Employment Law Newsletters
2019-12-31
MLR provide useful electronic employment law updates giving employers and HR Managers information on the most up to date tribunal decisions, legislation changes and best
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Category - Employment Law
Employment Law Events
2019-12-31
Throughout the year MLR are holding a series of employment law workshops and updates at various locations across South and West Wales. From an update
Employment Law - Free e-learning courses
2019-12-31
In the last few years we have seen a huge rise in e-learning. When you consider the benefits it is not hard to see why.
Suspension Checklist
2019-05-07
We are often asked by our clients when is it permissible to suspend. Suspension has also recently come under scrutiny in the Tribunals and Courts.
Directors can be personally liable for breach of an employment contract
2019-04-10
The High Court has recently decided that officers of a limited company can be personally liable for its breaches of an employment contract.
New Guidance on employment tribunals powers
2019-03-05
The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has published guidance for users of employment tribunals on the powers available to tribunals. This is
Labour plans to promote flexi-time
2019-03-04
The shadow minister for Women and Equalities, Dawn Butler has revealed that Labour plans to give workers a day one right to select their working
BEIS: new holiday pay guidance after “alarming” lack of awareness revealed.
2019-03-03
The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have created a useful tool and guidance for employers for calculating workers holiday pay entitlement whose
New ACAS Guidance on age discrimination for employers
2019-03-02
ACAS has recently published new guidance on age discrimination for employers, managers, HR professional, employees, trade union representatives and job applicants.
Firstly, the guidance provides clear
Swindled, Sacked and Sued
2019-03-01
Peebles Media Group has launched legal action against an ex-employee, Patricia Reilly after she was conned into making online payments of nearly £200,000 to a
Government scraps £65 settled status fee for EU citizens
2019-02-07
A recent announcement by the Government states it is scrapping the £65 settled status fee for all EU citizens who want to apply for permanent
BEIS publishes new guidance on itemised payslips
2019-02-06
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has published guidance on the Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA 1996) (Itemised Pay Statement) (amendment) (NO2)
Government response to BEIS Committee report on gender pay gap reporting (employment aspects).
2019-02-05
On 2 August 2018 the House of Commons Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee published a Gender Pay Gap Report as the
ACAS published latest early conciliation statistics
2019-02-04
Statistics have been published on the ACAS early conciliation service for the period of April to September 2018. Around 85,400 totalled the numbers of individuals
Employment Tribunal Quarterly Statistics for July to September 2018.
2019-02-02
The Ministry of Justice has recently published, the employment tribunal quarterly statistics for the months July to September 2018.
When compared to the same period of
The Good Work Plan = The Government announces extensive employment law reforms following Taylor review.
2019-02-01
The Government has responded to recommendations by the Taylor Review (July 2017) through the publication of the “Good Work Plan”, which shows the Government’s clear
Snow days
2019-01-30
With talk of snow again this week we look at how snow chaos can affect businesses.
Minimum working temperature
For workers who work inside, the general rule
Employment Tribunals set to pilot online trials
2019-01-14
Employment Tribunals are looking to the future and have announced a trial period of pilot online trials, like those of Tax Tribunals. This system will
Potential GDPR breach where employees check work emails out of hours
2019-01-13
The busy world we live in, now means working from home or whilst commuting is fast becoming a growing normality. However, the recent changes to
BEIS updated minimum wage guidance to include paid work trials
2019-01-12
The department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has updated its guidance on calculating the minimum wage to include unpaid work trials.
The guidance has
Employees early dementia discriminated at work
2019-01-11
Occupational Medicine (a scientific journal) recently published a study into the management of employees who suffer with early on set dementia. The disease currently affects
Employee dismissal while entitled to long-term disability benefits in breach of implied term
2019-01-10
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT)recently decided that an employment tribunal was wrong to find an employer was correct in dismissing an employee on the grounds
New Guidance on employing people with disabilities or health condition.
2019-01-09
A guide on recruiting, managing and supporting employees with disabilities and health conditions has been published by the Department for work and pensions. The guidance
#MeToo Impact on Workplace Culture
2019-01-08
ACAS has published new research, to investigate the effect of the #MeToo movement on workplace culture. Despite, the widespread media coverage surrounding the #MeToo movement,
Ffurflen ET1 ar gael nawr yn y Gymraeg.
2019-01-06
I ddiwallu anghenion siaradwyr Cymraeg, mae gwefan y Llywodraeth wedi cyflwyno fersiwn Cymraeg o’r ffurflen ET1. Mae’r fersiwn Cymraeg o’r ffurflen ET3 hefyd yn cael
Dismissing bus driver for failing drugs test was unfair
2019-01-05
A recent employment tribunal case involving First Essex Bus Limited found that a bus driver was unfairly dismissed for gross misconduct after failing a routine
New ACAS advice on performance management systems
2019-01-04
New advice has been published by ACAS on performance management and the fair treatment of staff. The advice based on research which found that 1
Women and Equalities Committee launches inquiry into use of NDA’s in harassment and discrimination case.
