The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today reported that during the month of November, 21 Closure Orders, and 2 Prohibition Orders were served on food businesses for breaches of food safety legislation.  Click here to read the press release.

It is important to remember that employers can be held liable for incidents that happen at Christmas parties, even if the party is offsite and out of hours.Take the opportunity beforehand to remind staff that this is a company event and for everyone’s enjoyment to be mindful that all company policies and procedures apply especially in relation to conduct on the night.

Over €700,000 has been stolen from Irish companies due to an online invoice scam where companies get what appears to be an email from a supplier asking them to change the bank details on a payment. The Gardai have issued a new alert about this scam following recent incidents where Irish companies lost significant funds.   Click here for the latest scam advice.

The Alliance for Insurance reform sub group on duty of care chaired by RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley met yesterday to discuss the next moves to address business owners frustrations about insurance costs and claims. RGDATA has drafted legislative changes to address the onerous duty of care currently imposed in the Occupiers Liability Act.  Click here to read the update.

RGDATA is concerned at the Finance Minister’s comments in his Budget 2020 speech about the Judicial Council not being set up until 2020. “Justice Minister Flanagan has told us it will be established before the end of the year. We need this for insurance reforms that will bring down the cost of shop insurance,” Tara Buckley stated.

RGDATA expressed disappointment to see Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe relaxing taxes for independent bookmakers without doing anything to stop them offering bets on National Lottery draws. “RGDATA will be making representations to the Minister to address this issue so that the local community shops do not lose out on €10 - €15 million in retail agent’s fees and the Good Causes Fund is not stripped of  a potential €125 million,” says Tara Buckley.

RGDATA President, Colm Fee last Thursday met with Ministers Humphries and Phelan to discuss the issues surrounding revaluations and the burden of commercial rates.

RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley chaired a special sub committee meeting of the Alliance for Insurance Reform dedicated to seeking legislative changes to make the duty of care burden on business owners/occupiers fairer. “RGDATA has drafted up a Bill to address the changes needed to the Occupiers’ Liability Act and this group will work together to get those reforms over the line,” says Buckley. “This is one key area for RGDATA and the Alliance as we work to reduce the cost of insurance premiums.”

In a letter to the Committee, Tara Buckley outlined the difficulties small businesses have when dealing with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. Click here to read the letter.

SEAI are running energy training specifically designed for staff and owners wanting to learn more about energy management.  The training takes place in the MIdlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Tuesday 22nd October,  9:30 – 17:00.  

Places are limited so register early to avoid disappointment.