Associate Handbook
Schneider Electric
We are the world's leading workforce solutions company, offering flexible placement, permanent placement, outsourcing and managed services across all sectors.
At Adecco, we believe in the potential of people. We deliver the right talent capabilities at the right time, enabling flexibility and agility for clients. Our global scale, local knowledge, and ‘always-on’ approach matches the best candidates across a wide range of office, industrial and service sector roles. As a career partner, we support the employability of our Associates and are committed to their success.
What We Do
Flexible placement
We recruit and manage flexible workers for our clients, taking care of onboarding, training, payroll and administration.
Outsourcing
We staff and manage entire workforces, such as warehouse logistics or IT support.
Permanent placement
We source candidates, screen CVs, conduct interviews and assessments, and advise hiring managers to ensure companies get the exact skills they need.
Training, upskilling and reskilling
We provide coaching and training that enhances individual employability and addresses persistent skills shortages in industries.
Your Assignment
Hello and welcome to Adecco
The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with all the information relevant to your assignment. It is in your interest to take the time to read the handbook and familiarise yourself with the contents. This handbook should be your first point of reference for any questions/queries that you may have.
Our aim in producing this document was to create a one-stop information point where you would be able to access all the information you are likely to need in relation to your employment with us. The Handbook and corresponding policy documents form part of your contract of employment with Adecco.
I hope you find this a useful guide during your employment, however if you are unable to find the answer to your question here, please feel free to contact the Adecco Team
Thanks
Haidee Riding Client Services Director
Schneider Electric
Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.
We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centres, infrastructure and industries.
We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.
Schneider Electric UK locations
- Belfast
- Chippenham
- Coventry
- Gateshead
- Glasgow
- Flint
- Hatfield
- Leeds
- London
- Plymouth
- Scarborough
- Swindon
- Telford
- Warrington
- Worthing
Contract of Employment
As an associate of Adecco, you will have received a contract of employment and completed other documents at registration. You are employed directly by Adecco, so should you have any problems or queries you should always address them directly to Adecco.
Further detailed policies and procedures which may not be mentioned as part of this document, but still form part of your conditions of employment with us can be accessed through your Adecco representative. All temporary associates will be aligned to the standard Adecco policies in relation to your employment matters. This handbook summarises the main terms of your employment with Adecco.
Adecco reserves the right to change its terms & conditions and employment policies from time to time. You will be notified at the earliest opportunity of these changes by way of general notice to all associates affected by the change.
Whilst you are on assignment for Adecco, we will strive to ensure you enjoy your time here. We will do everything possible to make sure you would recommend Adecco to a friend who is looking for work.
If you have any questions or suggestions as to how we can improve our service during your Assignment at Schneider, please contact your Adecco team.
End of assignment
Your assignment can be terminated at any time by Schneider Electrics. You can terminate your assignment by giving Adecco 2 weeks’ notice. Adecco may deduct any money due to you if you fail to return PPE or ID Badge.
If you do decide to leave your assignment with Adecco, you must provide your resignation and P45 request in writing. Email is acceptable but please ensure that you confirm your address and date of birth.
Changes to personal information
It is important that our records are correct, as inaccurate or out of date information may affect your salary or cause difficulties in situations where contact is required for emergencies.
You must update your account on Connect Communities and notify the Adecco team immediately of all changes in the following personal information:
• Name
• Home address
• Telephone number
• Bank account details
• Emergency contact
Personal data on associates is held in accordance with the provisions of the Company’s Data Protection Policy which will be made available for inspection by you if required.
Confidentiality
As an associate you must ensure that you maintain the confidentiality of information gained during the course of the assignment with the Schneider, whether it is corporate information, concerned with the business or the customers, whether it is obtained in any form i.e. verbal, written or data based, stored on magnetic or electronic media and data communicated through communication lines
Hours of work
The shifts at SCHNEIDER vary dependent on your job role, working hours will be clarified prior to offer of employment on your Assignment Confirmation.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are available and flexible with the shifts that you work.
Pay & Benefits
Payroll
You are paid weekly, every Friday directly into your Bank account. This is paid in arrears, which means you work one week and are paid the following Friday for those hours.
