Parent fairly dismissed after refusing to return to work during pandemic
2022-05-24
In Rodgers v Leeds Laser Cutting Ltd an employment tribunal ruled that an employee who refused to attend his workplace due to Covid 19 concerns
Post Categories
Category - Employment Law
Employers report hybrid working increases productivity
2022-05-23
New research by CIPD has reported a significant increase in the number of employers stating that home and hybrid working has increased their organisation's productivity
8/10 women receive no support for the menopause at work
2022-05-22
A survey commissioned by Channel 4 sought the views of over 4,000 women aged between 45 and 55, and found that 1 in 10 women
Planned legislation to provide for workers to keep tips reportedly dropped
2022-05-20
On 5 May 2022, it was reported that plans to legislate for workers to keep tips have been dropped for "the foreseeable future" according to
30% of large employers are planning to make redundancies
2022-05-18
A survey commissioned by Acas has found that 18% (nearly 1 in 5) of UK employers are likely to make redundancies in the next 12
The Menopause Workplace Pledge
2022-05-16
Over 600 employers have signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge – a campaign led by Wellbeing of Women.
In signing the pledge, employers are recognising that menopause
Agricultural Wages (Wales) Order 2022
2022-05-14
The Agricultural Wages (Wales) Order 2022 came into force on 22 April 2022.
The order replaces and revokes the Agricultural Wages (Wales) Order 2020.
The changes consist
Bank ordered to pay £2 million compensation and carry out salary audit
2022-05-13
In a remedy judgement that took nearly 6 months to draft, BNP Paribas London Branch (the “Bank”) were ordered to pay £2 million in compensation
New regulations concerning Right to Work checks
2022-05-11
On 6 April 2022, new regulations came into force concerning right to work checks. These regulations amend the right to work check scheme, which requires
National Minimum Wage increases for April 2022
2022-05-09
The new National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates have come into effect as of 1 April 2022.
The new rates are:
NLW (agesRecent survey shows disparities amongst ethnic groups on zero-hours contracts
2022-05-07
A higher proportion of black and ethnic minority workers (4.3%) are on zero-hours contracts than their white colleagues (3%) an analysis of data from the
Tribunals able to award greater sums from April 2022
2022-05-05
New regulations have been introduced which permits employment tribunals to award greater sums from April 2022.
The new regulations increase the limit of awards that the
Welsh Government called upon to introduce four-day working week pilot
2022-05-03
A recent report from the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has recommended that a four-day working week should be trialled in Wales.
Key findings from the
Prisoners to be offered apprenticeships whilst still serving their sentence
2022-05-01
As part of their plans to stop the “cycle of crime”, the Government will introduce regulations later this year to allow prisoners in open prisons
Government considering removing vaccination requirement for health and social care workers
2022-04-30
Last year, the Government introduced a policy in which vaccinations against COVID-19 were made mandatory for health and social workers (unless exempt) who
Tesco prevented from terminating employment contracts to avoid increased pay for its employees
2022-04-28
A recent High Court case granted the exceptional remedy of declaratory relief and prohibited Tesco from terminating and re-employing several of its warehouse workers.
The workers,
New report shines a light on access to sick pay amongst different working groups
2022-04-26
A report from the Institute for Public Policy Research and University College London published earlier this year has shown substantial differences amongst age groups, ethnicities
New court and tribunal hearing lists service to be developed by HMCTS
2022-04-24
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) announced earlier this year that they are developing a new online service to allow easier access to court and
Law firm employees to face reduced pay for full-time working from home
2022-04-22
An international London law firm has introduced a policy which reduces the pay for those employees who decide to continue to work from home on
Employee’s claim for loss of career earnings dismissed by the High Court
2022-04-20
In a recent High Court case, a former employee claimed that his employer should be liable for his loss of career earnings on the basis
Minimum wage rates increase April 2022
2022-03-28
Minimum wage increases 2022
The increased National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates that will apply from April 2022 have now
Managing Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace - 28 February 2022
2022-02-28
Please click here to access the slides used in our Managing Drug and Alcohol Abuse in
Figures show the gender pay gap narrowed in 2020/2021
2022-02-24
Consulting firm PwC have released figures that show that the gender pay gap has slightly decreased to 13.1% amongst companies who reported for 2020/21, compared
Former Tesco employee wins data breach claim for lost employment records
2022-02-24
During employment tribunal proceedings, a former employee of Tesco had requested access to her employment records (which covered a period of 15 years), to obtain
Calls for stronger regulations on the electronic monitoring of homeworkers
2022-02-24
According to a recent survey conducted by the trade union ‘Prospect’, 32% of employers monitor their employees who work from home, and this figure rises
Paranoid delusions were unlikely to recur so the claimant was not “disabled”
2022-02-24
A claimant who suffered two episodes of paranoid delusions, which affected his timekeeping and attendance at work, was dismissed by his employer on the basis
Employers should stop asking potential employees about salary history
2022-02-24
According to a recent survey by the Fawcett Society, 47% of working adults are asked about their previous salaries when applying for a new job.
