TF011 – PIER Welcome Pack

Before You Start Work

Welcome to P.I.E.R Ltd

Our recruitment agency specialises in finding temporary roles for workers in the construction and building services industry. By registering your interest with us we have added you to our database which means we will contact you about suitable temporary vacancies in your area by phone, SMS and e-mail

We have your basic contact information on record but must obtain the following documents and information before we can confirm a position for you. Documents can be sent by post, e-mail or WhatsApp.

☐	Proof that you accept our attached terms (either sign & return or drop us an e-mail to confirm that you accept the terms
☐	Completed and signed application form (attached)
☐	Copies of relevant qualifications and training certificates (For site cards we must have a copy of front and back)
☐	Copy of your passport OR birth certificate (long version) and proof of National Insurance document
☐	Proof of National Insurance number (a government issued document)
☐	Government issued photo ID (Passport, Driving Licence, Identity Card)
☐	Proof of address dated in the last 3 months (Utility bill / bank / building society or credit card statement) OR 12 months (council tax statement / government issued letter/financial or mortgage statement) OR current full photo-card driving licence

In this Welcome Pack you will find important information about working with us. Please ensure you read this document carefully.

Equal Opportunities

P.I.E.R Ltd is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all work seekers and treat everyone equally irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion, political beliefs or non/membership of a trade union and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with this policy.

P.I.E.R Ltd shall not discriminate unlawfully when deciding which candidate/temporary worker is submitted for a vacancy or assignment, or in any terms of employment or terms of engagement for temporary workers. We will ensure that each candidate is assessed only in accordance with the candidate’s merits, qualification and ability to perform the relevant duties required by the particular vacancy.Working With Pier

Assignment Details

Once we have confirmed a placement we will send you ‘Assignment Details’ by e-mail. This document contains your hourly rate, site details and other important information so please read it carefully and keep a copy. We will send you Assignment Details for each new placement

Timesheet Process

Timesheets must be completed every Friday, or on your final day of work, and must arrive in our office by no later than 1600 on the following Monday. A blank timesheet will be sent by e-mail with your assignment details, or you can request some by post or download a timesheet. You must ensure that the timesheet is completed correctly and signed by the Foreman. Some sites will send us timesheets for you, some will expect you to organise this yourself. Please verify this on your first day. Failure to follow these instructions could result in a delay in your payment being processed.

You can send timesheets to timesheets@pierconsulting.co.uk

Payments

You will be paid weekly, in arrears, every Friday. Before starting an assignment, you will have discussed your payment options. We have partnered with three payroll providers that we have stringently assessed for service and against legislation. There is information on pages 9-10 about the three providers. You also always have the option of being paid PAYE direct. For information on how this would affect your rate please call your recruitment contact listed at the bottom of this page.

Quest Pay Solutions – Your contact will be Bryher Burns 01244 555123
Exchequer Solutions – Your contact will be Donna Jones – 01244 563130
JMK Group UK – Your contact will be Oliver Storey – 01895 447800
P.I.E.R – Your payroll contact will be Rebecca Sparks – 01446 688886

Holidays

We require a minimum of a week’s notice to process holiday requests. To apply for holiday during your assignment you must request and return a holiday request form from your contact.

All agency workers (not including self-employed) are entitled to the equivalent of 5.6 weeks of holiday each year (our calendar year runs from January 1st to December 31st). This is calculated on a pro rata basis dependent on the number of days and hours worked each week.

If you have opted to be paid by a third-party intermediary umbrella, contracting or other company then please check your holiday options with the company that processes your payments.Pensions

P.I.E.R Ltd will automatically enrol you into the pension scheme provided by Creative Pension Trust once you begin an assignment if you have chosen option 1 (PAYE direct workers) and meet the eligibility criteria set by the Pensions Advisory Service.

You have the option to opt out of pension auto-enrolment.

If you are paid by a third-party intermediary umbrella, contracting or other company then they will contact you to advise regarding pension auto-enrolment.

Insurance

We provide Personal Accident Cover for our temporary workers at no additional cost to you, whilst you are on assignment with us

P.I.E.R Ltd reserves the right to discontinue, vary or amend the insurance. For more information you can ask your Pier contact.

Contact Us

We look forward to working with you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Office: 01446 688 886

Mobile: 07535 301473

Email: info@pier-recruit.co.uk

Health and Safety for Temporary Workers

As an employment business we introduce you to our clients as a temporary worker to work under the supervision, direction and control of our client, unless you are a self-employed contractor. The compliance with H&S regulations is the responsibility of the client to who you have been introduced.

Should you have any H&S concerns, our Health & Safety officer Andrew Warring can be contacted at 01792 293736.