You will be paid an hourly rate which will be indicated on your Assignment Confirmation.
Occasionally on Bank Holidays your pay date may change, however this will be communicated to you by My Experience/ Contract Manager.
Payslips will be available to view online in connect on a Thursday/ Friday depending when payroll was processed by Adecco.
Weekly pay day
Friday
Pay queries
Should you have any queries regarding your pay please contact : schneidersatellite@adecco.co.uk
Please note any emails sent on a Friday will not be responded to until a Monday due to my working hours/days. (Monday to Thursday)
Online timesheets
It is the associates responsibility to enter your hours on the online timesheet system ‘ Connect Community Portal’ each Monday before 10am for the previous weeks hours.
Once you have entered your hours the client is sent a automatic reminder to approve your timesheet. Once approved this will be processed by Adecco Payroll.
Payslips
All payslips are viewable on the ‘Connect Communities Portal’
To access Connect Communities type into ‘Google’ – Adecco Connect Communities or visit our website www.adecco.co.uk and select ‘Log in’
You can log in or select ‘forgot password’ if you need to set up a new password. (If ‘Forgot password’ is selected you will receive a email to your inbox from Connect Communities asking you to select a new password) To View payslips: Select PAYMENTS tab at the very top and then the PAY ADVICE tab.
Adecco benefits
Adecco offer a large range of excellent discounts in our Benefits package.
Boost Benefits
As a valued associate, Boost Benefits is your go to place for discounts, wellbeing and recognition. Explore your benefits on offer and gain access to our new recognition scheme, exclusive for associates of The Adecco Group brands.
From groceries to gardening, electronics to fashion, holidays and even home utilities, there are almost 1,000 different offers available to you, all of which can be used on top of other sales and promotions. Your different ways to save include:
• Reloadable cards
• Cashback
• Instant vouchers
Find out more about Boost benefits in our eBook or watch the Boost Benefits video. - Log in to your Boost Benefits account
Eye Care Vouchers
Your sight matters. If you work for long periods in front of monitors, computer screens and other VDU, it can cause eyestrain. As an employer we provide and fund an eye examination* to any employee using VDU and glasses if required solely and specifically for VDU.
Your Specsavers voucher entitles you to:
• A full eye test
• One pair of glasses from the £49 Specsavers range or £49 towards glasses, when required solely and specifically for VDU use
• £20 off when purchasing from the £99 range with Premium Club
• Safety Eyewear if required (working with machinery, chemicals, sparks etc) Apply for a Specsavers voucher
Annual leave
Adecco’s Holiday Year runs from beginning of October to end of September. You will accrue holidays every time you work a shift with Adecco. This will vary depending on when you start/ Pro Rata:
Pre 12 weeks of employment you are entitled to: 28 Days including bank holidays if you work 5 days a week- 0.539 per week.
Post 12 weeks of employment you are entitled to: 36 Days including bank holidays if you work 5 days a week- 0.692 per week.
Please see the calculations below for Post 12 weeks:
To find out your accrual please EMAIL: schneidersatellite@adecco.co.uk
To request holidays, you must:
1. Check availability with your manager/ supervisor.
2. Email schneidersatellite@adecco.co.uk copying in your manager, to request the days to be paid. Please confirm what dates you require to be paid and if you require full days or half days. (Failure to email will result in the days being unpaid)
36days
Please provide as much notice as possible for holidays - 2 weeks minimum. All approvals must be obtained before taking any holiday. If you need to attend appointments, please try to arrange these dates outside of your scheduled shift pattern. If this is not possible you will need to book the time off work using your holiday entitlement or unpaid leave following the above process and provide evidence of your appointment.
Paid Holidays will show as PAL (Paid annual leave) on your payslip.
