Links to Useful Information

The information in this section is given in good faith, but VPMA cannot be held responsible for its accuracy and currency.  You are advised to check all information with your own advisors before taking action.  Please email the webmaster if you find any links which are not correct, not useful or if you have any we could add.  Thank you!

ACAS, has a network of help-lines giving free information and quidance on employment issues (see Local telephone directory under ACAS).  Most publications and details of the nationwide series of workshops and other events, including contact details are on   www.acas.org.uk    Contact details for publications orders are tel 0870 242 9090, Fax 020 8867 3225  email acas@eclogistics.co.uk

You might also like to visit the TUC website at www.tuc.org.uk for help with employment and grievance issues.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association is a useful source of information on companion animal veterinary matters, with a secure members section, and excellent health and safety areas for practices www.bsava.com

The British Veterinary Hospitals Association (BVHA) have information about hospital standards for small animal and equine practices at www.bvha.org.uk    They can help with plans and design, and hold an annual congress in the autumn.

Business Links are local organisations with information and facilities to help small and medium enterprises prosper and grow:  national contact number 0845 600 9 006  www.businesslink.gov.uk

Other business support organisations are:

Wales - Business Connect 08457 96 97 98

Scotland (Lowlands) Small Business Gateway 08456 09 66 11

Scotland (Highlands and Islands) Business Information Source 08456 09 66 11

Northern Ireland Small Business Agency (Ledu) 028 9049 1031

Company car tax is changing - check out www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/cars/

Carbon dioxide emissions data for company cars can be found in the relevant section of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders site www.smmt.co.uk/co2/co2intro.asp

The UK Court Service, amongst other functions, advises on wills and probate, as well as providing a free downloadable forms section to help with DIY legal actions eg  documents required to show you have served papers on someone, or the papers to bring a small claims action see www.courtservice.gov.uk

The Department of Trade and Industry website has lots of useful information on the Working Time Directive, Parental Leave and new employment legislation: www.dti.gov.uk

The Department for Education and Skills provides a good gateway to many relevant government sites with lots of information on the law, fact sheets and press releases www.dfes.gov.uk

For information on equality and good practice advice, check out ACAS's Equality Direct service designed specifically for business  tel 0845 600 3444 www.equalitydirect.org.uk

The Equal Opportunities Commission's site is at www.eoc.org.uk

The Commission for Racial Equality is at www.cre.gov.uk

The Disability Rights Commission is at www.drc-gb.org

The Financial Services Authority has information about what employers can and cannot do in giving information and guidance to employees about stakeholder and group pensions www.fsa.gov.uk

To check out what the profession is doing in Europe, look at www.fve.org

HSE Direct is an initiative by the Health and Safety Executive and LexisNexis Butterworths Tolley, containing HSE Guidance documents , COSHH Essentials and an email alert service providing details of the latest legislation and guidance.  A CD Rom version is also available   www.hsedirect.com

The Health and Safety Executive's website is at www.hse.gov.uk

For tax and PAYE issuse, check out the Inland Revenue's site at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk

Investors in People information and copies of the standard are available from www.investorsinpeople.co.uk

For legal documents on-line (not necessarily free of charge), try the following: www.desktoplawyer.net , www.diy-lawyer.com www.lawdocs.co.uk ,  www.thelawstore.co.uk , www.oneclickhr.com

The Office of Fair Trading are at www.oft.gov.uk

Better Payment Practice Group provides authoritative advice on existing late payment legislation, and advice on developing a robust credit management policy  020 7655 0530 www.payontime.co.uk

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon's website includes news and information on many veterinary issues, nursing training (including portfolio downloads and results lists) and the current Guide to Professional Conduct www.rcvs.org.uk

The Veterinary Record / In Practice website, updated weekly, gives details of the contents of each of the two journals.  It provides an extensive and up to date listing of forthcoming CPD events and also lists recruitment advertisements appearing in The Veterinary Record - www.vetrecord.co.uk

VETS TV is a new web TV service from the BVA offering vets and all those who work with animals help and support in all aspects of their working life - www.VETS.TV

Site for jobs with major veterinary product manufacturers - about veterinary sales jobs