Husqvarna Agency Associate Information Booklet

Overview

 

GEM currently operates across the North East of England. We specialise in developing permanent and temporary recruitment solutions as well as training for a wide range of diverse industry sectors for more information see wwww.gempartnership.com and https://www.gempartnership.com/husqvarna.

The GEM philosophy is firmly underpinned by a desire to deliver exceptional levels of service to both our clients and the candidates we represent.

We offer a comprehensive knowledge of the sectors we support, with industry specialists working in all parts of our team. This allows you to benefit from our expertise, the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity; you can rest assured that you are in very capable hands.

We hope that you enjoy your time working with the team and should you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact one of the GEM team.

 

Who We Are and What We Do

GEM are the onsite recruitment agency at Husqvarna providing all shop floor temporary workers and drivers.

We also provide a service to our agency associates and will assist with any queries that may arise whilst you are on assignment at Husqvarna. We can be contacted via our onsite team.

On-Site Queries

All queries must be directed to GEM On-site team in the first instance, not directly with Husqvarna. 

Should you need to speak with a member of the GEM On-site team we ask, where possible, it is kept either before the start of your shift or at the end of your shift and during breaks.

We have two offices based on site, in both departments, if your enquiry is urgent, please seek permission from your line leader or co-ordinator before leaving your line or machine.

• Office Hours are Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:00pm

Alternatively, you can call the out-of-hours mobile on 07483040840 if it is urgent and the point of escalation for any unresolved issues is info@gempartnership.com.

 

Notice Boards

Important information is displayed on GEM’s notice boards located around your work area. Please ensure you check these notice boards on a regular basis for any important updates relating to your assignment.

Assembly - located in corridor near Training Room 1

Moulding – located near Decant and Moulding Supervisor office

 

Hygiene & Workwear

Trousers must be navy blue or black work trousers. Tracksuit bottoms (NO BRANDING) and dark plain jeans with no rips are acceptable, however shorts,  brightly coloured leggings or trousers are not acceptable, anyone wearing the incorrect uniform will be sent home with no pay and are expected to return to work once changed.

 

Payment

The payroll week at Husqvarna runs from a Monday to a Sunday.

Shifts, Hours of Work and Payment

Days shift (8am – 4.30pm Mon-Thurs & 8am – 2.30pm Fri) 

Day shift can begin at 7:30am and be extended to 5.30pm/6.00 pm in peak season and this change WILL happen and is not negotiable.

Twilight (4.30pm – 11.30pm Mon-Thurs & 2.30pm – 21.30pm Fri)

Days & Nights (7:00am-3:30pm & 10:30pm-7:00am Mon-Fri)

Weekends (Days/Nights rotation 6:00am – 6:00pm/6:00pm – 6:00am (logistics) / 7:00am – 7:00pm/7:00pm – 7:00am (operators)

If your circumstances change whilst working your current shift pattern, please allow GEM a minimum of 1 weeks’ notice to arrange a swap.

 

Absence Notification

If you are absent from work you MUST contact (GEM) by telephone on EVERY day of your absence, AT LEAST 2 HOURS prior to your shift starting. Failure to do so will result in GEM attempting to contact you and your assignment may be ended.

Do not text to notify absence- this will be classed as unauthorised absence, you must call - if no answer leave a voice mail and your call will be returned.

GEM and Husqvarna monitor absences and 3 periods of absence within 3 months could result in your assignment being ended.

If you require time off for a doctor/hospital appointment, please arrange these appointments outside of working hours or at a time that will cause the least amount of disruption to your shift

You can notify GEM of your absence via the worker App; however, THIS must be followed up with a secondary call once the office is open.

Note when working a night shift, please report absence within office hours (09:00am -17:00pm).

Assembly – 07483040840

Moulding – 07848448461

 

The Husqvarna Group

Husqvarna Group are:

• A global leading producer of outdoor power products including chainsaws, trimmers, robotic lawn mowers and ride-on mowers
• European leader in watering products
• A global leader in cutting equipment and diamond tools for the construction and stone industries

Do What’s Right​

We do what’s right — for real. From nurturing our relationship​

The 7 Principles of Inclusion listed below are intended as a practical guide on how to act in an inclusive way.  We expect all members of our team – and especially leaders at all levels - to embrace and follow these guidelines:​

Be self-aware - If you have a strong reaction to someone, ask yourself why. Strong reactions can point toward hidden biases that can be examined.​

Seek differing views - Include and seek input from people with a wide variety of backgrounds. When some voices aren’t heard, ideas are excluded, and the entire team suffers.​

Keep an open mind - Asking input from others is only valuable if done with an open mind, and a willingness to reassess any initial assumptions or conclusions you may have reached on the particular topic.    ​

Ask and listen - Make it a habit to ask questions and listen carefully to others, especially if they’re different from you. Listen carefully to the person speaking until she or he feels understood.  Inclusion requires two-way communication. ​

Be brave enough to change - To create an inclusive work culture, each person must deal with the discomfort of change and take the risk of challenging norms.​

Accept disagreements… When people with different perspectives fully contribute, the potential for conflicts and disagreements may actually increase.  Such disagreements may be necessary to reach the best results​

… but maintain a sense of “safe and calm”. - You should always act to reduce stressful situations. Many people will not express their true views in an environment they do not perceive to be safe and calm.  ​

Understand each person’s contribution - At its core, an inclusive organization creates an environment in which all people feel they are adding value.