Pension & Tax Pension Auto-Enrolment
Adecco will automatically enrol you into our pension scheme provided that you:
• Are aged between 22 and state pension age
• Earn income that is subject to tax
• Have worked for us for three months
Our pension scheme is provided by NOW: Pensions and you will receive information from them confirming whether or not you meet the criteria to be automatically enrolled. If you have pension contributions on your payslip it’s because you meet all three of the criteria above. If you want to contact them in advance of receiving this information or because you haven’t received any information to date you can contact them on:
Telephone: 0330 1003334
Pensions Website: https://www.nowpensions.com/support
Remember that if you don’t want to belong to the scheme you are able to opt out of it. In order to do this you must contact NOW: Pensions but only after they have written to you. You also have the option of opting in to the pension scheme before the 12 week period – you will need to contact Now Pensions directly regarding this.
Please note that no member of Adecco can advise you on whether you should join or not. If you are unsure, you should seek independent financial advice.
Tax
You will need to supply Adecco with your bank details on your first day and P45 to ensure you are paid correctly straight away.
If you have any queries relating to tax you will need to contact HMRC directly. The details you will need are below:
HMRC: 0300 200 3300
Adecco Reference: 951/AD220
Absence
While we of course understand that there will be occasions when you are unwell or have issues outside work that prevent you from coming in, we must stress that it is really important that you make every effort to achieve 100% attendance. Any absence has a direct impact on your colleagues’ workload and the business’ ability to meet it’s production targets and fulfil it’s clients requirements.
Please remember that at Schneider we use the Bradford Factor points system to track and monitor absence levels and repeated and continuous occurrences of absence could result in you facing disciplinary action and could risk the end of your assignment.
Should any absence/ Lateness occur please adhere to the following :
• You MUST inform your manager at Schneider if you are unable to make your shift. Please contact your supervisor/manager at the start of your shift. If you do not have their number please speak with them to request this ASAP.
• You must also notify Adecco - (As Adecco is your employer it is vital that you inform us and for absences to be logged) by telephone call or Text on : Becky Jackson - 07752 786 522
(If there is no answer please leave text and we will return your call ASAP)
It is compulsory that both the above contacts are informed if you are unable to attend work. PLEASE ENSURE BOTH THE ABOVE NUMBERS ARE SAVED/STORED IN YOUR PHONES.
For clarity, it is NOT acceptable to:
• Not turn up and not let anyone know why
• Pass a message to a colleague to report your absence for you
• Tell us the day before your shift that you are going to be off sick the next day
• Only phone in on the first day of an extended absence period – you need to phone every day that you are off
Any of the above will be recorded as ‘absence without reporting in’ and will result in you facing disciplinary action.
**Failure to contact us and notify us of your absence is not acceptable and may lead to disciplinary procedures or terminations of assignment **
Bradford Factor System
Schneider operates a Bradford Factor Points system for all associates and employees at each site. Absence will be monitored utilising a points system, the principle is based on analysing both number of days lost to absence, greater weight being given to frequency of absence.
Trigger Factors - Number of occasions x Number of occasions x Number of days absent = Bradford Points Score
Following a period of absence, a return to work interview will be carried out. The following trigger points will involve disciplinary action in accordance with the agreed procedure:
80 Points: Contract Manager/Consultant to investigate the reasons and discuss the situation with the employee, reminding the employee of the need to attend work on a regular basis.
125 Points: Contract Manager/Consultant will discuss the situation with the client and the employee concerned, and a verbal warning will be issued in accordance with agreed disciplinary procedures.
250 Points: First written warning will be issued.
400 Points: Final written warning.
500 Points : Dismissal from the Company.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) may be payable in respect of periods of absence, subject to qualification in accordance with the rules of the scheme and with submission of appropriate certification.
There is no entitlement to SSP for the first 3 days of absence, known as waiting days. Furthermore, where Associates are not working on assignment at the time of becoming unwell, qualification for SSP differs and may not be applicable.
For periods of sickness between 5 and 7 days, you will be required to complete a Self-Certification form which can be obtained from the Adecco Service Desk. (Knowingly completing a Self-Certification form with false information will result in disciplinary action being taken, and likely dismissal from your assignment).
For periods of sickness over 7 consecutive days in length (including weekends and non-working days), you will be required to produce a Doctor’s ‘Fit to Return’ certificate. This should be forwarded to your Adecco Onsite team as soon as possible. Failure to supply a Doctor’s ‘Fit to Return’ certificate may result in loss of pay.