Parental leave policies are an important factor for many employees
2022-02-24
According to a recent survey by Virgin Money, 60% of working parents would leave their current jobs if it meant they would be offered better
Saga claims to be the first UK employer to introduce paid grandparent leave
2022-02-24
Insurance company ‘Saga’ claim they will become the first UK employer to offer one week of paid grandparent leave to its employees after the birth of
EAT find a director and shareholder of a company was not an employee or worker
2022-02-24
A claimant who was a 40% shareholder and co-director of a company, and who received payments described as a "salary", left the business following a
Withdrawal of a secondment offer for safety reasons was not disability discrimination
2022-02-24
In a recent tribunal claim, an employer withdrew an employee’s secondment offer to Montenegro, following medical advice that it would jeopardise the employee’s safety. The
Stress, anxiety and depression caused half of work-related illness in 2020/2021
2022-02-24
According to a new report by the Health and Safety Executive, 850,000 workers suffered from a new case of a work-related illness in 2020/2021 and
Failed challenge to Supreme Court’s decision in “support gay marriage” cake case
2022-02-24
The Supreme Court previously decided that the Christian owners of a bakery had not directly discriminated against the claimant on the grounds of religious belief,
Employer not liable for workplace injury caused by employee’s prank
2022-02-24
In a recent court case, an employee played a practical joke on the claimant, who was a contractor at work, by bringing explosive pellets into
Employee was fairly dismissed for not complying with the grievance process
2022-02-24
In a recent case, a claimant was dismissed on the grounds of his misconduct because he persistently made multiple informal grievances, he was unwilling to
Inquiry on whether the menopause should be legally protected under employment law
2022-02-24
As part of its inquiry into menopause in the workplace, in January 2022 the Women and Equalities Select Committee listened to evidence from employment lawyers.
Employment Law Update - 14 January 2022
2022-01-14
Please click here to access the slides used in our Employment Law Update webinar on 14 January 2022.
Pregnant actor denied playing a role wins tribunal claim
2021-11-30
An actor brought an employment tribunal claim for pregnancy and maternity discrimination. The actor starred in the first series of a television programme but, due
Menopause may become a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010
2021-11-30
The chair of the Women and Equalities Committee has been leading an inquiry into analysing the extent to which menopausal women experience discrimination in the
Employer not required to disclose email stating plans to dismiss employee
2021-11-30
Generally, documents relevant to disputes are subject to disclosure. An exception to this rule is the legal professional privilege, which protects against the disclosure of
Employee on long-term sick leave was victimised by not being furloughed
2021-11-30
An employer (a hotel) who did not furlough its employee under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has had a victimisation claim brought against it
ONS data suggests home-workers are more likely to plan for a later retirement
2021-11-30
The Office for National Statistics have recently released data from June to July 2020 that shows home-workers are more likely to plan for a later
NICs and dividend tax rates set to increase from April 2022
2021-11-30
In September 2021, the government announced it will raise the rates of dividend tax and some National Insurance contributions (NICs) by 1.25%, although NIC rates
Carer of disabled parent claims indirect associative discrimination
2021-11-30
The claimant, a principal carer who worked at home to care for her disabled mother, was employed by Nationwide as a Senior Lending Manager on
Failure to comply with subject access request results in ICO enforcement notice
2021-11-30
First Choice Selection Services Ltd (First Choice) were sent a subject access request by a data subject who was bringing an employment tribunal claim. First
Redundancy dismissal not necessarily unfair if employees cannot appeal
2021-11-30
In a recent case of dismissal by reason of redundancy, the claimants were not allowed to appeal against their dismissal due to redundancy, so they
The UK’s Immigration Rules have been changed
2021-11-30
Changes introduced by the Covid-19 pandemic have affected British and foreign nationals working and living in the UK.
