Dear Member and Colleagues,
We, like many of you were very concerned on Sunday evening to see the recommendations of NPHET to move the whole country to Level 5 measures leaked to the press. To do this at the weekend, without any time for Government to respond, was a very worrying development, and suggests a lack of both disciple and empathy in the communication of the public health message.
We don’t want a Level 4, or worse level 5 lockdown so it is important to show leadership with employees and customers. Encourage staff to work remotely where possible and continue to push the message to wash hands, mask up, maintain social distancing while following the framework. Our HR Advisor has updated the COVID-19 FAQs to include a new section on remote working. You can find all that information here.
As Brexit begins to cause trouble again, we, along with Skillnet Ireland will h8ost a live Virtual Brexit Discussion with a selection of subject experts on Tuesday, 20th of October at 11am. The event will be hosted by Newstalk’s Business Editor, Vincent Wall and is free and open to all. The panel is made up of Katy Hayward, Dave Flynn, Giles O’Neill, Derek Dunne and Paul McMahon. This discussion will focus on a number of key issues, including: importing, exporting & customs; legal ramifications; supports; and cross-border trading. Questions for the panel must be sent in advance and registration is also necessary. Spaces are filling up fast so register now to avoid disappointment. Register here.
ISME Group Life Cover administered by Halligan Insurance is now open will remain open until the 31st of October. The plan provides peace of mind for your employees should the worst occur. Find out more about the scheme via the Members Area of the ISME website here.
We are delighted to be partnered with Legal Island for their “Future of Work Summit 2021 & Beyond” taking place on October 14th. I will also be joining the panel to discuss the full impact of COVID-19 on the world of work. You can reserve your free space here.
Our Q3 Trends Survey is now open. I would ask all business owners to complete and share with your network. Please complete here.
ISME Skillnet have launched additional free webinars. Do take advantage of these while we can make them available at no charge.
- Remote Working – Managing Teams Remotely- 13th, 15th, 16th October | Find out more
- Introductory Certificate in Bookkeeping- Launching Now | Find out more
- Master Your Pitch – 2nd, 5th, 6th November | Find out more
As many of you will know this Saturday is World Mental Health Day. Our Wellness partners Laya Healthcare and Spectrum Life have a number of resources that you may find helpful in these trying times.
- Supporting Employees achieve work/life balance
- Supporting Employee Mental Health & role of Nutrition
- Podcast from Dr. Eddie Murphy directed towards HR leaders
- Brave New Era Playbook
- Daily Wellbeing classes and seminars
Unfortunately, we got no comfort from a meeting with the Department of Finance officials on Wednesday regarding private sector pensions. We are now referring the matter to our lawyers and we are also looking for three or four more plaintiffs, if you have had an issue with your pension then please contact me.
As Covid-19 shuts down more businesses, ISME believes that now is the time to put a simpler form of examinership in place and have been working hard on this but progress is slow. You can read our proposal here.
Next week is Budget 2021, we have made our demands known so will be waiting with bated breath and will keep you updated.
Stay Safe,
Neil McDonnell,
ISME CEO