 

Winning Through Culture

There are several reasons why it's important for an organization to work with culture. In today's fast-paced and competitive business environment, a strong culture provides a sense of purpose, belonging and meaning for employees.​

Together, we're on a journey to transform our business and our industry. This is no small task – we're here to make a difference. This is a very exciting moment in time, and all of us have a crucial role to play here. ​

​​​Our culture is the fuel that drives us to achieve our goals and it defines how we do things around here. Our culture sets the expectations we have of ourselves and each other.

 

We are Bold

Embrace Curiosity​: As industry leaders, we push the boundaries of what’s possible. By exploring new grounds and taking calculated risks, we've experienced success and failure – and learned from both. With an open mindset, and by stepping out of our comfort zone, we've continued to transform our business for centuries. ​

Speak Up​: The best decisions come from energetic discussions and debate - even when we don’t see eye-to-eye. We speak our minds and stay true to our beliefs. Thinking differently fuels our innovation, so we make sure to always challenge each other and embrace new ideas. We know that in business, there is no room for solo acts.​

Act Decisively: In this fast-paced world, embracing change is our only option. We make bold decisions and move forward together. Transforming our business and ourselves requires decisive and agile actions. We focus on what matters and trust our teams and each other to boldly go where no one has gone before.

 

We are Dedicated

Wow Our Customers​: From a new joiner to someone who just celebrated decades with us – we all share the same passion for our customers. Combining our passion with determination is what makes us great. We’re truly obsessed about our customers and foreseeing their needs. Exceeding their expectations. At the heart of our success is our commitment to treat our customers as our main source of inspiration and feedback, that’s how we shape great experiences. ​

Make It Happen​: It doesn’t matter what part of our organization you’re in or what title you have. All of us play a vital role in making our success happen. We ask ourselves, what can I do? We are proactive, accountable and don’t wait for things to happen. Our passion fuels us to go the extra mile. Make no mistake, this doesn’t mean that we work around the clock. We work smart – having clear priorities and being focused makes us thrive. ​

Celebrate: When we achieve something, we celebrate. With dedication comes great ambitions, and sometimes the finish line feels far away. So, we celebrate milestones, no matter the size, because we’re in it for the long haul.

 

We Care

Do What’s Right​

We do what’s right — for real. From nurturing our relationships with customers, to making shifts in our business to become more sustainable to treating everyone with respect. We are a trusted partner. Our commitment to making a positive impact is constant, for our planet, our customers and our people. ​

​Come As You Are​

We believe that our differences are what make us stronger. We create an environment where everyone feels respected, safe and free to be themselves. It leads to better ideas and better solutions, which ultimately drives our success. So come as you are, because we appreciate the uniqueness in each one of us.​

Being Kind is Cool​

Business is a team sport. Whether it’s actively creating an inclusive environment in our teams, updating a safety measurement or lending a helping hand. We win and grow together. We push each other to be better – even when it feels uncomfortable. It’s through feedback we grow as individuals, build stronger relationships and fuel our winning team. We're always there for each other because our success is dependent on each and every one of us.

Company Rules and Regulations

 

Before you commence your assignment at Husqvarna you will complete an onsite induction with Husqvarna. Below are some of the main points as a reminder.

Arriving/Leaving Site

• When accessing/leaving site on foot/cycle ALWAYS use the pedestrian gate, located at the main entrance or opposite main reception.
• Husqvarna operate a one-way traffic system which is clearly indicated across site. Please adhere to this system failure to do so will result in disciplinary action
• Speed limit on the site is 10 MPH
• DO NOT use the vehicle entrances if you are on foot/cycle
• DO NOT run inside the factory
• DO NOT walk through non-pedestrian areas, including the despatch/goods yard
• DO USE designated walkways, Blue internally White externally
  Be vigilant and watch out for Fork Lift Trucks at all times

Toilets

Please use the toilets provided in your work area; you are expected to leave these facilities clean and tidy and be courteous to your colleagues.

Food and Drink

Please be aware eating or drinking anywhere other than the canteen or rest rooms is prohibited.

Facilities

Husqvarna has canteens which offer hot and cold meals and drinks. These are self-clean areas; please ensure you tidy up after yourself. Vending machines offering sandwiches and pastries are available with use of microwaves to heat food up.  

The opening times of the canteens are as follows:

• 9.30am – 10.30am – hot breakfast is served in the canteen next to Assembly Area
• 11.30am – 13.30pm – hot food is served in the canteen next to Reception 2/Moulding Area

Lockers

GEM will issue you with a locker to store your personal belongings free of charge. Should your assignment come to an end you are expected to return the key to GEM within 3 working days. Your locker should be left in the condition it was issued.