The government published its ‘Statement of Changes HC617’
Firefighter's breaks on standby may be classed as “working time” under the WTD
2021-11-30
A firefighter has challenged his employer’s decision to make his daily rest breaks unpaid, unless there was an emergency call-out. During the firefighter’s rest breaks,
Gig economy employers should comply with auto-enrolment obligations
2021-11-30
Gig economy employers must “voluntarily” and “promptly” comply with their auto-enrolment obligations under the Pensions Act 2008, otherwise the Pensions Regulator has warned that they
New law to ensure workers can keep tips in full
2021-11-30
Following the 2016 consultation on tips, gratuities, cover and service charges, the government has confirmed it will pass legislation to ensure workers can keep tips
Government propose to make flexible working a "day one" right
2021-11-30
The government are consulting on broadening the scope of an employee’s right to request flexible working, which has become particularly relevant since more people have
Menopausal employee was entitled to bring disability and sex discrimination, harassment and victimisation claims
2021-11-30
A recent case has highlighted the challenges facing many menopausal women in the workplace, including the difficulties they can experience in establishing that their menopausal
Courier with a limited right to substitute work is classed as a worker
2021-11-30
A moped courier, who worked under a contract for the personal performance of services, could notify other couriers if he wished to release a delivery
50% of working mothers have not been wholly successful in requesting flexible working
2021-11-30
A Trade Union Congress (TUC) recently collaborated with online parenting portal Mother Pukka to conduct a study on flexible working.
The report, ‘Denied and discriminated against’,
Pay cuts for home workers
2021-09-23
According to the 150 business leaders and organisations who responded to CIPHR’s survey, 68% of those who currently pay their staff a ‘location allowance’ are
Views for new data protection guidance
2021-09-23
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has launched a survey to obtain the public’s view of its new data protection and employment practices guidance
Employers underpaying staff have been named and shamed
2021-09-23
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have recently reported that 191 employers had underpaid their staff. From 2011 to 2018,
New Acas guidance on hybrid working
2021-09-23
Acas have published its new guidance on hybrid working this summer. Hybrid working, where staff can work flexibly between their workplace and a
Inquiry into menopause in the workplace
2021-09-23
An inquiry has been launched into workplace practices relating to the menopause by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee. The inquiry
John Lewis to introduce the UK’s first equalised parental leave policy
2021-09-23
John Lewis plans to launch an equalised parental pay policy from autumn 2021, in what is claimed to be a first in the
New online tool for shared parental leave
2021-09-23
A new online tool has been published to assist expectant parents check their eligibility and pay entitlement under the shared parental leave and
Teacher suspected of possessing indecent images of children fairly dismissed
2021-09-23
A teacher who was charged, but not prosecuted, with possession of indecent images of children, has been fairly dismissed for “some other substantial
Sexual harassment in the workplace consultation
2021-09-23
In response to a consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace that took place between February and October 2019, the government has pledged
Could flexible working become the default position?
2021-09-23
A new consultation will be launched by the government to decide whether flexible working should become the default position. The idea, which has
Gender critical belief was a “philosophical belief”
2021-09-23
An employment tribunal that decided a gender critical belief (including a belief that sex is immutable and should not be conflated with gender
Latest employment tribunal statistics
2021-09-23
The quarterly statistics for the employment tribunal between January and March 2021 has been published and includes the following data:
There have
Tribunal failed to take notice of childcare disparity
2021-09-23
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has held that an employment tribunal failed to take notice of the “childcare disparity” in a recent indirect sex
Redundancy protection not yet extended for new parents
2021-09-23
Recently in the House of Commons, it was reiterated by Paul Scully MP that the government will introduce legislation offering greater protection against
Acas published its latest data
2021-09-23
Acas has recently published its data on early conciliation (EC) and employment tribunals for England, Scotland and Wales covering April to December 2020.
