Insights

Protecting your Workforce
Protecting your Workforce 1920 1280 James Hallam

It has been widely reported that staff are fleeing the hospitality industry, following the uncertainty of Covid, Brexit and long working hours. Protecting your staff will always have been a priority, but now holding on to a good loyal team is more important than ever.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their working environment, but sometimes when tempers are running high or customers are experiencing longer than intended wait times, it can be your team that bear the brunt of their anger.

The James Hallam team have been looking at ways to protect your team’s personal safety in the workplace.

Working Environment

It is important you are committed to creating and maintaining an environment within your hospitality business, that is healthy and where your employees are shown respect and dignity by others.

Where it is expected that all staff, guests, visitors, contractors and any other persons who are on your premises behave in a respectable manner.

You could display a poster for staff and customers making it clear what behaviour is not tolerated. You could include the following:

  • Bullying of any kind
  • Violence of any kind in the workplace
  • Abusive or aggressive behaviour of any kind
  • Harassment, especially of a sexual nature

If any of this behaviour is brought to your attention, take immediate action to investigate and deal with the relevant parties. If employees are found to be guilty of any wrong doing they should be disciplined. If other parties are at fault then the appropriate actions must be followed, this may involve criminal proceedings being brought against an individual.

Violent or Abusive Customers

Whilst we’re sure on the whole your customers are friendly and respectful, it is wise to offer some ‘best practice’ guidance should an incident occur.

Occasionally customers may become embroiled in altercations with other customers or aggressive to staff especially at busy times or when alcohol is involved.

You could ask your employees to look for the potential triggers that could lead to a violent situation:

  • Raised voices, shouting, or use of swearing and offensive language
  • Racial slurs or comments said with the intention of causing offense to others
  • Aggressive gesturing, pushing, to others
  • Veiled or open threats to others

If these potential triggers are identified then there are a number of steps that can be taken with the intention of preventing an actual act of violence or physical abuse occurring.

Firstly, staff should always think of their own personal safety and never try and deal with the situation alone, they should always call for assistance.

  • Advise another member of staff at the earliest opportunity if they sense that there is potential for an incident to occur
  • Talk to the relevant parties and remind them that such behaviour will not be tolerated – advise them not to raise their voice as this may aggravate the situation
  • Instruct that the Police will be contacted if the issues are not addressed

Actual acts of violence and physical abuse are thankfully very rare indeed but it is wise to have procedures in place to make your staff feel protected and safe.

As well as protecting your staff, protecting your business premises, income and liabilities is also key. For more details about insurance for your hospitality business speak to our Hospitality Division today on 020 7977 7856.

The law on fire alarms in Scottish homes has changed – home owner or landlord this is what you need to know…
The law on fire alarms in Scottish homes has changed – home owner or landlord this is what you need to know… 1920 1280 James Hallam

Every home in Scotland must have interlinked fire alarms. Interlinked means if one goes off, they all go off, so you will always hear an alarm wherever you are in your home.

The new law has come about because of the Grenfell fire in London in 2017, and it applies to all Scottish homes.

It is the property owner’s responsibility for meeting the new standard, with any costs to be met by the home owner or landlord, what you need will depend on what you currently have in place and the alarms you choose to install.

What each home needs

Every home must have:

  • one smoke alarm in the living room or the room you use most
  • one smoke alarm in every hallway or landing
  • one heat alarm in the kitchen

All smoke and heat alarms should be mounted on the ceiling and be interlinked.

If you have a carbon-fuelled appliance – like a  boiler, fire, heater or flue – in any room, you must also have a carbon monoxide detector in that room, but this does not need to be linked to the fire alarms

Help with costs

Older and disabled homeowners on low incomes can get help with costs.

If you are a private tenant, your landlord is responsible.

If you are a council or housing association tenant, work is ongoing to make sure your home meets the new standards.

Two types of alarms

You can use either sealed battery alarms or mains-wired alarms.

Both types of alarm are interlinked by radio frequency and do not need WiFi.

What the alarms must have

If you use battery alarms, they must be sealed tamper-proof units and have long-life lithium batteries, which can be up to 10 years. You may be able to fit these types of alarms yourself and they do not need an electrician.

Mains-wired alarms are cheaper but if you use them, they must be fitted by a qualified electrician and must be replaced every 10 years. You may also need to redecorate after fitting them.

If you also need a carbon monoxide alarm and it is battery-operated, it must have a sealed battery for the duration of its lifespan.

You can find full details and further guidance here.

Source: GOV.SCOT
Photo source: GOV.SCOT

Independent Hotel Show 2021
Independent Hotel Show 2021 1920 1280 James Hallam

A fantastic start to the week for the James Hallam Hospitality and Leisure Team by sponsoring this year’s Independent Hotel Show in Olympia, London. The event was incredibly well attended with two days of inspiring showcases, seminars and outstanding networking opportunities.