Should you leave Husqvarna and not return the key within the above time frame, £5.00 will be deducted from your final pay to cover the cost of a replacement lock and key.

It is a site rule that no personal belongings should be taken on the shop floor.

Mobile phones should be kept in your locker and only used during break and lunch times in the designated areas.

Clocking In / Out

All GEM agency associates are provided with a clock card on the first day of their assignment – this is used to monitor your Time and Attendance for Payroll purposes, this also grants you access to the site for entrance and fire regulation purposes.

• Failure to clock in and out may result in late payment
• You must advise GEM should you forget to clock in or out whilst on site and sign the manual clock in/out sheet located in the Supervisor’s office – multiple missed clocks will be managed by GEM.
• If you are late you must still clock in and advise GEM before going to your work area the reason for your lateness.
• You must use your clock card to clock in and out and not manually punch in your clock number, as any mistakes may not only affect your clockings but potentially another worker’s clockings.
• Under no circumstance must you request another agency associate to clock you in and/or out and you must neither clock in and/or out on another agency associate’s behalf.  Please note this is considered Gross Misconduct and you may be dismissed if found to do this.
• GEM and Husqvarna monitor lateness and 3 separate occasions of lateness in a 3-month period could result in your assignment being ended.

If you lose or damage your clock card you will be charged £5.00 for a replacement clock card. If you do not hand your clock card back at the end of your assignment you will be charged £5.00 from your final pay.

Medical Declaration

Prior to starting your assignment, you are required to complete a mandatory medical declaration questionnaire. This document will be used to identify suitable areas you can be safely placed within Husqvarna. It is imperative you declare all medical conditions and medications you are taking, failing to do so could risk your safety and wellbeing within the workplace. This could also be deemed as mis conduct and result in you being released from the assignment with Husqvarna.

Parking

The parking facility at Husqvarna is free for everyone. Please ensure you follow the information below for the benefits and safety of yourself and your colleagues.

• Moulding employees should continue to use the middle entrance gate (Labelled B) and should only park in the Moulding car park and not in car parking locations next to the main canteen. Employees parking in this car park should also continue to exit the site via the Gatehouse exit as is current practice.
• Assembly employees should use the new entrance (Labelled A) and park in the new layout car park.
• Office employees should use the new entrance (Labelled A) and park in the new layout car park.
• Both Assembly and Office employees should exit the site via the same they entered (Labelled A), ensuring that they follow the new road layouts.

• Please make yourself familiar with the one-way system for the safety of all on site.
• The barriers operate by your clock card
• If you need assistance there is a button to press to get assistance from gatehouse below the card reader
• If you forgot your clock card you must report to the gatehouse, where they will issue a temporary card
• Motorcycle parking is available on either side of the barriers once on site

Please ensure you do not park in designated reserved parking bays and please do not park in the front car park as this is for visitors only.   You are only permitted to park in the disabled bays if you have a valid blue badge to do so.

Please ensure you follow the designated walk ways to get to your destination work areas at Husqvarna or when leaving at the end of your shift. Do not walk across the despatch goods yard.

Hygiene and Workwear

Throughout your assignment you will be representing GEM and as such your appearance and professional conduct is very important to us. We ask everyone to present themselves (in dress and appearance) in accordance to the agreed standards between GEM and Husqvarna.

GEM will provide T Shirts with GEM branding.

Trousers must be navy blue or black work trousers. Denim is permitted as long as it is not ripped and leggings and tracksuit bottoms can be worn if plain, dark with no heavy branding. Shorts are not acceptable, anyone wearing these will be sent home with no pay and are expected to return to work once changed.

Suitable Footwear with tread and grip must be worn at all times. No deck shoes, plimsoles, canvass shoes, heels, open toe sandals, flip flops or bright coloured shoes are allowed.

Hoody’s & Jackets must be dark either black or blue with no heavy branding.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones should be switched off whilst working on site. You will need to keep them in your locker or in your car. You can use these during your breaks in the rest rooms or canteen.

Health, Safety and the Environment

 

Husqvarna is responsible for setting and maintaining high standards for health and safety on its site.

It is the policy of Husqvarna to provide and maintain a safe and healthy working environment, by continually reviewing its practices and procedures within the Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Management System.

To facilitate this Husqvarna has adopted the following principles:

• An effective management system.
• The acceptance of individual responsibility.
• Open, timely and clear communication.
• Active engagement of people in pursuit of HSE goals.
• Promoting excellence through the development and sharing of best practice.
• Regular and varied auditing to maintain standards.
• Consultation with and participation by all employees.

The responsibility for ensuring that Husqvarna complies with policy and legislation lies with Management, however, all workers have a legal responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to support the implementation of policies and procedures by:

• Complying with instructions and directions.
• Properly using equipment and facilities.
• Refraining from action which may endanger themselves or others.
• Contributing to the improvement of health and safety.
• Raising any issues that may affect their own or others’ health and safety.
• Understanding the impact of their actions on the environment.
• Informing GEM and Husqvarna as soon as reasonable possible that you are pregnant.