2019-01-03
In November 2018, the Women and Equalities Committee launched a full-scale inquiry into non-disclosure agreements (NDA’s) in harassment and discrimination cases, which is a follow
Taylor Review: Naming Shaming Scheme for Unpaid Employment Tribunal Awards Launched
2019-01-03
In December 2018, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) announced a scheme to name employers who fail to pay employment tribunal awards.
Back
Consultation on parental bereavement leave and apply government response published.
2019-01-02
The new Act, Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018, aims to create a statutory right for employed parents to, paid time off, work following
Use it or lose it does not apply to workers
2019-01-01
In two recent German cases, the Working Time Directive(WTD), was interpreted by the European Court of Justice on the basis that a worker does not
Acas publishes new advice on references
2018-12-07
Acas has produced new guidance for employers and employees regarding job references, and it has been compiled with regard to the most frequently asked questions
A managing director's drunken assault on an employee was "in the course of employment" rendering the company vicariously liable
2018-11-11
The Court of Appeal (COA) has recently decided that a company was vicariously liable for an assault carried out by one of its managing directors
61% of women look at organisations' gender pay gaps when applying for jobs
2018-11-10
A survey of 2,515 employees by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has revealed that 61% of women take an organisation's gender pay gap
Acas publishes latest quarterly early conciliation statistics
2018-11-09
Statistics from April to June 2018 have been published by Acas on its early conciliation (EC) service. According to the statistics, the total number of
Employee who gave notice anticipating internal transfer had not resigned from employment
2018-11-08
The Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) has upheld a tribunal decision regarding an
DBS Email Address Changing
2018-11-06
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has announced their email address is due to change. The previous email address was “dbs.gsi.gov.uk” and has now changed
CIPD and Mind Publish Mental Health Guidance for Employers.
2018-11-05
CIPD and Mind have published a guide for managers to assistance improvement in their responses to issues of mental health amongst employees. The new guide
National Minimum Wage: report on compliance and enforcement.
2018-11-04
The Government has published a report on National Minimum Wage detailing evidence on compliance and enforcement for the current year. The report has highlighted the
37% of Women face sexual Harassment in the Workplace
2018-11-03
A survey undertaken by Slater and Gordon has revealed that 37% of 2000 women have been sexually harassed at work, in the last year alone.
ICO takes action against organisation for failure to pay data protection fee.
2018-11-02
The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) announced in September that they have commenced formal enforcement action against 34 organisations for failure to pay their data protection
Christmas in the workplace
2018-11-01
HR Departments are always busy this time of year. Whether it's arranging the Christmas party, dealing with inappropriate Secret Santa gifts or the fall-out from
Proposed Resurrection of Employment tribunal fees
2018-10-21
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that it intends to reintroduce fees for employment tribunal claims.
Tribunal fees were first introduced in July 2013 starting at
GDPR data breach complaints up 160%
2018-10-20
There has been a dramatic rise in potential GDPR breaches since its introduction in May 2018. The Information Commissioner’s Office has seen a massive increase
Emailing on commute should count as work, says research
2018-10-19
A recent study found that 54% of passengers on a train use the onboard WIFI. Many of these passengers describe the journey as “transition time”
Sleeping on the Job
2018-10-18
Until recently, some sleep-in workers were entitled to be paid National Minimum Wage (NMW) for every hour of their shift, including hours when they sleep
Just 6% of UK Work is Traditional 9-5
2018-10-17
Despite, the new 9-5 musical arriving in the West End, a recent survey has revealed that only 6% of people in the UK, work traditional
HMRC Sleeping on the Job
2018-10-16
HMRC accused of failing to clarify sleep in payment rules HMRC have been accused of confusing the latest stand point on sleep in payments to
2018-10-15
56% of workers think they are being monitored at work
2018-10-15
New research has revealed that over half of workers believe they are being watched by big brother, aka, their employer. Many believe their emails, internet
Review of Modern Slavery Act 2015
2018-10-14
This summer saw the first step in reviewing the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA), after a damning report estimated the annual UK economic and social
Report on Gender Pay Gap Reporting
2018-10-13
On 2 August 2018, the House of Commons Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) committee published a report on gender pay gap reporting, this is
Supreme Court finds no discrimination in ‘Gay Cake’ case
2018-10-12
The recent case of Lee v Ashers Baking Company Ltd decided that there was no discrimination established when a bakery refused to bake a cake
Update on employment tribunal fees including the refund scheme
2018-09-14
The Lord Chancellor has provided an update on employment tribunal fees and the refund scheme fees to the House of Commons Justice Committee. The update includes:
The government has soughtTesco to pilot new employment related technology
2018-09-13
Tesco is set to pilot new technology called the "Oracle Fusion platform" which will aim to improve the flexibility and productivity of its workers. The
The right to be forgotten for convictions will depend on seriousness of offence and sentence imposed
2018-09-12
In a recent case, a court had to rule on two "right to be forgotten" claims, only one of which it upheld. In these claims, the court had to
Acas publishes new GDPR guidance
2018-09-11
Acas has published new guidance on the General Data Protection Regulations and what it will mean for employers. The guidance consists of a series of
EHRC publishes updated handbook on the Equality Act 2010
2018-09-10
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published an updated version of its handbook regarding the Equality Act 2010. This is an essential tool
Workers now have a right to an itemised pay statement
2018-09-07
A recent change in legislation will provide that all “workers” have a right to an itemised pay statement and to enforce that right at an employment tribunal.
