhaps widening the net on your target audience, could help your business keep growing like what we see now with the rise of Full Spectrum CBD oil businesses.
Very niche businesses will always face certain challenges. But if you’re aware of them, you can develop the right tactics to tackle them.
As businesses in the 21st century continue to rely more and more on technology for everyday operations, having a trustworthy cybersecurity plan is becoming increasingly important. As cyberattacks become increasingly common, a strong focus must be placed not only on protecting against breaches but also on investing in best practices that will further shield an organization from malicious attacks or data loss.
To ensure your business has adequate protection against present and future cyber threats, it is essential to develop a comprehensive and reliable cybersecurity strategy that will harden its defenses without compromising convenience or employees’ ability to work efficiently. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips to help you create comprehensive yet efficient cybersecurity plans for your business.
Train Your Employees – Educate your staff
In this age of technological advancement, businesses are facing more cyber threats than ever before. That’s why it’s crucial to properly train your employees on safe cyber hygiene practices. Incorporating cyber training for employees can not only protect your company’s sensitive information but also help prevent reputational damage. Hackers are always on the prowl for vulnerabilities and one click can lead to a complete data breach.
By investing in the proper training, you can ensure your employees have the knowledge and skills necessary to keep your business safe from cyber threats. Don’t wait until it’s too late, start implementing proper cyber hygiene practices today.
Invest in the Right Tools – Invest in antivirus software
There’s no doubt that our personal and professional lives rely heavily on our electronic devices. However, with that convenience comes an increased risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches. That’s where investing in the right tools comes in. Antivirus software, firewalls, and other necessary security tools provide an essential layer of protection to safeguard our data and prevent unauthorized access. It’s crucial to take proactive steps to secure our devices and data, so investing in these tools is undoubtedly a wise decision. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action today to protect what matters most.
Create a List of Security Policies – Have clear policies
Now, it’s more important than ever to have airtight security policies in place when it comes to sensitive information. Not only do these policies protect your company’s data and assets, but they also provide peace of mind for both your employees and clients. Having clear guidelines on who can access what information and how it should be protected is crucial in maintaining the integrity of your organization. By implementing comprehensive security policies, you can ensure that your company is equipped to handle any potential security threats that may arise. So don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now and create a list of security policies to keep your business safe and secure.
Monitor Access and Activity – Establish rules
As businesses become more digitally integrated, it’s crucial to keep track of who has access to what information and what they’re doing with it. Establishing rules for monitoring user access and activity within your digital environment can mitigate the risk of fraud, data leaks, and other security breaches. Additionally, tracking activity can give you a better understanding of how your systems are being used and identify areas for improvement. By enforcing clear guidelines for access and activity monitoring, you can ensure that your business stays secure and efficient.
Back-Up Data Regularly – Develop a regular schedule
Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses. From important client information to crucial financial figures, it’s essential that the data stored on your systems is secure and backed up regularly. That’s why developing a routine for backing up your data is so important. By establishing a regular schedule, you can ensure that your vital information is protected against unexpected disasters. Whether it’s a simple mistake or a catastrophic hardware failure, your backups will provide a safety net that can help you get back on your feet with minimal disruption. So take the time to develop a backup schedule that works for you, and rest easy knowing that your data is always safe and secure.
Update Software as Needed
With the increasing number of cyber attacks, it’s more important than ever to keep your software updated. This means regularly checking for and installing the latest security patches to ensure your system is protected. While it may seem like a hassle, taking the time to update your software can save you a lot of headaches down the line. Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit, and outdated software is like an open invitation for them to wreak havoc on your system. So don’t wait until it’s too late – make sure to update your software as soon as updates become available.
Secure Your Wi-Fi Network – Secured wireless network
In today’s digital age, having a secure Wi-Fi network is an absolute must. With more and more of our personal and professional lives being conducted online, the last thing you want is for a hacker to gain unauthorized access to your network. One of the easiest ways to make sure your wireless network is secure is to have a strong password that is difficult to guess. Additionally, encryption protocols should be put in place to further protect your network from prying eyes. By taking the time to secure your Wi-Fi network, you can have peace of mind knowing that your personal information is protected.
Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Set up MFA
Protecting sensitive information has become a top priority for businesses. That’s why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a crucial step towards enhancing security and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data. By setting up MFA for all employees and customers, businesses can add an extra layer of protection against cyber threats.
With MFA in place, users are required to provide an additional form of identification beyond a username and password, making it much more difficult for attackers to gain access to accounts or confidential information. By utilizing MFA, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to security and provide peace of mind to their employees and customers.
Security should be of utmost priority for all businesses to ensure their data is kept safe and secure. The importance of having the right tools, training your employees, monitoring access and activity, backing up data regularly, updating software as needed, securing Wi-Fi networks, and utilizing MFA should not be taken lightly. Every business has different requirements and needs when it comes to their cyber security needs.
It’s important to consult with a certified security professional to best evaluate your current system and make any changes and updates as needed. At the end of the day, investing in defense measures is essential for any business’ digital success. Take action today to protect your data from possible threats by ensuring you have the necessary resources in place.
A charity supporting families affected by stillbirth has received a €1,000 donation from the team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin.
Féileacáin was formed by a group of bereaved parents to offer support to families affected by stillbirth or neonatal loss. The charity provides hospitals in Ireland with a ‘Gifts of Remembrance’ service which includes memory boxes, clay imprints, sibling support and more.
The donation from Amazon will be used to provide memory boxes to Maternity and Children’s Hospitals that are then gifted to parents after the loss of their baby.
Darragh Kelly, General Manager at Amazon in Dublin, said:
“Experiencing the loss of a child will never be an easy journey but with the right support and guidance, families have a safe space to grieve. Féileacáin is run by an amazing team of staff and volunteers who give everything to support families in the community. We hope that this donation can help support the important work they do across Ireland.”
Joe Monahan, an employee from Amazon in Dublin who nominated the charity for support, said:
“Féileacáin is a charity very close to my heart. The endless support the charity’s volunteers provide is outstanding and can be such a blessing for people experiencing the loss of a child. I’m pleased Amazon is showing their appreciation with this donation.”
Nina Doyle, from Féileacáin, added:
“Féileacáin relies on the support of the community to function, and without donations like this, we couldn’t provide our vital services to individuals and families who need it. Thank you, Darragh and everyone at Amazon in Dublin, for believing in what we do.”
The donation to Féileacáin was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations in Ireland.
Since opening its doors one year ago, the Dublin fulfilment centre has supported many community organisations locally, with donations totalling €46,000. Charities supported by the team at the fulfilment centre include Cliona’s Foundation, Jigsaw and LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.
The Amazon fulfilment centre in Dublin, the first of its kind in Ireland, opened in August 2022 providing more than 500 new permanent jobs. The 630,000 square foot centre at Baldonnell Business Park in Dublin holds millions of items that are picked, packed and shipped to customers across Ireland and the rest of Europe.
Amazon provides competitive pay, excellent benefits and a modern, safe and engaging work environment for its employees. Amazon pays all its employees in Dublin, whether they are full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal, at least €14.25 per hour employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including include private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection and an employee discount as well as a company pension plan.