David Noble, Our Director of Hospitality and Leisure, is pictured below presenting this year’s Outstanding Contribution Award to Peter Hancock. Many Congratulations Peter!

We look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Water leak detection
Water leak detection 1920 1280 James Hallam

Understand how to avoid costly water damage to your property by way of installing a water leak detection or prevention system and those that are available on the market today.

At some point you may have heard of a friend or family member who has suffered a water leak or burst pipe at their home and you may think that this will never happen to you, but how sure are you that your plumbing system will not fail at any given moment?

The Household Insurance market has seen a dramatic increase in both the frequency and severity of claims relating to Escape of Water from pipes, tanks and general apparatus with 1 in 4 claims being attributed to Escape of Water, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

The amount of water that can pour into your home when a pipe bursts is unfathomable which can be very distressing. A Household Insurance Policy will, of course, operate in the event of an “Escape of Water”, and insurers will arrange for the property to be dried out, replace damaged belongings and even provide you with alternative accommodation, but subsequently, how will your insurance policy be impacted?

For example, insurers may increase premiums payable at your next renewal, apply larger policy excess and even request a plumbing system survey be carried out.  In addition, there may be the requirement for a Water Leak Detection System to be installed.

Post loss, some insurers will provide a contribution towards the cost of installing a Water Leak Detection System, but do you want to risk being in the position where you have to leave your family home for months to enable insurers to carry out the required remedial works.

Why not act first and install a system that will monitor your plumbing, giving you complete peace of mind, preventing this awful scenario from happening.

How does a water leak detector or prevention system work?

Water Leak Detection Systems detect potential plumbing problems by monitoring the water flow within the pipes, which could result in a water leak and damage to your property.

These systems can detect and notify you of a leak via an application on a smart device. This will enable you to receive the alert no matter where you are, allowing you to return home to shut off your water at the mains supply and arrange for a plumber to attend your property before major damage has been sustained.

The prevention systems can help to safeguard your home further, by automatically shutting off the water in approximately five seconds after a leak has been detected, saving you the worry of rushing home wondering what awaits you, and of course a large insurance claim which could take months to rectify the damage caused.

These systems can also be linked to your intruder alarm monitoring station so that when you are away from home you will still have the peace of mind that should a leak occur it will be taken care of in your absence.

For more information please contact our Private Clients team on privateclients@jameshallam.co.uk

Is it safe to travel in 2021?
Is it safe to travel in 2021? 1920 1280 James Hallam

After Boris Johnson unveiled his lockdown exit plan many people will find summer holiday deals very tempting, but the risk that plans could be disrupted due to Covid-19 is ever present. The roll-out of the vaccine has seen a surge of optimism that travel will be possible again this summer. But many won’t have had their first vaccination, or will be uncertain whether individual counties will allow British nationals to travel.

Here is everything you need to know: from the latest on package holidays, vaccinations, and flight cancellations.

What do we know about foreign travel?

In England the earliest that foreign holidays will be allowed to resume is 17 May however another surge in Covid cases in Europe, as well as a slow roll out of vaccines has cast doubt whether foreign travel can go ahead. A review into the safety of reopening borders will need to be conducted, considering the infection rates and vaccine take-up.

Currently, travellers are required to test for Covid-19 at their own expense both when leaving the UK and returning home. These measures are likely to stay in place until at least mid-May along with the need to quarantine for 10 days for arrivals from red list countries. However the latest legislation, set to come in next week, will be for those attempting to take a holiday abroad without a reasonable excuse will result in £5000 fine.

What is the travel traffic light system and how will it work?

Travel destinations will be ranked green, amber or red according to vaccination rates, Covid variants and number of cases and various other factors.

The guidelines haven’t been released yet, but it is likely to look something like this:

  • Travellers returning from low-risk “green” countries will need to take a Covid test before they return to UK, followed by two further tests on day 2 and day 8 after they arrive.
  • Travellers returning from medium risk “amber” countries will have to take a pre-departure test, then self isolate at home for ten days. They will also have to take a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 of quarantine, but could also take a private test on day 5 in order to leave self-isolation.
  • Travellers returning from high risk “red” countries will have to take a test before entering the UK and then pay £1,70 to quarantine in a hotel for 11 days. They will then have to take two further Covid tests at their own expense on day 2 and day 8 of isolation.

What Covid restrictions are likely to be in place in other countries?

If their borders are open at all, most destinations will only allow travellers with proof of two Covid vaccinations however some may accept a recent negative Covid-19 test result. Check the government website for each country’s specific requirements.