The Order comes into force on 6 April
EHRC investigations into gender pay gap reporting failures began in June 2018
2018-09-06
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) began its investigations into employers who failed to comply with their gender pay gap (GPG) reporting obligations in June. Approximately 1,500 companies missed the deadline and were
Contractual notice only starts when the employee knows they are being dismissed
2018-09-05
The Supreme Court has recently decided that in cases of dismissal on notice by post (where there is no contractual provision governing when notice takes
Employers failing to pay national minimum wage
2018-09-04
It has been revealed that 239 employers have underpaid 22,400 workers in the UK by £1.44 million. The government is set to spend £26.3 million
Women on boards
2018-09-03
A recent report by BEIS and the Government Equalities Offices has produced a press release considering the progress of the FTSE 350 companies in reaching
Employers spending more than ever on staff benefits
2018-08-31
Provisional figures for the tax year 2016-17 demonstrate that employers are spending more on staff benefits than previous years, with a £200 million increase since
Advice for employers on how to deal with domestic abuse
2018-08-30
The Public Heath England and Business in the Community have recently published a toolkit to raise awareness of domestic abuse and also reduce the stigma
Review of Modern Slavery Act 2015
2018-08-29
An independent review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 has been instructed by the government. The review is indented to identify the social and economic
Overtime and suspensions
2018-08-28
Acas has recently produced two sets of guidance for employers in relation to overtime and suspensions.
Overtime Guidance
The guidance provides that it is important to detail
Inaccurate gender pay gap reporting?
2018-08-27
A recent study undertaken demonstrates that 17% of employers may have incorrectly reported their gender pay gap figures following the requirement for companies with 250
Report on sexual harassment in the workplace
2018-08-24
The Women and Equalities Committee has recently published a report on sexual harassment in the workplace. The report provides that a more active role is
30% rise in tribunal claim notifications
2018-08-23
The recent annual report provided by Acas has demonstrated that the number of people intending to bring a tribunal claim has increased:
From 1,700 to 2,200Increase in whistleblowing reports
2018-08-22
In the previous year, according to figures provided by Pinsent Masons:
HMRC has reported an increase of 134% in reports of whistleblowing in relation to NationalFathers and the Workplace Report
2018-08-21
The Women and Equalities Committee has recently published a report on the rights of fathers at work. The report calls for improvements to be made
BBC reduces gender pay gap
2018-08-20
The BBC have revealed that in the past year they have reduced their median gender pay gap from 9.3% to 7.6%, which demonstrates that the
The risks charities can face in employment law
2018-08-16
The risks charities can face in employment law
What people regularly forget is that a charity is a business like any other.
Inquiry into enforcement of the Equality Act
2018-08-15
The Women and Equalities Committee has recently launched an inquiry into the enforcement of the Equality Act 2010.
Following recent inquiries, such as into sexual harassment
Sleep-in workers and national minimum wage
2018-08-14
The Court of Appeal has overturned the decision of an Employment Appeal Tribunal in relation to national minimum wage for workers that sleep-in on shifts.
No dismissal where successful disciplinary appeal
2018-08-13
The decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal that there had been no dismissal when an employee had been told that the decision to dismiss him
Sickness absence at lowest rate since records began
2018-08-10
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show a significant fall in the number of days employees are taking off work due to
Tribunal fees: 80% not yet refunded
2018-08-09
Only 20% of the predicted £33million refund has been returned to claimants since employment tribunal fees were declared unlawful. A spokesperson for HM Courts and
Dealing with menopause in the workplace - what can employers do?
2018-08-08
During a debate at the House of Commons, Minister for Women, Victoria Atkins reported the importance of providing support for women going through menopause. A
Summary dismissal deemed fair despite no single act of gross misconduct
2018-07-18
In a recent case, the Employment Tribunal decided that a hospital trust fairly dismissed a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with a previously clean disciplinary record as
Tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse
2018-07-13
A toolkit has recently been published by Public Health England and Business in the Community in order to aid to employers with substance abuse in
Religion and belief discrimination
2018-07-05
Acas has recently provided new guidance in relation to discrimination on the grounds of religion and belief in the workplace. The guidance provides a brief
Pimlico Plumbers loses appeal against worker status
2018-06-28
Recently, the Supreme Court decided that a plumber was a ‘worker’ despite his contract stating he was an independent contractor.