Being safety aware and applying safe behaviours is an essential part of protecting yourself and others against accidents and injury. All of us have a duty to minimise the impact of our actions on the environment including:

• Take care of your own health and safety and others who may be affected by what we do.
• Long hair should be tied back and long nail extensions should be avoided.
• Co-operate with Management to enable them to meet their obligations and responsibilities.
• Do not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health and safety.
• Conform to all procedures and rules.
• Report unsafe plant, equipment, practices, dangerous occurrences and procedures.
• Assist in any accident/incident investigation.
• Maintain a good housekeeping standard.
• Only carry out work for which you have been trained and always follow correct safe working practices.
• Use issued PPE and any other item of safety equipment correctly.
• Familiarise with safe procedures and practices if transferred to a new job or area.
• If a task involves using a knife, you will be trained on how to do so correctly. ALWAYS cut away from yourself when using knives and replace the holster when not in use.

General Shop Floor Safety Rules

• Always keep walkways and emergency exits clear and free from obstructions.
• Keep work area neat, clean and tidy and free of spillages.
• Take note of and comply with all warning signs.
• Report any unsafe condition, noise or odour.
• Do not attempt to remove obstructions from machines with fingers.
• Workers must not use any equipment unless they are capable of doing so and have received the necessary information, instruction and training.
• Workers must not interfere with or repair any equipment unless authorised to do so. 
• Machine guards must be used wherever they are provided.
• Workers must report any damage, malfunction or unsafe work equipment to their Line Leader, Supervisor or Manager. 
• Keep all tools used in good repair: check them at regular intervals and report unsafe tools.
• Never disregard safety as an option to solving operating problems.
  Open blades of any type are not permitted or allowed on site.

Moulding Rules

• Within the Mould shop, the machines run constantly, meaning we need someone to always be present at their workstation​
• Any station left unattended leads to moulded parts travelling down the belt and running the risk of becoming damaged therefore having to be scrapped​
• Scrap costs the company thousands of pounds each year so keeping this cost down is vital​
• No open drinks containers (cans/cups) – sealed containers/bottles only​
• No use of mobile phones whilst in your work area​
• No earphones to be worn​
• A relief operator is responsible for covering any breaks or time away from the station such as toilet breaks or going to find the team coordinator to report defects​
• A relief operator will also be responsible for making sure you have enough materials to carry out your job such as packaging, snips, knife and a china marker​
• Each relief operator will be chosen by the coordinator and they will present themselves to you at some point in the shift before first break

Assembly Rules

• Be at your workstation for your allocated start time – an alarm will sound​
• No bags/coats to be kept on the line – lockers will be provided​
• No open drinks containers (cans/cups) – sealed containers/bottles only​
• No food/sweets to be eaten on the line at point​
• No use of mobile phones whilst in work area​
• No earphones to be worn​
• No charging of personal equipment at any time​
• No going to other lines to see colleagues whilst on your break

Housekeeping

Husqvarna follows the 5S system of housekeeping to promote a safe working environment, improve organisation and standards in the workplace. This helps to create the best environment for product manufacture, improves operational efficiency and supports sustainable continuous improvement, by allowing easier identifications of problems. This can then be followed up with corrective actions.

• Sort - Keep only essential items in the workplace
• Set - A place for everything and everything in its place
• Shine - Clean to inspect – inspect to correct
• Standardise - Set standards for a well organised workplace
• Sustain - Training, discipline, culture and habit. Follow the rules of 1S to 3S on a daily basis. Maintain good standards of housekeeping, always keep your work area clean and tidy, clean up any spillages immediately, ensure you dispose of any waste material correctly.

Important Information for agency associates;

• First 3 steps of the 5S System (Sort, Set and Shine) are the most important steps for all agency associates to follow on a daily basis
• Importance WIP (Work in Process) – do not over build on production, use the time to 5S your work space
• Neighbour Checks – Use idle time to quality check your neighbours work

Quality – Right first time, every time

Key focus

• Neighbour checks​
• Effects on OEE​
• Repeat concerns – cannot be accepted​

Impact on OEE targets​

• Currently 4%​
• Target 2%​
• Ensure you monitor the KPI boards for updates                                    

Emergency Evacuation Procedure – Action to be taken by Workers

On discovering a fire:

• Activate the nearest alarm, making sure that the alarm is audible
• Attempt to extinguish the fire, Inform the fire marshal of the location once you have exited the building

ONLY IF PRACTICAL and SAFE TO DO SO

Use ONE (1) fire extinguisher only and if fire is not extinguished, then evacuate the building

On hearing the alarm:

All workers, other than those with specific duties under this procedure must comply with the following:

• Leave the building as quickly as possible by the nearest safe escape route, assisting any disabled person(s) on the way
• DO NOT stop to collect personal belongings
• DO NOT use lifts
• Report to assigned assembly points where Fire Marshalls will ensure that everyone is accounted for
• DO NOT re-enter the building until the "All Clear" has been given

Scheduled Weekly Fire Drills:

• Moulding: Friday @10:30am
• Assembly: Friday @ 11:00am

Accidents and First Aid

First Aid should only be administered by those qualified to do so.  Trained First Aiders cover all shifts and all areas of the site.  Their names and photographs are displayed on the Company Notice Boards.  The HR Team are trained Mental Health First Aiders. Please contact your immediate Line Manager who can contact a member of the HR Team to request support.