Employee WhatsApp Communications – the importance of HR policies and training
2021-08-04
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and our response to minimising social contact and travel, participation in WhatsApp group chats has soared. This has
Are your staff wilting in the workplace?
2021-07-21
With the UK’s first ever extreme heat warning employers are under increased pressure to ensure the safety of their workers.
By working in high temperatures, employers
Managing employees during the UEFA Euros 2020
2021-07-01
With the ongoing Euros 2020 tournament and with England reaching the quarter finals, employers may find that their HR departments are busier than ever. Alongside
The Tribunal tidal wave is about to break
2021-05-14
The backlog in outstanding ET claim grows with little prospect of improvements without stronger government action. Increasing claim costs and the unknown cost of those
Public Sector Exit Payments
2021-04-30
The UK government has decided to revoke the Restriction of Public Sector Exit Payments Regulations 2020 which came into force on 4 November 2020. Following
Uber drivers are workers
2021-04-30
The Supreme Court has unanimously upheld an employment tribunal decision that Uber drivers are workers. In particular, it was held that worker status was a
All-male boards a “thing of the past”?
2021-04-30
The 30% Club has published its latest monthly statistics on female boardroom representation revealing that as of February 2021 in the FTSE 350, there are
Tribunal awards increases
2021-04-30
As of 6 April 2021, Parliament have revised compensation limits for certain tribunal awards and other statutory payments.
In cases involving dismissal, the new figures will
Removal of Christian non-executive director
2021-04-30
A recent case has decided that an NHS Trust Development Authority did not discriminate against a Christian non-executive director, on religious grounds when it decided
Health and safety detriment protection to be extended to workers
2021-04-30
Legislation has been laid before Parliament to extend the rights currently in place to provide further health and safety protection for workers. The amendments will
Modern Slavery Act 2015 statements
2021-04-30
On 11 March 2021, the Home Office announced the launch of its new registry for slavery statements and the addition of the government's own modern
Employment tribunal statistics
2021-04-30
Employment tribunal statistics for the quarter October to December 2020 have been published. Accelerating the trend shown in the previous quarter's statistics, claim receipts increased
Sexual harassment of women increases
2021-04-22
Rights of Women charity has recently raised its concerns regarding the increase in online sexual harassment of women at work as platforms used by employers
Domestic abuse guidance
2021-04-22
On 14 January 2021, an open letter to employers calling on them to support the victims of domestic abuse was published by the Government. BEIS
Awareness about workers' rights to be improved
2021-04-22
In a bid to combat nationwide lack of knowledge about workers’ rights, on 22 January 2021, the Welsh Government announced that it will be collaborating
BEIS review of workers' rights cancelled
2021-04-22
On 27 January 2021, Kwasi Kwarteng MP, the Business Secretary, announced that a post-Brexit review of workers' rights due to be carried out by the
Flexible working to be day-one right for employees
2021-04-22
The CIPD has launched a new campaign calling for the right to request flexible working to be a day-one right for all employees and for
Mental health income gap in the UK
2021-04-22
A recent report has been published by the Mental Health and Income Commission which is a collaboration of businesses, trade unions and charities led by
25% of employees currently have no unfair dismissal rights
2021-04-22
TUC has published a recent report revealing that approximately 7.5 million employees, being 25% of workers, have been employed for less than two year, therefore,
Employer could not rely on defence of taking all reasonable steps to prevent harassment
2021-04-22
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has upheld a tribunal's finding that an employer failed to take all reasonable steps to avoid an employee being racially harassed
Socio-economic Regulations
2021-04-22
On 9 February 2021, the Welsh Government laid the Equality Act (Authorities subject to a duty regarding Socio-economic Inequalities) (Wales) Regulations 2021 (Regulations) before Senedd
Lesbian Gay and Bisexual conflict at work
2021-04-22
The CIPD have recently published their research report Inclusion at work: Perspectives on LGBT+ working lives, which has revealed that, over a twelve-month period, more
Surveillance in workplace
2021-04-22
Recently, the Employment Appeal Tribunal has decided in a particular case that an employer was not entitled to dismiss an employee who was conducting surveillance
How can an employer defend a harassment claim?