How can I protect my holiday booking?

This year a package holiday could be the safest way to travel for one simple reason: if the tour operator is forced to cancel because of restrictions, you are entitled to a full refund via the package regulations.

Please note that Coronavirus remains a known event and therefore cancellation claims through some insurers will not covered on trips booked during the lockdown period.

Are airlines issuing refunds?

If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you are due a refund. This applies for all flights on any airline that departs from an EU country. Outside the EU it is slightly more complex and you will need to contact the individual airline. For those wishing to cancel their own flight, the majority of airlines are allowing cancellations but in some cases this has taken over a month to process.

What about vaccine passports?

To be able to travel this year you may require proof in the form of a vaccine passport. A vaccine passport can be defined as a piece of documentation, likely to be in the form of a mobile app or similar system, proving someone has been inoculated against COVID-19.

I don’t want to be vaccinated – will I be able to travel abroad?

You may find certain avenues closed to you. Some countries and holiday firms may require you to have been vaccinated, and to be able to prove it.

If you currently arranging you travel insurance through us at James Hallam please get in contact before arranging your trip so we can provide you with up to date information. privateclients@jameshallam.co.uk

You can find the latest travel advice and warnings on the Government website here.

UK Govt. reverse Vnuk motor insurance rule
UK Govt. reverse Vnuk motor insurance rule 1920 1280 James Hallam

he James Hallam Sport team is pleased to note that the UK Govt. is to withdraw from the ‘Vnuk’ legislation passed by the EU in 2018, which has been a regular talking point and threat to the UK motorsports industry since 2014, when the law was first considered.

The law, which forms part of the EU’s MID, requires all motorised vehicles to be insured for compulsory and unlimited liability risks, including those whilst being used on private land, so captured the use of racing vehicles, pit scooters, and all other working vehicles operating within the confines of a motor sports venue, including whilst on track.

Securing coverage at the limit of liability required is just not feasible, from either the specialist motorsport liability market who cannot provide such capacity limits, or the motor insurance providers who have no appetite for such risk exposure, so it is timely that the Govt. has made their decision to scrap the ruling.

Our team had highlighted this matter to our clients over the preceding years, and encouraged them to support the Motorsports Industry Association’s campaign to lobby both EU and UK legislators to overturn the ruling, so its good news for the industry to see common sense prevail, at least in the UK.

Within the EU, there is no such liability insurance for motorsport risks available either, and it is understood that there is an appeal to exempt motorsport from the law, let’s hope their policy makers follow ours to keep motorsport on track!

Preventing Storm Damage
Preventing Storm Damage 1920 1440 James Hallam

If your home has been damaged by a storm, dealing with the aftermath can be emotionally and financially exhausting.

To help you avoid the worst, we’ve compiled a list of ways you can help protect your home from suffering a significant loss in event of a flood.

Before a flood

The best thing you can do at any time of the year is to make sure your property is safe. Regular checks can help your home stand up to bad weather when it comes.

  • Check your roof for any loose or missing tiles, crumbling pointing or any other signs of damage.
  • Remove hazardous branches in your garden, particularly those close to windows or power lines. Be careful as some trees are safeguarded, so if you’re unsure whether a tree can be cut check with your local planning authority.
  • Keep gutters clear of moss and leaves. If your gutters overflow during a downpour, it’s time to give them a good clean.
  • Prepare a storm emergency kit, just in case you need to leave your home during the storm. Pack warm clothes, medicines, a torch and batteries.

Find out if your postcode is at risk from a flood at Gov.uk here.

During a flood

  • Prevent water getting into your premises where possible by using flood barriers such as sandbags.
  • Move any furniture and possessions to a higher floor level or raised location
  • Check to see if your gas/water/electricity supply is working, and if not, call the suppliers to report it.
  • Switch off any gas/electricity supply that might be affected.

After a flood

Experiencing a flood can be frightening, and the activities of normal life can be disrupted. It is important not to underestimate the stress and strain of being flooded and cleaning up after floods. Here are a few steps to help deal with the aftermath.

  • List any damage to your property and don’t throw anything away in case it’s needed for the claims process. Don’t dispose of anything until you have photographed it for your records.
  • Check in on vulnerable neighbours or relatives and help them make any arrangements for repairs
  • Remember to keep clear of electrical or telephone cables that have been blown down or are hanging loose
  • Make sure the building is structurally safe
  • Ventilate and dehumidify the property.
  • Listen to the advice of the authorities and follow any instructions they give to leave the property.
  • If you are told to wait for the rescue service please do so.

If you have been affected and need to make a claim you can contact our team here.