Your Adecco Onsite team will provide further information regarding Statutory Sick Pay.
Agency Worker Regulations (AWR)
The Agency Worker Regulations seeks to ensure that agency workers receive the same entitlement or no less favourable treatment as comparable employees with respect to basic employment and working conditions.
Adecco work with Schneider to ensure we are compliant with this legislation.
Standard of performance and behaviour at work
Behavioural Expectations
We will endeavour to work in a spirit of teamwork and co-operation, respectful of others and understanding of their needs.
We must communicate openly with trust and honesty, creating an atmosphere which fosters business growth and personal development.
We expect all employees to demonstrate the following behaviours:
• Treat others with dignity (treat others as you would like to be treated or, even better, the way they want to be treated)
• Be open and honest (don’t be afraid to admit a mistake)
• Encourage an environment where no victimisation or favouritism exists
• Comply with, respect and support the Company Rules and Procedures (e.g. Timekeeping, breaks, tidiness, hygiene and general housekeeping)
• Challenge the norm without fear of retribution (there are no bad ideas)
• Show a sense of urgency and focus and be accountable for your actions. Persevere until the result is achieved.
• Be supportive of others and listen
• Encourage flexibility, initiative and positive leadership as an example to others
• Be professional and always demonstrate integrity .
• Respect Company property and that of other people
• Show enthusiasm, smile and have fun
Our commitment is to work as a total team to fulfil the expectations of our customers and our Company. If you see, hear or observe employees or managers demonstrating inappropriate conduct towards others, then you are urged to report such incidents to your Manager and an Adecco Consultant promptly. You can be assured that there will be no threats or acts of retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports any act of inappropriate conduct.
Disciplinary Policy
This policy applies to all employees working on assignment for Adecco.
The primary aim of the policy is to help individuals whose performance and/or conduct has failed to reach the required standards to make necessary improvements.
The policy does not form part of employees’ contracts of employment with Adecco or otherwise have contractual effect. In all cases, before disciplinary action is taken the employee will be informed of the allegations made against him/her and an investigation will be held to establish the facts surrounding the complaint. The employee will have the opportunity to state his/her case and to put forward any extenuating circumstances.
Disciplinary Procedure
An employee invited to attend a disciplinary hearing which may result in the termination of their employment or other disciplinary punishment will receive a written explanation of the allegation against them.
Disciplinary hearings will be conducted in such a way to make sure that the employee is able to present their case. At all disciplinary hearings, the employee has the right to be accompanied by a fellow colleague or recognised trade union representative of his/her choice. If a complaint is upheld the employee will be informed of the disciplinary action to be taken and the improvements in conduct or work performance that are required. The disciplinary procedure may be invoked at any of the following levels depending upon the seriousness of the offence.
In the case of a minor offence of misconduct or where performance remains substandard despite training and counselling,
Types Of warnings:
An improvement notice
A Verbal Warning (this will remain on your file for 3 months)
A first written warning may be issued, following the principles explained above and will normally remain current for 12 months.
AFinal Written Warning - A final warning may be issued for serious breaches or continued failings to improve for conduct/ absence.
Repetition of a minor offence, a more serious single act of misconduct or continued poor performance may lead to a final written warning. The employee will be told what improvements in performance or conduct are necessary. The possible consequences of failure to reach and maintain the required standards will be explained and the warning will normally remain current for a period of twelve months. The final stage of the disciplinary procedure is dismissal.
Dismissal will be without notice in cases of gross misconduct. Copies of the full Disciplinary Procedure are available fromAdecco onsite office.
Site rules
Smoking
Smoking only permitted in designated areas.
Dress Code
Roles requiring PPE:
Whilst working on site on the shop floor, PPE must be worn at all times PPE will be provided to you on your first day by the client
OtherRoles:
‘Dress for your Day’ ‘Dress for your Day’ is quite simple – just wear what feels right for your day.
There are a few items of clothing we ask you not to wear and we’ve listed them below.
