Lucy Bristow News

Bristol Employers Avoid Exit Interviews

Bristol employers are shunning exit interviews and missing out on valuable feedback from employees, according to a survey by recruitment consultancy Lucy Bristow.

Two-thirds of Bristol employees said they were not offered an exit interview in the last company they worked for. The research indicated that staff who were given a final interview when they left were more open and honest about the company, and gave genuine reasons for leaving.

Wendy Trevett, operations director at Lucy Bristow, said exit interviews gave managers an opportunity to get more of an insight into their organisation.

“This research suggests that the emotion behind resignations and redundancies is perhaps preventing companies being objective about the situation and using it as a learning opportunity,” she said.

“Feeling snubbed and betrayed if an employee has handed in their notice, or guilty and anxious if the company itself has asked an employee to leave, is understandable, but what is needed is a mature and honest conversation which benefits all parties.”

Sue Tumelty, managing director of HR outsourcing firm The HR Dept, said exit interviews were only worthwhile if the organisation was prepared to listen and respond to the feedback.

“From the individual’s point of view, it can be quite difficult because they don’t know whether to be truthful because they need a reference,” she said.

“I think [exit interviews] are really valuable and it’s good practice to do it, but more than that, it can be very useful.”

Trevett said exit interviews provided a final chance for a company to gather direct information, and that most employees appreciated being asked their opinion in a constructive manner.

“It is the last chance a business is likely to get to gather direct feedback and, as such, should not be missed,” she said.

“Whoever conducts the interview, the most important thing is to be objective and not to let immediate emotional responses hamper practical planning for the future.”

Bristol Companies Need To Wise Up On Employee Contracts

Bristol employers are being advised to brush up on their knowledge of employment law, after a survey revealed that over half of the UK’s bosses don’t know whether their staff have employment contracts.

A survey of 2,000 employers revealed that 52 per cent couldn’t be certain that all of their staff had contracts, which could leave them in breach of employment legislation and possibly a hefty fine at a tribunal.

Wendy Trevett, operations director at business recruitment agency Lucy Bristow Appointments, commented on the findings: “Employees are entitled, by law, to be given a written statement setting out the “main particulars” of their employment, provided that their employment lasts for two months or more.

“The statutory disputes resolution procedures, which came into force last year, introduced a penalty for failure to issue such a contract of employment with a fine of up to four weeks’ pay. New legislation also requires an employment contract to include an easy-to-follow three step grievance procedure.

“It is the latter which will have the biggest impact as many employers are leaving themselves open to a claim of unfair dismissal by verbally agreeing contracts rather that providing them in a written format”.

The new grievance procedure legislation, introduced by the DTI in October 2004, was created to encourage all parties to discuss and explore disputes properly within the workplace before resorting to tribunals. Failure to specify company grievance procedures or serious issues which if breached could lead to dismissal could see employers on the back foot if facing a tribunal.

Wendy added: “Companies are often quick to employ new staff without actually spending time and consideration on proper contracts of employment. This documentation is vital not only to provide employees with peace of mind, but also to offer employers a form of protection if staff conduct threatens the integrity of their business.”

The Bristol Half Marathon 6th September 2009

What a day that was!  The Charlie Froud Foundation team took to the streets of Bristol to raise money for the worthy causes that the foundation supports.  The event was sponsored by Lucy Bristow Appointments.

It was a day of fun and huge personal achievements:

• Lucy Bristow finished in 1 hour and 53 minutes, a personal best
• David Froud finished!  Having given up smoking in February and surviving a knee injury along the way, he completed the course in 2hours and 28 minutes
• Davey Todd generously ran with David to support and encourage him, foregoing any attempt to better his previous personal best of 1 hour and 49 minutes.
• Charlie’s very good friends Tom Edwards, Nick Lamb and Stuart Christie all enjoyed the day and ran good times
• Bethany Hope ran for the 1^st time – in an amazing 2 hours and 9 minutes
• Well done to several seasoned runners in the team who came close to their personal bests including Nick, Gerry and Clare.
• The seven first time runners in the team all finished – more to their surprise than anyone else’s – Emma and Danny were particularly worried

The total raised is anticipated to be in excess of £4,000 so a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored the runners and donated to the cause on the day!  We will update you in a few weeks with the final amount and details of how the money will be spent.

Also a massive thank you to colleagues, family and friends who came to support on the day – you made all the difference.

Please click HERE to view pictures of the day.