The Court
Illegally opting staff out of workplace pension
2018-06-22
The Pensions Regulator announced that two directors and five senior staff of Workchain Ltd
Illegal working fines
2018-06-20
UK Visas and Immigration has recently published a report detailing the total number of fines for illegal working given to employers in the United Kingdom
Employment tribunal statistics for January to March 2018
2018-06-15
The Ministry of Justice has published the Employment Tribunal quarterly statistics for the period January to March 2018.
Statistics show that:
The number of single claim receipts,Dress codes and sex discrimination
2018-06-13
The Government Equalities Office recently published guidance on dress codes and sex discrimination.
The guidance details:
The legal responsibilities of employersCan disciplining as a result of sickness absence amount to disability discrimination?
2018-06-07
In a recent case, an employee had a disability causing high absence levels over the years. As a result, the employer allowed the employee greater
Accounting firm PwC bans all-male interview panels and job shortlists
2018-06-03
The accountancy firm PwC will eliminate all-male interview panels and shortlist for roles in order to provide greater diversity within the organisation. This is as
10 worst excuses for not appointing women to boards
2018-05-30
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has revealed the worst reasons companies have provided as reasoning for not
Travel time between home and a temporary workplace can be working time
2018-05-28
The question of whether travel time to or from work or between places of work is considered working time is increasingly being asked. This is
GDPR - Retention Guide
2018-05-24
We are being asked to provide lots of guidance under GDPR in terms of retention so we have produced a FREE GUIDE which we hope
GDPR - quick overview
2018-05-24
Is GDPR overwhelming? Would you like to understand the key concepts quicky? Our two page will help you to understand the basics of GDPR.
Click
Gender pay gap reporting: private sector reports show median pay gap of 9.7%
2018-05-20
The deadline for large private and voluntary sector employers to publish their gender pay gap (GPG) figures was 4 April 2018.
There
Enforcement of Gender Pay Gap regulations
2018-05-18
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has advised that employers who failed to report their gender pay gap (GPG) data will be
Failure to pay male employee enhanced shared parental pay was not sex discrimination
2018-05-18
Eligible parents can take shared parental leave (SPL) of up to 50 weeks and shared parental pay (ShPP) of up to 37 weeks.
The question of
EHRC calls for improved sexual harassment protection
2018-05-10
A report by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) entitled “Turning the tables: ending sexual harassment at work” has recently been published.
If an employer requires employees to dress a certain way for work does this amount to a deduction for national minimum wage purposes?
2018-05-04
It has recently been reported that Wagamama has been required to repay £133,212 to 2,630 workers because of a requirement to wear casual
Acas publishes latest quarterly update on early conciliation statistics
2018-05-01
Acas has published statistics on its early conciliation service covering the period April to December 2017. It has been reported that the number
Over £9 million in illegal working fines issued
2018-04-25
A quarterly report has been issued by UK Visas and Immigration, which shows the total number of fines for illegal working given to
Tribunal quarterly statistics October to December 2017
2018-04-20
The provisional tribunal quarterly statistics for the period October to December 2017 were published by the Ministry of Justice on 8 March 2018. It was
Employee with condition described as “pre-cancerous” was deemed disabled
2018-04-10
Mrs Lofty was dismissed following absences from work, at least some of which were related to treatment for her pre-cancerous condition. In proceedings
Prison for gangmaster guilty of modern slavery offences
2018-04-05
A gangmaster has been prosecuted for modern slavery offences after bringing Eastern European workers to the UK and paying them less than £2 an hour.
The
HMRC termination payment tax changes
2018-04-04
HMRC has confirmed that the payment in lieu of notice tax changes made earlier this year look to both the date of payment
April 2018 limits on tribunal awards increased
2018-04-03
From 6 April 2018, tribunal compensation limits increased. The maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal has risen from £80,541 to £83,682 and the maximum amount
April 2018 increases to statutory maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and sick pay
2018-04-01
As of 1 April 2018, statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay is £145.18 a week (up from £140.98).
From 6
April 2018 increases to statutory pay
2018-02-08
The government has announced the following proposed increases to statutory benefit payments:
Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental pay and maternity allowance will all be £145.18Tribunal claims increase by 64%
2018-02-08
On 14 December 2017, the Ministry of Justice published the tribunal quarterly statistics for the period July to September 2017. The most significant development is
New online DBS service
2018-02-08
From 17 January 2018, the system for obtaining a basic criminal records check in England and Wales has changed. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Employers "sleepwalking into GDPR abyss"
2018-02-08
60% of businesses have said that they are not prepared for their obligations under the new regime for data protection set out in the EU
Compensatory 20 minute rest break
2018-02-08
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has recently considered whether compensatory rest has to be taken in one uninterrupted period or whether a series of short breaks
Acas publishes quarterly update
2018-02-08
Acas has published statistics on its early conciliation (EC) service covering the period April to September 2017.