Here’s how ‘Dress for your Day’ works:
• Apply common sense, we work in a professional environment
• Dress for your audience and location - if your meeting customers, brokers or third parties and they like smart, go smart. If they are more relaxed, go with that
• If you’re in the office at your desk - keep it comfortable
• Working from home? Who’s looking?Anything goes! (unless you are video skyping)
If the office doesn’t have a ‘Dress for your day’ approach, please wear business casual dress, if you are in any of our offices that don’t have ‘Dress for your Day’.
What can’t be worn in any of our offices
• Any type of clothing with working or imagery that could cause offence
• Flip flops of any kind. There are also health & safety issues with wearing flip flops – we don’t want you falling over on the stairs
• Beachwear
• Short that aren’t tailored
• Crop tops or vests
• Heavily ripped or transparent clothing
• Tracksuits
• Sports shirts e.g. football/rugby shirts
Jewellery, piercings and tattoos
We ask that you are sensible and considerate of colleagues and customers around you so cover up anything that may cause offence. If you're not sure whether something may be offensive, we suggest you err on the side of caution.
If you are in a safety critical role, piercings or jewellery will need removing.
And finally, don’t forget to check the dress code of another location if you are visiting for meetings etc.
Please speak to your manager if you have any queries about this policy or need to discuss and agree what to wear at work.
Health & Safety
Health & Safety Overview
Health and Safety is a partnership in which we not only look after ourselves as individuals but also care for our associates. We want to make you aware of both your responsibilities and our responsibilities in this important area. On the first day of your assignment, you will attend an Induction onsite in the Training room and the factory floor, covering:
• Health & Safety
• Accident and Near Miss reporting
• Safe Work Practices
• On the job work training
If you are unsure about anything on the induction please ask the trainer
Health & Safety
This is a high risk working environment where you are more likely to encounter an accident especially when you are paying due care and attention or behaving in a sensible manner. Therefore please ensure
• Your uniform is provided for a reason and must be worn at all times. You will be sent home if you do not comply with this dress code and liable for a disciplinary
• You will be notified during your Schneider induction what PPE is needed in your role and where this needs to be worn.
• On entering your assignment you will undertake a health and safety induction with Schneider Electric. You will sign to say you have accepted and understood the induction. If this does not take place you report this immediately to your Adecco representative and NOT undertake any work at site.
• The induction is important as all sites are different and have a wide range of risks and hazard. The risks and hazards will be covered off on your onsite training and induction.
• Any damage to your PPE must be reported and item(s) replaced immediately
• You MUST report ALL accidents, however small to your Manager, Supervisor or Line Manager and to your local Adecco representative.
• Please report anything you believe could cause an accident to your Supervisor or Line Manager and to your local Adecco representative.
• You MUST wear the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided at all times in the workplace, this includes earplugs which must be worn in certain areas. Damaged or ineffective PPE must be replaced immediately and you must notify your supervisor.
• Personal Safety: Please inform your Supervisor should you intend to leave your station. Always check any machinery you will be using before operating.
Reporting Accidents & Near
Misses
ReportingAccidents
• If you are involved in an accident or near miss incident whilst on assignment, it is important that you follow this procedure:
• Report the incident immediately to your line manager/supervisor
• Ensure the details are recorded in the clients/companies accident book (all accidents must be recorded)
• If required, obtain treatment for the injury from a First Aider or Appointed Person.
• ContactAdecco immediately to notify us.
• KeepAdecco informed of any after-affects of the incident, including periods or total or partial incapacity for work.
37% of all accidents in the workplace are related to manual handling.
It is essential to know how to lift and carry objects of all weights and sizes safely. Here are some guidelines….
• Only lift of carry what you can easily manage.
• Get help with anything you think might be too heavy or awkward to manage on your own.
• Use trolleys, wheel barrows or other appropriate lifting equipment if these are available.
• Make sure you can clearly see where you are going.
• Use your whole hand to pick items up, not just your fingers.
• If the load is uneven make sure the heaviest part is closest to your body.
• Bend your knees and keep your back straight, don’t stoop.