2021-04-22
A recent case has decided it is not simply enough to train staff but any training must be refreshed. Training that was 20 months old
COVID-19: 133,000 more women than men furloughed
2021-02-24
Controversially, during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic between March and August 2020, a recent publication reveals that 133,000 more women than men were furloughed,
National minimum wage increases
2021-02-24
Positive news for many workers as from 6 April 2021, the national living wage (NLW) and national minimum wage (NMW) will be increased in accordance
DBS - automatic disclosure of youth cautions, reprimands and warnings
2021-02-24
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has published new guidance dealing with the filtering rules for criminal records certificates, applying from 28 November 2020.
The new
Are Teams meetings deemed personal data?
2021-02-24
COVID-19 pandemic has seen significant rise in the use of Microsoft Teams meetings but for GDPR purposes, could this be classed as employees personal data
Employee monitoring increased during COVID-19
2021-02-24
Since the start of COVID-19 in March 2020, according to a poll of 3,000 workers carried out by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), 15% of
Proposed increases to statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and sick pay
2021-02-24
From 4 April 2021, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published its proposed increases to a number of statutory benefit payments. The following
Tribunal statistics July to September 2020
2021-02-24
During July to September 2020, single claim receipts rose to 11,000 and multiple claim receipts rose to 19,000 (a respective 13% and 24% increase compared
Employers not paying national minimum wage
2021-02-24
139 employers have been named and shamed for failure to pay the national minimum wage to their employees. On 31 December 2020, the Department for
Employers prioritise highest paid furloughed workers for pay top up
2021-02-24
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has found that employers prioritised paying
20% of whistleblowers dismissed for raising COVID-19 concerns
2021-02-24
A recent report published by whistleblowing charity Protect, which analysed over 600
Gender pay gap reduction
2021-02-24
Recent data published by the Official National Statistics (ONS) have revealed that the UK's gender pay gap, calculated using the median hourly earnings of full-time
ICO fines Marriott £18.4 million for cyber-breach
2021-02-24
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a monetary penalty notice fining Marriott International Inc (Marriott) £18.4 million for breaching its data security obligations under
Real Living Wage increases to £9.50 per hour
2021-02-24
The real Living Wage is a recommended UK wage rate which aims
BBC restricts employees' social media use
2021-02-24
BBC publishes guidelines for employees detailing that employees are banned from expressing
Extra bank holiday in June 2022 for Queen's Platinum Jubilee
2021-02-24
In a press release on 12 November 2020, the government announced the
Brexit and its Impact on UK Employment Law
2021-01-04
Overview
Of course, after Brexit the UK will no longer be a member of the EU but the terms of the divorce are still far from
Gender fluid/non-binary employee covered by Equality Act 2010 definition of gender reassignment awarded £180,000 in compensation following landmark discrimination case
2021-01-03
On 14 September 2020, an employment tribunal upheld claims for harassment, direct discrimination and victimisation on the ground of gender reassignment brought against
COVID-19: pandemic leads to backlog of 45,000 employment tribunal cases
2021-01-02
45,000 employment tribunal cases waiting to be heard in August 2020, Ministry of Justice data shows according to the Law Society Gazette, demonstrating an increase
Employment Tribunal holds that homecare providers agree to pay backdated National Minimum Wage to care workers for travelling and waiting time between care appointments
2021-01-02
In a claim ongoing since 2016, three homecare service providers have agreed to pay ten care workers the national minimum wage (NMW) for travelling and
Modern Slavery Act 2015: government response to transparency in supply chains consultation
2021-01-02
On 22 September 2020, the UK government published a response (Response) to its transparency in supply chains consultation. It is a legal requirement for certain
Christian teaching assistant sacked over anti-LGBT Facebook post takes case to tribunal
2021-01-02
A Christian teaching assistant lost her job over a Facebook post where she shared a petition against teaching about LGBT relationships in primary schools claims
Employment Tribunal Rules amended to reduce bureaucracy and increase capacity
2021-01-02
New legislation introduced by the government to make several technical changes to employment tribunal
Tribunal makes costs award against former employee of £432,000
2021-01-02
The employment tribunal has awarded an employer £432,000 in costs, which is thought to
COVID-19: ACAS says, 37% of employers likely to make redundancies in next three months
2021-01-02
Redundancies on the rise? A survey of 2,097 British businesses published by Acas has revealed that over the next three months, 37% of employers are