Trained First Aiders are provided with first aid equipment in accordance with current legislation and guidance.  Anyone requiring first aid should contact the nearest First Aider or Supervisor for assistance.

There is a part-time Occupational Health presence on site, there are two surgeries – one in the Assembly area and one near the Moulding Shop. 

No medicines, drugs or other medication will be administered to any worker unless authorised by the Occupational Health Team.  

Defibrillators are also on site if required.  You do not require to be a First Aider to use a defibrillator.

The emergency telephone number for the Occupational Health Advisor is ext. 3333.

Incident Reporting

All incidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences even if there is no injury or damage and no matter how trivial, involving workers or others must be reported.  The Company will comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995.

Workers must report all such accidents immediately to their Line Leader / Supervisor or First Aider immediately and complete an accident form.  All such reports will detail the person’s name and give brief details of the accident, including dates, times, location and description of the events of the accident. 

Workers must report all diseases or occupational ill health as soon as they are aware or suspect they are suffering ill effects as a result.  Such diseases etc will be recorded as accidents and the Enforcing Authority will be notified.

All accidents will be investigated immediately by a Line Leader, Supervisor or a member of the Health and Safety Team (dependent on the circumstances).

Always Work Safely

This is everyone’s responsibility: If it is not safe, do not do it, and do not have your workmate do it either. If you see something that is unsafe, speak up immediately, there and then to your Supervisor, no matter whom – no matter what.

If you are not sure of something (it does not look right, you do not understand the task or are unsure of how to do the job safely), speak up and ask.

Do not carry out any work or use any equipment at work unless you have been fully trained and signed off as competent to do so and received any additional authorisations necessary.

Here are some of the general procedures and rules that will help you to work safely.

Driving on Site

• You need to be specifically authorised to drive company vehicles.
• If you find a problem with a company vehicle report it to the Health and Safety Team.
• Always adhere to the speed limits of 10mph and road signs on site.
• Always adhere to the one-way system
• Be aware of the operation of the entrance and exit barriers.
• Take care when driving on to site and off site: vehicles awaiting access will be parked at the roadside.

Lift Trucks

• Both driver and pedestrian operated lift trucks are used on this site.
• Specific training and authorisation are required before any employee is allowed to operate lift trucks on site.
• You will be made aware of the areas of truck operation and restricted access, make sure you understand these and be alert to truck movements.

Action zone (3 metres)​

• Make eye contact with the driver before proceeding​
• FLT Operator reduces speed, sounds the horn and allows right of way to the pedestrian​

Action zone (1 metre)​

• Do not enter this zone​
• Both parties are to maintain the 1 metre halo at all times

 

Pallet Trucks Safe Operation

Moving materials with a hand pallet truck may seem easy, but safe handling requires skill.

• Raise the forks by pushing the actuating lever down and pumping the handle. This is only time the handle should be down – to jack the pallet. A one-inch clearance between the floor and pallet is usually sufficient.
• Put the actuating lever in neutral or middle position to move the load. This position disengages the lifting mechanism and frees the handle from hydraulics resistance, but keeps the forks raised. When the leaver is released, it will automatically return to the neutral position.

For Safe Operation:

• Avoid moving loads up and down ramps.
• Do not carry riders on truck.
• Centre the forks evenly under the load to maintain good balance.
• Avoid overloading the truck.
• Ensure the stability of the load.
• Use both forks for lifting the load.
• Pull rather than push loads for increased manoeuvrability.
• Manoeuvring loads using the neutral position reduces operator fatigue.
• Operate at a controllable speed, since hand pallet trucks do not have brakes.
• Park the pallet truck out of traffic area in a safe, level place with the forks lowered.
• The handle should be left in the up position to eliminate tripping hazards.

Emergency Evacuation

On your first day your Line Leader / Supervisor will show you the evacuation points relating to your work area.

Smoking

• In line with UK legislation smoking is not permitted on site except in the designated smoking shelters.
• Smoking is not permitted in company vehicles.
• Smoking is not permitted within any building
• Those using the smoking shelters should ensure that cigarettes are properly extinguished and that the shelter is kept clean and tidy at all times.
• ONLY cigarette stubs are allowed in ashtrays – do not use for general litter.