According to the statistics, the number of notifications received
Government still has £31m of tribunal fees to refund
2018-02-08
The government has revealed that it still has £31 million to refund following the full roll-out of its scheme for refunding tribunal fees. Justice Minister
Fit for Work scheme abolished
2018-02-08
On 30 November 2017, a government press release announced that, following low referral rates, the assessment services provided by the Fit for Work service (FFW)
Workers to receive £1.7 NMW back pay
2018-02-08
As part of the government's routine "naming and shaming" of employers that have failed to pay their staff the national minimum wage, 16,000 workers are
Gender Pay Gap Reporting toolkit
2018-02-08
The Government Equalities Office (GEO) has published a new toolkit for employers on how to calculate and publish their gender pay gap information.
The toolkit makes
Covert surveillance to monitor workplace theft
2018-02-08
The European Court of Human Rights has considered whether an employer's decision to install hidden cameras to monitor suspected workplace theft by a number of
Employer liable for employee's disclosure of personal data
2018-02-08
In this case against Morrisons Supermarket, the High Court has considered whether an employer is vicariously liable for an employee's deliberate disclosure of co-workers' personal data.
Directors disqualified for employing illegal workers
2018-02-08
Twenty company directors from sixteen restaurant and takeaway businesses were recently issued disqualification orders, following investigations by the Insolvency Service. 18 directors were banned for
Right to paid annual leave carries over indefinitely where employer refuses leave
2018-02-08
Mr King worked for The Sash Window Workshop Ltd (SWW) as a commission-only salesman for 13 years. He received no salary, and was never paid
What to expect in Employment Law in 2018
2018-02-08
Sleep-in Duties
The Court of Appeal is expected to hear the case of Focus Care Agency Ltd v Roberts and others in March to interpret whether employees who sleep-in
14 Things HR Need To Know About Christmas
2017-12-01
14 Things HR Need To Know About Christmas
DecorationsEmployers are obliged to provide and maintain a safe place of work for employees. While employers' health
Travel Disruption due to bad weather
2017-12-01
Travel Disruption due to bad weather
From time to time, travel disruption can affect an employee’s ability to get to work on time, or in some
Acas guidance - parents with ill or premature babies
2017-11-28
Acas has published guidance for employers on how to support parents with premature or sick babies. The recommendations for employers include:
EnsuringParental Bereavement (Pay and Leave) Bill published
2017-11-28
The Parental Bereavement (Pay and Leave) Bill 2017-19 was published on 13 October 2017. This is likely to become law. The proposed legislation
Information Commissioner demystifies GDPR consent
2017-11-28
The Information Commissioner has published a blog demystifying the use of consent under the
Monitoring employees personal messages
2017-11-28
The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights has decided that an employee’s human rights were breached when his employer monitored
Over 30% of fit notes issued due to poor mental health
2017-11-28
A new NHS Digital report has said that nearly a third of all fit notes are issued to workers because of their poor
Modern slavery checks failing to monitor workers in supply chains
2017-11-28
A recent research report has suggested that employers are at risk of employing victims of modern slavery due to the complexity of the
1% of those entitled take shared parental leave
2017-11-28
Research undertaken by commercial law firm EMW, has revealed that only 8,700 new parents made use of the shared parental leave system in
Draft Brexit rules could cause an "unskilled workforce crisis"
2017-11-28
UK industry would find it "near impossible" to recruit low-skilled EU workers post-Brexit, if rules governing access to the UK jobs market for
Dismissal not unfair where employer took account of previous incidents
2017-11-28
Facts
Ms Pillar was employed by NHS 24 as a Nurse Practitioner. Her work consisted of taking telephone calls from members of
Acas publishes new mental health guidance
2017-11-28
Acas has published guidance to assist employers in supporting staff with mental health issues. The guidance suggests how employees might spot signs of
Acas issues guidance for transsexual employees
2017-11-28
The Institute for Employment Studies has published a new study that suggests managers are failing to provide adequate support to transsexual employees at
Suspension was a breach of contract
2017-11-28
Facts
Ms Agoreyo was an experienced primary school teacher for the London Borough of Lambeth. She taught a class of up to
ICO roll out new GDPR guidance for small businesses
2017-11-28
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued new guidance for small businesses on the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which will
Sleep-in staff: Minimum wage enforcement resumes
2017-11-28
The Government has resumed minimum wage enforcement for healthcare providers.