Fire safety
Fire Evacuation Procedure
When you hear the fire alarm sound you MUST Immediately leave the building in a safe and orderly manner by the nearest fire exit.
Do not stop to collect personal belongings
Do not re-enter the building until told to by the incident co-coordinator
Proceed to assembly point 4 which is situated in the main car park where a roll call will take place.
What to do if you discover a fire
• Never attempt to tackle the fire.
• Immediately activate the nearest fire alarm (these will be pointed out to you during your induction)
• Leave the building via the nearest fire exit and head to your designated fire assembly point.
GDPR
The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) came into force on 25 May 2018, replacing the previous Data Protection Act, and gives everyone new responsibilities to consider helping ensure compliance.
GDPR is concerned with respecting the rights of individuals when processing their personal information. This can be achieved by being open and honest with staff about the use of information about them and by following good data handling procedures. GDPR is mandatory and all organisations that hold or process personal data must comply.
The Regulation contains six Principles:
• Personal data should be processed fairly, lawfully and in a transparent manner.
• Data should be obtained for specified and lawful purposes and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes.
• The data should be adequate, relevant and not excessive.
• The data should be accurate and where necessary kept up to date.
• Data should not be kept for longer than necessary.
• Data should be kept secure.
All our staff have a responsibility to ensure that their activities comply with the Data Protection Principles. Line Managers have responsibility for the type of Personal Data they collect and how they use it.
Staff must not disclose Personal Data outside the organisation's procedures, or use Personal Data held on others for their own purposes.
Authorisation
to Provide Personal
Information
Adecco will supply Home Office with your personal information when you work on assignment for them.
Employee Assistance
Need a helping hand with medical, legal and financial concerns? The Adecco Group’s free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme is here to help.
Challenges at work and home can sometimes feel like the weight of the world on your shoulders, but Adecco Group’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can help lighten the load.
All Adecco Associates have access to a totally free, confidential, 24/7 service, which is run independently of Adecco Group by Legal and General.
One phone call puts you in touch with counsellors, medical and legal experts to help you cope with whatever life throws at you – including stress, family problems, bereavement, depression and money worries.
Services include:
• Telephone Counselling
An independent, confidential and unlimited 24/7 service provided by qualified counsellors for dispute resolution, stress, anxiety and many more issues. They offer practical advice, plus details of self-help support groups and other support agencies.
• Legal Information Service
Free information and links to legal guidance on debt management, lawsuits, consumer, property disputes and more. Please note, the service provides information only and does not give legal advice.
• Specialist advice
Practical information and signposting to services which provide advice for life events - from buying a house, getting married and having children to consumer issues, relocation, staying healthy and furthering your career.
How it works
Using the scheme is simple, and its available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Get in touch with Legal and General’s EAP team on:
Freephone 0800 316 9337
Outside of the UK 01737 374788
Mental Health Support
From time to time we all struggle with our mental health. Adecco are committed to ensuring that support is there when it’s needed most so have teamed up with _able futures.
What is _able futures?
_able futures provide Government-funded counselling to individuals as part of a self-referral scheme. You will be able speak to a healthcare professional within one working day of signing up.
How can it help me?
_able futures is open to everyone. Once you have referred yourself, _able futures will provide you with a confidential, free and personalised support scheme based on your needs, whilst offering face-to-face and over-the-phone counselling support for a period of up to nine months. The services offer first-class support from qualified health care professionals around most aspects of mental health, including stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, bereavement and many more. It is focused on helping you learn to cope better with your mental health challenges at work and move forward in a positive way.
How do I refer myself?
Please phone 0800 321 3137, Email hello@able-futures.co.uk or visit www.able-futures.co.uk for more information.
Declaration
You must now complete the electronic declaration form at the bottom of this page
By completing this you are declaring that:
• You are aware of your responsibilities required by Adecco and Schneider.
• You acknowledge receipt of the Adecco Handbook and understand it’s contents,
• You are happy for Adecco to share your details with Schneider for the purposes of this assignment, if required.
Should you not comply with the contents of this booklet, it may result in your removal from the assignment at Schneider.