Our responsibility lies in ensuring you have all the relevant health and safety information that you require to complete your assignment safely, and we ask the client to provide this when we send your assignment details.However, as a temporary worker you do have responsibility for yourself and others working with you on assignment and should pay attention to the following:

Before Assignment

Check any PPE you are asked to provide, and wear is suitable, complies with the relevant standards and is in good condition. There is a PPE guide below. (minimum requirement hard hat, steel toe cap boots and high vis vest
Ensure any qualifications, competence scheme cards and /or certificates regarding H&S you hold are valid and current and you have provided us with a copy
Inform the client and P.I.E.R of any medical condition that may prevent you from working safely before an assignment or as soon as you are aware.
Make yourself familiar with our alcohol and drugs policy

During Assignment

You will be provided with a Site Health & Safety Induction on your first day on site. Should you not receive this induction on your first day please inform our office immediately.
Make yourself aware of the location of fire exits, extinguishers, trained First Aiders and all other emergency arrangements for the area in which you are working. Co-operate with all H&S matters and follow all instructions given to ensure a safe system of work.
You must see the first-aider for any injury you may receive, irrespective of how minor, and ensure details are entered the accident book.
Follow the guide below for accident reporting and be aware of who should be contacted, including Pier.
Report any dangers or risks to a representative of the client, including damage caused to property.

You must not operate any item of equipment unless trained and authorised to do so. You must not remove any guarding from equipment used or deviate from your authorised usage of the equipment. Make sure you have the correct equipment to do your work safely and ensure your work area is kept tidy. You must report immediately any equipment defect, and never attempt repair
You must not become involved in horseplay or practical jokes and must follow all rules pertaining to no smoking areas
Be aware of the risks and dangers or working at heights, manual handling, lifting, poor floor surfaces and furniture, using display screen equipment, fire hazards, electrical wiring and appliances, working in confined spaces or excavations, asbestos awareness, handling hazardous materials and using electrical equipment, site vehicles or mobile plant.

Accident Reporting

Accidents involving people not at work (e.g. the public) are reportable if they are taken to hospital for treatment for a work-related injury.

The Hazards and Types of PPE

It is important that users wear PPE all the time they are exposed to the risk. Never allow exemptions for those jobs which take ‘just a few minutes.

EYES

HAZARDS: Chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour, radiation.

OPTIONS: Safety spectacles, goggles, face-shields, visors.

NOTE: Make sure the eye protection has the right combination of impact/dust/ splash/molten metal eye protection for the task and fits the user properly.

HEAD

HAZARDS: Impact from falling or flying objects, risk of head bumping, hair entanglement.

OPTIONS: A range of helmets, hard hats and bump caps.

NOTE: Some safety helmets incorporate or can be fitted with specially-designed eye or hearing protection. Don’t forget neck protection, eg scarves for use during welding. Do not use head protection if it is damaged – replace it.

BREATHING

HAZARDS: Dust, vapour, gas, oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

OPTIONS: Disposable filtering face-piece or respirator, half- or full-face respirators, airfed helmets, breathing apparatus.

NOTE: The right type of respirator filter must be used as each is effective for only a limited range of substances. Where there is a shortage of oxygen or any danger of losing consciousness due to exposure to high levels of harmful fumes, only use breathing apparatus – never use a filtering cartridge. Filters only have a limited life; when replacing them or any other part, check with the manufacturer’s guidance and ensure the correct replacement part is used. If you are using respiratory protective equipment, look at HSE’s publication Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide.

PROTECTING THE BODY

HAZARDS: Temperature extremes, adverse weather, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, impact or penetration, contaminated dust, excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing.

OPTIONS: Conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, specialist protective clothing, eg chain-mail aprons, high-visibility clothing.

NOTE: The choice of materials includes flame-retardant, anti-static, chain mail, chemically impermeable, and high-visibility. Don’t forget other protection, like safety harnesses or life jackets. Health and Safety Executive Personal protective equipment (PPE) at work Page 4 of 6

HANDS AND ARMS

HAZARDS: abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric shock, skin infection, disease or contamination.

OPTIONS: Gloves, gauntlets, mitts, wrist-cuffs, armlets.

NOTE: Avoid gloves when operating machines such as bench drills where the gloves could get caught. Some materials are quickly penetrated by chemicals so be careful when you are selecting them, see HSE’s skin at work website (www.hse.gov.uk/skin). Barrier creams are unreliable and are no substitute for proper PPE. Wearing gloves for long periods can make the skin hot and sweaty, leading to skin problems; using separate cotton inner gloves can help prevent this. Be aware that some people may be allergic to materials used in gloves, eg latex.

HANDS AND LEGS

HAZARDS: Wet, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects, metal and chemical splash, abrasion.