The new Social Care Compliance Scheme (SCCS) will enable healthcare providers to
UK voluntary living wage rises
2017-11-28
Around 150,000 workers have received a pay rise following increases to the voluntary living wage (VLW) rate. The amount of the VLW
Acas guidance on sexual harassment at work
2017-11-28
Acas has published new guidance for employers on how to identify and support people who face sexual harassment at work. Acas highlights
Acas publishes new pregnancy and maternity discrimination guidance
2017-11-28
Acas has published guidance for employers on how to prevent pregnancy and maternity discrimination at work. Acas recommends several measures, including:
Employment tribunal fees: refund scheme
2017-11-28
The Government has now rolled out the tribunal fees refund scheme in full. As anticipated, the scheme is open to both claimants and
Autumn 2017 Budget: key employment announcements
2017-11-28
The Government will increase the national minimum wage from April 2018 to the following rates:
Apprentices: £3.70 an hour; 16-17 year olds: £4.20 an hour; 18-20 year olds:Automatic enrolment and re-enrolment: upcoming deadlines for employers
2017-11-28
Most employers have passed their automatic enrolment staging date and are automatically enrolling new workers into a pension scheme as a matter of
General Data Protection Regulations
2017-10-19
MLR were pleased to recently co-sponser a GDPR event in Pembrokeshire with Morgan and Morgan and The Cabinet Office.
We had
Accommodation Offets
2017-10-11
Accommodation for Employees
The Accommodation Offset is a figure set by the Government each year. It is the limit on the amount that can be
Parental Bereavement Pay and Leave
2017-08-04
The Parental Bereavement (Pay and Leave) Bill 2017 was introduced into the House of Commons in July 2017. Under the bill, employed parents
Voluntary Overtime – a Light at the end of the Tunnel?
2017-08-04
Most employers will be aware of the extensive case law that has emerged over the past few years regarding the calculation of holiday
Modern Slavery in Supply Chains
2017-08-03
In July 2017, the House of Lords were presented with the Modern Slavery (Transparency in Supply Chains) Bill 2017.
The
National Minimum Wage: sleep-in shifts in the social care sector
2017-08-02
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) enforces payment of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and is currently investigating social care providers for underpayment of
So, employment tribunal fees are unlawful but what happens now?
2017-08-01
After the flurry of activity from the July Supreme Court decision - that Employment Tribunal fees are unlawful - what happens now?
1. It is unlikely
BBC gender pay gap
2017-07-31
BBC Director General, Tony Hall, hopes to close the BBC gender pay gap by 2020, following a letter signed by 40 of the
The Taylor Review of the "Gig" Economy
2017-07-31
The "gig economy" (where individuals are engaged by businesses on a flexible, ad hoc basis – e.g. Uber drivers) has recently presented problems for determining
Disciplining for quoting the Bible
2017-07-28
Mr Trayhorn was employed by the Secretary of State as a gardener at a prison. The prison had a chapel, and employed full-time
How to handle cancer in the workplace?
2017-07-28
I am a HR Manager, and have recently been informed that one of our employees unfortunately has cancer. What should I do to support our
Liquid lunches: can an employer stop staff drinking during working hours?
2017-07-18
We recently saw Lloyd's of London banning a lunchtime pint during the working day but how far can an employer police what workers do when
Are your staff wilting in the workplace?
2017-07-17
With it currently being British summertime, when temperatures soar employers are under increased pressure to ensure the safety of their workers.
By working in high temperatures, employers may
Gender pay gap begins just one year after graduation
2017-07-14
The Department of Education has published data that suggests women graduates are paid less than male graduates despite studying the same subject in the same
Directors backlash after informing staff to vote Tory
2017-07-13
Two Managing Directors have been criticised in the lead up to the election after reportedly telling staff that their jobs were at risk if they
ICO publishes updated subject access code of practice
2017-07-12
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has updated its subject access code of practice to reflect developments in recent Court of Appeal judgments.
Organisations should find this
Male employee succeeds in discrimination claim for shared parental pay
2017-07-11
In this case, the tribunal appears to take the view that, beyond the compulsory maternity leave period, men and women are in the same position
Dismissal fair despite employer's failure to provide witness evidence of appeal stage at tribunal
2017-07-10
It is common practice for employers to call a member of a dismissal appeal panel to give evidence at an unfair dismissal tribunal hearing. This
ICO warns businesses to prepare with one year to go until the GDPR
2017-06-13
The Information Commissioner (ICO) has warned businesses that there's no time to delay in preparing for "the biggest change to data protection law for a
Union membership falls to lowest level since records began
2017-06-12
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has announced that the number of union members is at an all-time low of 6.2 million. According to the
Redundancy following sickness absence was not discrimination arising from disability (EAT)
2017-06-09
In a recent case the Employment Appeal Tribunal gave guidance on the test for discrimination arising from disability.
Background
Discrimination arising from disability occurs where both:
A treats
Employers begin to publish gender pay gap data on government website
2017-05-15
Employers have begun to publish their gender pay gap information on the government's gender pay gap data website.