Electronic Cigarettes (E-Cigarettes)

Husqvarna understand that employees may use e-cigarettes as an aid to help stop smoking and encourages a safe and healthy workplace. E-cigarettes currently fall outside the scope of smoke free legislation as the act of smoking requires a substance to be burnt. Having considered the effects on other employees and as the long-term effects of e-cigarettes are still unknown, together with the vapours that e-cigarettes produce in the workplace which can create an unpleasant environment, the smoking of E-cigarettes will be treated in the same manner as standard cigarettes and is only allowed in designated smoking areas.

Failure to follow the rules around smoking will be deemed as Gross Misconduct and will result in dismissal.

Personal Protective Equipment

• PPE is issued on the first day of your assignment.  Please ensure this is brought with you for each shift.
• Use all equipment provided correctly.
• Take care of all equipment issued.
• Adhere to all signage prompting PPE use (these may be mandatory or advisory).
• Report any problems to your immediate Supervisor.

Glove Types

There are 3 types of gloves used in moulding and assembly​

Standard – these are always used by all employees when handling products within the mould shop​

Cut resistant – these are to be issued to employees when they need to do a secondary operations involving knife use. These must be work when handling a knife​

Touch – these are issued to employees when using our tablet based system​

Gloves must always be work when carrying out any operation within the mould shop

Environmental Issues

Husqvarna UK Ltd. Recognises the need to protect the environment from the significant internal and external impacts of its operations and will achieve this with a commitment to the prevention of pollution and continuous improvement.

Therefore, we have...

• An Environment Management System certified to ISO 14001:2015
• An Energy Management Certificate System certified to ISO 50001:2011
• Signed up to ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ which is an international program designed to prevent plastic granule loss and help to keep plastic granules out of the machines.

Husqvarna takes energy conservation very seriously and have an ‘Energy Policy’ that recognises that effective energy use is important not only as a corporate responsibility issue but also as a major factor in the health of the company. Using energy wisely benefits the environment, the business and all employees. 

What can you do?

• Save Energy: Switch off lights and other electrical equipment when not in use – don’t leave things on standby​
• Don’t Litter: Dispose of your waste correctly - waste bins are colour coded and labelled to help us segregate waste​
• Reduce Water Consumption: 95% of water usage comes from bathrooms and kitchens – turn taps off after use​

Our Sustainability Challenges

Code of Conduct

 

To allow any organisation to operate effectively, standards of conduct at work must be maintained. The following rules are designed to make Agency Associates aware of the type of conduct, which is regarded as detrimental to both the company and its staff.

• Agency Associates must not bring alcohol or non-prescribed drugs onto company premises nor must they be in an intoxicated or drugged condition.
• There must be no betting, gambling or money lending on site. 
• You must not engage in any form of horseplay or disorderly conduct.
• Agency Associates must not smoke, eat or drink anywhere other than authorised places. Specifically, this includes production areas.
• You must not post upon company premises any signs, notices or posters without specific company approval. Neither must you distribute any publications or similar matter.
• At no time must you falsify company documents or abuse company recording systems.
• Agency Associates are not allowed to sleep at work.
• Magazines, newspapers or similar literature are not allowed in production, maintenance or storage areas.
• Agency Associates must not make money collections for any purpose without company authorisation.
• Agency Associates are not allowed to undertake any form of personal business or work while on company premises.
• Staff wishing to leave their normal place of work for any reason must obtain permission from their Supervisor.
• In all cases employment with Husqvarna must be an Agency Associate’s primary employment. External activities must not interfere with an Agency
• Associate’s efficiency or attendance or jeopardise business in any way.
• All Agency Associates must declare any financial interests or investments held by them or their immediate family, which could possibly result in a conflict of interest with Husqvarna.
• All Agency Associates must comply with legitimate supervisory and management instruction.
• All Agency Associates must undertake to produce work to the required quality and standards.
• Everyone is to be treated with dignity and respect at work. Harassment and bullying will not be tolerated.
• Personal mobile telephones are not permitted in any working areas of the factory.

Bullying and Harassment at Work

Bullying includes any of the following​

• Offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour. An abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure someone​
• Harassment as defined in the Equality Act 2010 is​
• “Unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual”​
• All company employees have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and this is reflected in the Husqvarna 7 principles of inclusion. Harassment or bullying on any of the following grounds is not acceptable.

If you are sure you are being bullied or harassed, there are a number of options to consider, and these are set out below:

• Make the GEM team aware of your problem
• Speak to your Line Leader / Supervisor
• Talk to a colleague to find out if anyone else is suffering, or if anyone has witnessed what has happened to you – avoid being alone with the bully or harasser.
• If you are reluctant to make a complaint, go to see someone whom you feel comfortable to discuss the problem.
• Keep a diary of all incidents – record of dates, times, any witnesses, your feelings, etc. Keep copies of anything that is relevant, for instance annual reports, letters, memos, notes of meeting that relate to your ability to do your job.
• Tell the person to stop whatever it is they are doing that is causing you distress, otherwise they may be unaware of the effect of their actions.