Steps for preparing yourself for winter
Steps for preparing yourself for winter 1432 1006 James Hallam

As we continue through a period of uncertainty one thing is for sure, winter is coming. The cold weather can increase the probability of major disruption and damage to your property or vehicle. We do not know how a winter with COVID-19 will look, but we can prepare ourselves, our homes and our vehicles for the season ahead. By taking the following precautions you can help to ensure you are ready for winter.

Preparing your homes

  • Regular inspections and maintenance of your property like clearing your gutters will help limit the risk of blockages.
  • Keep your boiler on during the winter months. It’s important to check your boiler is in good health by having a regular service.
  • Pre winter checks by your central heating service provider with indicate any improvements needed to the efficiency of your heating.
  • If there is a risk of flooding try to move as many possessions upstairs. If your property has been flooded do not attempt to enter the premises until the electricity has been turned off at the mains.
  • Check for carbon monoxide leaks: This is a silent killer which can easily be detected with an inexpensive test badge or battery-operated alarm.
  • Make yourself aware your stopcock in case you need to stop the water supply quickly after frozen pipes.
  • Keep updated on weather warning and Met Office reports.
  • If properties are permanently unoccupied we would suggest disconnecting water supplies and draining all pipes and heating systems. However if you are only temporarily unoccupied heating systems should remain on to maintain a consistent temperature and avoid freeing.

It goes without saying that drivers need to keep their cars in good condition throughout the year, however even more so during the winter months. Recovery firms suggest that you’re twice as likely to break down during this season, so here are some precautions you can take to minimize the risk.

Preparing your vehicle

  • Plan your route and check road conditions. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
  • Make sure your car has been serviced .
  • Check your battery. Cold weather also has a negative impact on the power a battery and if you haven’t changed your car battery recently, then it could become faulty in the cold.
  • Keep a full tank of fuel. When there is a lot of empty space in the tank moisture can start to build up, and if this can dilutes the fuel can eventually freeze.
  • Ensure your tyres are correctly inflated and don’t get below the minimum of 1.6mm. Also check your tyre pressures regularly, as these can change with a drop in air temperature.
  • Clean your exterior lights and check that all your lights and indicators are working.
  • Carry an emergency kit in case of a breakdown. This should include first aid kid, extra clothing, hi- visibility jacket, food and drink, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid, tow rope, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, warning light or road flares.

Why should you choose an insurance broker?
Why should you choose an insurance broker? 1920 1280 James Hallam

If you are thinking of buying an insurance policy for something you don’t know much about or insuring something fairly unusual you should consider using an insurance broker.  Some may think working with an insurance broker sounds time consuming or dated and it’s much easier to go online but as insurance get more complex and new risks need understanding are you confident that you are best placed to make the right insurance decisions for yourself, your family or your business?

We understand the terminology, the emerging insurance risks, the appetite insurers have for these and we work hard to understand your needs. This makes us well positioned to advise you on not only the right insurance products for you, but the right level of cover. Insurance is complicated. So why go it alone?

There are many benefits to using an insurance broker that other providers cannot offer. Read on to find out more on what an insurance broker can offer you and why you should consider contacting us before your next insurance purchase.

Advantages of using an insurance broker

Advice and Knowledge – As licensed professionals, insurance brokers have a wealth of knowledge and expertise so they can offer you excellent advice on products, how to manage risks, comparing insurance solutions and purchasing insurance. Brokers are impartial and their advice is meant to serve your interests, not the interests of a particular insurance company.

Knowing your options – Insurers won’t always offer you every type of cover when you go directly to them.  Brokers will work with you to understand your unique situation and offer you a range of pre-vetted options to choose from, meaning you can rest easy knowing you are getting the right coverage at the best price.

Find the right product for you- a broker will ask you about your personal circumstances to find you the right policy. They will be able to tell you if you are already covered by your existing insurance policies and get you a good deal by comparing prices and product features. They can also be more flexible on price than comparison sites.

Choice and Price – Dealing with a broker means you are gaining access to the best insurers, some of whom do not sell directly to the public. Insurers will sometimes offer better rates to brokerages, meaning more savings for you. Why would insurance companies offer these lower prices? Lower cover.

Find a specialist provider – Comparison sites may not offer cover that should be tailored to suit your needs. You also will not find special or bespoke cover on there, so if you want to insure something unique like a high-value antique or a collection, a broker is your best option.

Claims are dealt with – If you ever need to make an insurance claim, you can lean on your broker to help make sure you receive a fair and prompt payment. If you find yourself in a disputed claim, your broker will act as an advocate with your insurance company and do as much as possible for you so you do not have the hassle and worry.

If you are looking for insurance, contact us at James Hallam. We offer a wide range of insurance products and can help you to tailor your insurance to your precise needs.

Start Typing