Click here to access the recent report:
Government publishes response to report on high heels and workplace dress codes
2017-05-12
The government has published its response to the House of Commons Petitions Committee and Women and Equalities Committee joint report on dress codes in the
Auto-enrolment: employer pays £40,000 penalty for non-compliance
2017-05-11
In May 2017, the Pensions Regulator issued a regulatory intervention report in relation to action taken against Johnson Shoes Company.
The Pensions Regulator has published details
Headscarf ban was not direct discrimination
2017-05-10
Ms Achbita worked for G4S who said that employees were not permitted to wear any religious, political or philosophical symbols while on duty. She was
A poor attitude to organisational change could constitute gross misconduct
2017-05-09
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has ruled that procedural failings and inclusion in an internal appeal panel of an individual (who was junior to the
The Chartered Institute for Building has published a toolkit for tackling modern slavery in the construction sector.
2017-03-09
Produced in association with "Stronger Together" (an initiative that supports organisations tackling modern slavery), the toolkit assists construction businesses in complying with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Among other things, it:
CoversGovernment to issue new guidance to support working mothers with premature babies
2017-03-08
The government is set to publish guidance aimed at supporting working mothers with premature babies. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will work
Fathers not taking up flexible working opportunities
2017-03-07
The Chairman of the Women and Equalities inquiry into the treatment of fathers in the workplace has said that fathers are hesitant to ask their
Virgin Money reports 36% mean gender pay gap
2017-03-06
Virgin Money has reported an average 36% gender pay gap in their 2016 annual report. According to the report, the financial services organisation had a
Sick days taken by workers at lowest since records began
2017-03-03
Statistics released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that the number of workers calling in sick is at its lowest level since records
Government promises action on workplace dress codes and high heels
2017-03-02
On 6 March 2017, the e-petition on workplace dress codes and high heels was discussed in the House of Commons. This follows the case in
Publication of Employment Tribunal judgments: the impact for employers
2017-03-01
In February, the Ministry of Justice formally launched its website of Employment Tribunal decisions. All future Tribunal decisions will be uploaded onto the website. Below we
Gender pay gap reporting
2017-02-28
ACAS and the Government Equalities Office have jointly published guidance on the Gender Pay Gap Regulations which are due to come into force on 6
Employment Tribunal fees review
2017-02-27
The government's review of the introduction of fees in the employment tribunals (ET) was published on 31 January 2017.
The review accepts that the introduction of
National minimum wage increases
2017-02-24
Recommendations from the Low Pay Commission have resulted in proposals to amend the rates of the national minimum wage.
The draft regulations set out the following
Minimum wage for gig economy workers?
2017-02-23
The chairman of the Commons work and pensions select committee Frank Field has told a Downing Street review of modern working practices that all workers
Hundreds of employers named and shamed for underpaying
2017-02-22
The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has published a list of employers failing to pay the national minimum wage (NMW). The
Registration for online apprenticeship service opens
2017-02-21
The apprenticeship levy comes into force on 6 April 2017 and the Department for Education and the Skills Funding Agency have encouraged large employers
Argos set to pay £2.4m for national minimum wage arrears
2017-02-20
Argos has been ordered to pay 37,000 former and current staff backpay amounting to £2.4m, after an HMRC investigation revealed its failure to pay
Limits on tribunal awards and statutory payments to increase from April 2017
2017-02-17
Tribunal compensation limits will increase on 6 April 2017.
The maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal will rise from £78,962 to £80,541.
The maximum amount of a
Trade Union Act 2016: main provisions come into force on 1 March 2017
2017-02-16
The Trade Union Act 2016 into force on 1 March 2017. The major changes include:
Ballots: 50% turnout requirement. Ballots in "important public services": additional 40% support requirement. InformationEmployment tribunals online database of decisions now live
2017-02-15
The database has now gone live. The database covers decisions from England, Wales and Scotland. It is understood that it will initially cover new or
High heels and workplace dress codes
2017-02-14
A joint report has been published by the House of Commons Petitions Committee and the Women and Equalities Committee called High heels and workplace dress
Call for better pregnancy and maternity protection
2017-02-13
The government has published its response to the Women and Equalities Committee’s report calling for better pregnancy and maternity protection.
The majority of the Committee’s recommendations
Two brothers sentenced under Modern Slavery Act
2017-02-10
Two brothers have each been jailed for exploitation under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and fraud offences and conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation under the Fraud Act 2006.
The two brothers arranged
Will you be my valentine? How to deal with romance in the workplace
2017-02-09
Most people who work in an office have to develop close working relationships with their colleagues, not least because they spend a substantial part of
Dismissal fair despite reliance on expired warnings
2017-01-24
In this case a tribunal and the Employment Appeal Tribunal decided that a dismissal was fair even though the employer relied on previous warnings.