Sexual Harassment at Work

What is sexual harassment?​

• Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. It has the purpose or effect of violating the dignity of a worker, or creating a intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them​
• How does sexual harassment happen?​
• Sexual harassment can happen in any number of ways, including​
• Written or verbal comments of a sexual nature, such as remarks about an employee​
• Appearance, questions about their sex life or offensive jokes​
• Displaying pornographic or explicit images​
• Emails with content of a sexual nature​
• Unwanted physical contact and touching​
• Sexual assault

What can you do?

• Any employee who feels they have been sexually harassed, or any employee who feels they have witnessed sexual harassment take place, can make a complaint of sexual harassment​
• Any employee should check the grievance process as this also outlines the process of how to make a complaint​
• Before speaking to someone, it is often useful to make notes about the incident involved, especially if recalling the incident is particularly upsetting
• Bullying and harassment are often clear but sometimes people are unsure whether the way they are being treated is acceptable​
• If you feel that you or another individual is subject to any form of bullying or harassment, please report this to your line leader/supervisors, or if you don’t feel comfortable reporting to either of those, please report to a GEM representative on site or Husqvarna HR department​

QBQ!   Now it’s time to ask The Question Behind the Question!

• What can I do to develop myself?
• How can I help?
• What can I do to understand other people’s challenges and frustrations?
• How can I become part of the solution?
• What can I do today to excel at my work?

We want a culture for all our agency associates to be able to flourish within their job role/career. This means we need to understand how to communicate positively and sometimes we need to think about the way we position a question. This will help eliminate blame, victim thinking, complaining and procrastination.

Random Test: All individuals on site may be selected at random for a drug and alcohol test at any time.

Please note failure to consent to a drug and alcohol test will result in the matter being considered the same as a failed test. After screening any individual found to be working under the influence having consumed illegal substances or with an alcohol content above the legal limit for driving will be dismissed with immediate effect and charged the full cost of the test.

If a worker is tested for drugs or alcohol outside of the employment context and the results indicate a violation of this policy, the employee may also be dismissed with immediate effect.

It is important that you declare all medications/medical conditions when completing your Medical Form.

Intervention

In the event of any suspicion of alcohol and/or drugs misuse you should inform the GEM onsite team to discuss your concerns. 

Social Media

The company actively monitors websites being accessed by workers for business purposes.

Employees Must ensure in the use of social media they:

Protect the Company's Goodwill, Brands, & Business Reputation​

• You are personally responsible for what you communicate in social media​
• Remember that any information you publish may be viewed by the public (including the Company itself & future employers) for a long time. Keep this in mind before you post content​

Transparency and Clarity​

• Make it clear in your social media activity that you are speaking on your own behalf​
• Use good judgment about what you post and remember that anything you say can reflect on the Husqvarna Group

Site, Product Images & Reviews​

• Always seek approval from Marketing before displaying any Husqvarna Group product images or site images on social media​

Respect Intellectual Property and Confidential Information​

• The Husqvarna Group’s Code of Conduct restricts employees' use and disclosure of the Company's trade secrets, confidential information, and intellectual property ​
• Always respect laws regarding copyrights, trademarks, and other third-party rights​

Respect Others​

• Do not post any offensive statements, comments, pictures or information, including, but not limited to, ethnic slurs, sexist comments, discriminatory comments, profanity, abusive language, or obscenity, or information that is maliciously false

Husqvarna and its employees have the right to protect their property. The following rules have been established to help achieve this:

• Unauthorised possession of the company’s or any other employees’ property is forbidden.
• Employees must not remain on or enter company premises outside working hours unless authorised by management.
• Meetings unconnected with company business may not be held on company premises unless authorised by management.
• You must not disclose to any person any information you have obtained during the course of your employment with Husqvarna nor must you remove any company documents from company’s premises without permission.
• No photography is allowed on the company’s premises without permission.
• The company reserves the right to search employees and their property in the presence of a witness and /or union representative if requested by the employee.
• Employees must enter and leave the premises only through authorised entrances/exits.
• You must return any company property including tools, appliances or equipment issued to you, either on request or if you leave the company. You may be charged for any unaccounted-for items.
• All employees must park their vehicles in the designated parking areas and not exceed the speed limit.
• All employees are required to provide their personal details, address, next of kin, mobile and landline telephone number, email address (where possible) and car registration details. The company will conduct periodic updates to ensure that this information is kept up to date.

Video Equipment

Husqvarna is committed to education and training and from time to time may use video equipment whilst carrying out training activities. Video recordings obtained as part of training may be used to provide feedback, assess achievements and /or competencies, help improve and evaluate training and assessment processes and aid future training activities. Activities carried out during training exercises will not generally be used to instigate disciplinary action, however if the footage clearly displays acts of unsafe practice, unacceptable working standards, by any employee the company has an obligation to advise the employee of the behaviour and take appropriate action. The video footage will not be used to monitor employee day-to-day activity.

Shifts, Hours of Work and Payment

 

Payment

The payroll week at Husqvarna runs from a Monday to Sunday.