OPTIONS: Safety boots and shoes with protective toe caps and penetration-resistant mid-sole, gaiters, leggings, spats.

NOTE: Footwear can have a variety of sole patterns and materials to help prevent slips in different conditions, including oil or chemical-resistant soles. It can also be anti-static, electrically conductive or thermally insulating. It is important that the appropriate footwear is selected for the risks identified.

Maintenance

Make sure:

equipment is well looked after and properly stored when it is not being used, eg in a dry, clean cupboard, or for smaller items in a box or case;
equipment is kept clean and in good repair – follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule (including recommended replacement periods and shelf lives);
simple maintenance can be carried out by the trained wearer, but more intricate repairs should only be done by specialists;
replacement parts match the original, e.g. respirator filters;

CE Marking

Ensure any PPE you buy is ‘CE’ marked and complies with the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002. The CE marking signifies that the PPE satisfies certain basic safety requirements and, in some cases, will have been tested and certified by an independent body.

Health and Wellbeing

We are well aware of the impact that mental health and wellbeing can have on workers in the construction industry.

The Construction Industry Helpline provides a 24/7 safety net for all construction workers and their families in the UK and Ireland. It is a charitable service funded by the industry, for the industry and provides;

Emergency financial aid to construction families in crisis
Advice on occupational health and mental wellbeing
Support on legal, tax and debt management matters

You can call the helpline 24/7 on 0345 605 1956

Alcohol and Drugs Policy

P.I.E.R Ltd believes that it is essential that all employees, workers and those who render services to the Company or at the Company’s premises are in full command of themselves and of all of their faculties throughout the working day.

P.I.E.R Ltd requires you to present yourself for work on each occasion required under your contract in complete command of all your faculties i.e. without any dependence on alcohol or any other drugs of a non-medicinal nature and to maintain that state until the completion of your working hours under your contract. If during your working day you must take medicinal drugs on a regular basis, this fact should be made known to the Hiring Company confidentially.

If you present yourself at work or during working hours and you are in a condition where Hiring Client believes you to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and you are not able to carry out your duties in a proper, fit and safe way you will not be allowed to commence work or continue work. Instead you will be suspended without pay and not allowed to return until such a time as you are in full control of your faculties.

In addition, such behaviour will be subject to the disciplinary procedure of P.I.E.R Ltd and after due investigation may result in dismissal as a result of gross misconduct.

P.I.E.R Ltd is obliged to investigate all the circumstances surrounding such behaviour prior to commencing the disciplinary procedure and this may, where necessary, include seeking medical advice as to your condition including requiring you to submit to a medical examination. P.I.E.R Ltd is obliged to investigate such matters in as much detail as possible and therefore expects you to comply with any requests that you submit to such examinations. You may appeal in accordance with the Company’s disciplinary procedure.

If you receive a disciplinary sanction short of dismissal or if you have a successful appeal P.I.E.R Ltd will recommend that you take advantage of counselling services to help control your problem. If you need to be absent from work for a period of treatment for either alcohol or drug dependency a reasonable leave of absence will normally be granted to cover this on an unpaid basis.

If P.I.E.R or the client suspects that you are in the possession of alcohol or drugs they have the right to impose a search of your belongings. If you are found to be in possession of any alcohol or illegal substances, you will be suspended from your duties pending further investigation. This matter will be dealt with under the Company’s disciplinary procedure and after due investigation it may result in dismissal for gross misconduct.

If P.I.E.R or the client believes you are dealing, buying, selling or receiving drugs or alcohol you will suspended from your duties while an investigation is carried out. Where a criminal offence is suspected the Company shall inform the police.

All employees and workers are required to inform P.I.E.R Ltd or any appropriate person if they suspect any fellow worker may be acting in breach of this policy.

Guide to Third Party Payroll Providers

P.I.E.R has carefully selected three payroll partners that offer a high quality of service and level of compliance. The majority of our workers opt to be paid via an intermediary for temporary assignments rather than being paid through our PAYE direct option. Once registered they will organise your payroll for an assignment on a weekly basis, paid each Friday in arrears.

We have listed details below of the three providers and their service and charges. When you start an assignment, we give your chosen payroll provider your contact details so they can quickly register your details and set you up for payment.

Quest Pay Solutions

https://www.quest-pay.co.uk/
01244 555123
Registration contact : Abby
registrations@quest-pay.co.uk

Benefits of Working with Quest

Streamlined registration service enabling candidates to register in a matter of minutes
Automatic text messaging service advising candidates of net amount paid into their account.
In-depth understanding of the temporary recruitment market
Flexibility with late payment submissions if required via “faster payment”

Umbrella PAYE Charges