Mr Stratford
Employers pay over £83,000 under tribunal penalty regime
2017-01-23
The penalty regime for unpaid employment tribunal awards came into force on 6 April 2016. Defaulting employers may be issued with a penalty notice requiring
"She only makes the tea": Bizarre excuses for not paying minimum wage
2017-01-22
HMRC officials have released ten of the most bizarre responses provided by employers when questioned on their reasons for failing to pay the national minimum
Dentists call for the abolition of "workplace cake culture"
2017-01-21
Dentists have called for an end to the "workplace cake culture", saying the sharing of sweets and cakes leads to obesity and poor oral health.
Illegal working
2017-01-20
In December 2016, nearly 100 people were arrested in nail bars on suspicion of working illegally and breaching immigration laws. Authorities raided 280 nail bars
Modern Slavery - Gangmasters agree to pay more than £1m
2017-01-19
A Kent-based gangmaster couple have agreed to a landmark settlement worth more than
Tribunal quarterly statistics
2017-01-18
The Ministry of Justice has published the statistics for tribunals for the period July to September 2016. During this quarter:
Employment tribunals received 4,300 single claimsOnline database for Employment Tribunal judgments
2017-01-17
HM Courts and Tribunals Service has confirmed that future Employment Tribunal decisions will soon be readily available online. The online database will enable people to
Annual increase to statutory pay
2017-01-16
The government has announced the following proposed increases to statutory benefit payments commencing in April:
The weekly rate of statutory sick pay (SSP) will be £89.35Flexible hours lengthen working life
2017-01-15
According to new research almost half of workers would work longer before retiring if more opportunities for flexible hours were offered. According to the British
Gender pay gap regulations
2017-01-14
The final draft of the Gender Pay Gap regulations have been published and will come into force on 6 April 2017. The Regulations clarify who
Female workers receive grooming "list"
2017-01-13
Senior staff at the Dorchester Hotel have been criticised for sending a list of grooming standards to female applicants requiring them to meet certain standards
Gender Pay Gap by profession
2017-01-12
A new online platform has been launched that enables the public to view the gender pay gap by occupation. The online platform suggests the highest
HMRC investigation into care sector
2017-01-11
In light of a major HMRC operation, thousands of care workers have received back pay amounting to £650,000 due to the failure of care providers
Employment Law: What to expect in 2017
2017-01-09
2017 looks set to be a busy year for employment law. Below we have set out the key developments for the year ahead.
Brexit, will continue to dominate the employment lawThe festive season and risks for employers
2016-12-15
It’s that time of year again….when lawyers warn
Easyjey acted discriminatory towards breastfeeding mother
2016-12-07
An employment tribunal has decided that easyJet's shift practices were indirectly discriminatory towards two breastfeeding employees on the grounds of sex. This
Christmas - the risks!
2016-12-07
It’s that time of year again….when lawyers warn employers of the risks of tribunal claims from staff at Christmas. Although this makes us
Dress Codes
2016-12-06
This year we have already seen employers face reputational or legal challenges on requiring a receptionist to wear high heel shoes, the banning of Muslim
Pregnancy and maternity protection
2016-12-05
The Women and Equalities Committee has recently published a report on pregnancy and maternity discrimination showing that the number of expectant and new mothers forced
Shared parental leave
2016-12-04
A Scottish employment tribunal has determined the compensation arising out of a discriminatory shared parental
Care workers and NMW
2016-12-02
Seventeen care workers have recently submitted a claim in the ET against council contractor Sevacare for its failure to pay the national
Employers fail to grasp recruitment laws
2016-12-01
The results of a survey undertaken by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), suggests employers are ill-informed of the current law
Asda faces equal pay claim
2016-11-30
In a recent decision, an employment tribunal decided that a group of female retail store employees could compare themselves to a group of
Fake sick notes
2016-11-29
The Medical Defence Union (MDU) has urged employers to remain vigilant due to the ease at which fake doctors' notes can be
More companies move away from zero hours contracts
2016-11-28
With a combined total of over 40,000 workers on zero hours contracts, Suffolk brewer Greene King, pub franchise JD Wetherspoon and cinema chain
Hermes faces a possible HMRC investigation for paying couriers less than minimum wage
2016-11-27
HMRC are considering whether to investigate the working practices of delivery company Hermes in light of the recent allegations made by self-employed couriers
Finance companies promise gender parity in senior roles by 2021
2016-11-26
72 financial institutions including HSBC, RBS and Santander, have signed up to the Government's Women in Finance Charter, which aims to increase the
Government set to miss £9.00 an hour National Living Wage forecast
2016-11-24
The Resolution Foundation thinktank has published a report that suggests the government will fall short of its £9.00 an hour 2020 National Living
Working practices at Asos warehouse questioned
2016-11-23
On 3 September 2016, a report was issued that questioned the working practices of an Asos distribution centre. According to the report workers
Inquiry to investigate sexual harassment in the workplace
0000-00-00
The Women and Equalities Committee has launched an inquiry into workplace sexual harassment following a number of high-profile claims in recent months.