You are paid on a week in arrears basis and will receive payment weekly direct into your bank account via GEM Payroll on a Friday before 5pm.

Pay queries are to be directed to GEM on 07483040840 or speak to any of the onsite team.

E-mailed Payslips

Your payslip will be e-mailed directly to you using the e-mail address you have provided. All payslips are password protected using your unique National Insurance number as the password.

Shift Patterns

Current shift patterns on site at Husqvarna are as follows:

• Day shift / night shift rotation on a weekly basis
• Day shift only
• Twilight shift only
• Weekend shifts – Days/Nights rotation on a weekly basis

The hours for each shift are detailed below;

• Dayshift in the Moulding Department is 7.00am-3.30pm
• Twilight in the Moulding Department is 3.30pm-10.30pm
• Nightshift in the Moulding Department is 10.30pm-7.00am
• Weekend shift in the Moulding Department is (days) 7.00am – 7.00pm
• Weekend shift in the Moulding Department is (nights) 7.00pm – 7.00am
• Day shift in the Assembly Department is 8.00am-4.30pm (this can change by 1 hour during peak season)
• Twilight shift in the Assembly Department is 4.30pm-11.30pm

Pension

GEM’s pension scheme is provided through The Peoples Pension – Scheme Number 80207.

Eligibility criteria for the scheme is:

• Employed for 3 months
• Aged between 22 years old and state pension age
• Have qualifying earnings
• You will be contacted directly by The Peoples Pension if you are eligible to join the scheme.

The People Pension details are:

W: https://thepeoplespension.co.uk

T: 0300 2000 555

Holidays

• Whilst working for GEM you are entitled to a minimum of 28 days holiday per year pro-rata (including bank holidays).
• If you wish to book a holiday, first please check your accrual, which is updated weekly and available in the on-site office.
• If enough accrual you must seek authorisation from your immediate Line Leader or request through the GEM associate app.
• Please note holiday requests for one week or more, can only be taken during shutdown periods, and may not be authorised during any other time. For further information please contact the GEM team.
• Husqvarna have factory shutdowns both in the summer period and over the Christmas period to which you must adhere to. Details of factory shutdowns are displayed on the Company Notice Boards.  If you wish to book a holiday, first please check with the GEM on-site team that you have enough accrual and complete the holiday request form. GEM will liaise with your Supervisor and advise you if the holiday has been approved or not.
   

Holiday Request Procedure

The process for requesting a holiday is detailed below:

• Complete holiday request form, located in the GEM office or through the GEM associate app deliver back to GEM Onsite team and return in 24 hours for decision.
• GEM Onsite team to ensure there is sufficient accrual to cover request
• Holidays to be approved/not approved by Supervisor and GEM Onsite team to communicate to Agency Associate
• All approved requests are to be communicated to the Husqvarna Payroll team to record in the company time and attendance system

Holidays must be requested in advance with a minimum of 1 weeks’ notice for 1 day.  For anything more than 1 day, 2 weeks’ notice must be given.

Working Shutdowns

If an Agency Associate is requested to work the shutdown period, they will be paid at the relevant rate of pay for the shifts they have worked plus the relevant overtime premium if applicable. As a result of working during any part of the shutdown period Agency Associates will only require to use holidays for the days they are not working.    

Absence, Timekeeping and Other Leave

Employees must be at their place of work ready for, or actively at work, at official start and finish times. No time is allowed for washing or dressing - these activities have to be done prior to shift starting or on completion of shift.

Absence Notification

You must telephone a GEM representative at least 1 hour before your shift begins, to inform us you are going to be absent for a shift.  If in exceptional circumstances you are unable to call a family member/spouse can call on your behalf, however, in general you are expected to report your absence.

When reporting an absence, please advise your name, clock number and department in which you work.

Please note if you believe you cannot attend a twilight shift or night shift, where possible, call within office hours to report your absence (8am – 5pm).

You must inform a GEM representative every day that you will be absent, failure to do so will result in GEM attempting to contact you and your assignment may be ended.

If you have a planned absence, for example, a doctor’s appointment, you must inform GEM at the earliest opportunity to seek authorisation, once authorised you must then inform your Supervisor.

• Assembly - 07483040840
• Moulding - 07848448461

Should you be unable to speak to anyone, you must leave a voicemail on the above numbers and you will receive a call back. Please note text messages are not acceptable.

Return to Work

A return-to-work interview will be held immediately with a GEM Onsite Co-ordinator who will complete the company certificate of absence form. This must be signed by both parties and will be held on file.

Maternity and Paternity Pay

Statutory paternity and maternity pay are paid for all eligible employees.

Other Leave

Please contact one of our onsite team in regards to any other leave such as Jury Duty, TA Duties, Shared Parental Leave, Dependent Leave etc.

Notice period

• One week’s notice is preferably required.
• Notice must be given in writing, and given to the GEM Team. GEM will advise your Supervisor of your resignation.
• Written notice must be given and notice period must be worked if you would like to be considered for future employment opportunities with Husqvarna or GEM.