COVID-19: Access to Work scheme employer factsheet updated
2021-01-02
The government has updated the employer guide for the Access to Work scheme, which provides grants of up to £60,700 to help disabled people start
CIPD and EHRC publish guide on supporting employees suffering domestic abuse
2021-01-02
On 29 September 2020, the CIPD and EHRC published Managing and supporting employees experiencing domestic abuse: a guide for employers. Recommendations include employers should have
Women on boards: number of executive positions occupied by women remains "stubbornly low"
2021-01-02
The Female FTSE Board Report 2020, published by Cranfield School of Management and EY, which looks at trends in female representation on FTSE 100 and
Employer not liable for consequences of employee's practical joke in the workplace
2021-01-02
The High Court has upheld a county court decision that an employer was not negligent or vicariously liable for the actions of an employee whose
H&M fined EUR35 million in Germany for GDPR breach after storing "extensive" employee data
2021-01-02
On 2 October 2020, H&M received a fine of EUR35 million for monitoring and recording "extensive details" about hundreds of its employees in Nuremburg, in
Employment tribunal quarterly statistics for April to June 2020 and annual awards statistics for 2019/20 published
2021-01-02
April to June 2020 employment tribunal quarterly statistics have been published by the Ministry of Justice. During this period, single claim receipts and caseload outstanding
UK gender pay gap legislation much less ''robust'' than in other countries, report finds
2021-01-02
The Fawcett Society and the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London (KCL), which analysed the gender pay gap reporting legislation of ten
Recent CIPD report suggests only 52% of employers have a diversity strategy
2021-01-02
A poll of over 650 HR professionals, conducted as part of the CIPD and Omni Resource Management Solutions' "Resourcing and talent planning survey 2020", suggests
UK Annual Report on Modern Slavery 2020
2021-01-02
On 19 October 2020, the government published the UK Annual Report on Modern Slavery 2020, which entails the measures it has taken to combat modern
ICO publishes detailed subject access request guidance
2021-01-02
There is now detailed guidance for organisations on how to deal with rights of access to personal data (subject access rights) published by the Information
Study reveals three out of five employers concerned about introduction of IR35
2020-11-19
A poll of 398 senior decision-makers in medium and large businesses has revealed that 62% are concerned about their ability to attract temporary workers when
Employment tribunal quarterly statistics for July to September 2019
2020-11-19
The number of employment tribunal claims continues to rise according to the
Employee charged with criminal offence was fairly dismissed due to risk to employer's reputation (EAT)
2020-11-19
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has upheld a tribunal's decision that an employee was fairly dismissed for some other substantial reason given the potential reputational risk
Parental bereavement leave and pay: regulations made
2020-11-19
The Parental Bereavement Leave Regulations 2020 have been made. These regulations implement new pay and leave entitlements to bereaved parents in respect of children whose
Limits on tribunal awards and statutory payments to increase from April 2020
2020-11-19
The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2020 (SI 2020/205) has been laid before Parliament and increases the limit applying to certain awards of employment
Alcohol Awareness Week
2020-11-18
Alcohol awareness week is a week of awareness-raising, campaigning for change, and more. It is an ideal opportunity to drive a conversation about alcohol, signpost those
National Stress Awareness Day
2020-11-06
National Stress Awareness Day is a great opportunity to take a moment to think about our wellbeing and find advice or support on managing stress,
Restriction of Public Sector Exit Payments Regulations 2020 made
2020-11-02
The Restriction of Public Sector Exit Payments Regulations 2020 will introduce a £95,000 cap on exit payments in the public sector and will come into
Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) determines that "Employer" for purposes of National Minimum Wage accommodation offset does not include a connected company
2020-10-29
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has upheld a tribunal's decision that deductions from wages for rent were not to be treated as reductions for the
Acas Annual Report and Accounts 2019/20: 50% increase in calls to Acas helpline during lockdown
2020-10-29
Acas published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2019/20 on 14 July 2020 covering the year ending 31 March 2020. The foreword to the report
ACAS announces new podcast: Black Lives Matter in the workplace
2020-10-23
Acas has announced a new podcast discussing the role of the Black Lives Matter movement and its impact within the workplace. Discussions includes
Employment Tribunal find that hairdresser who signed consultancy agreement with salon found to be employee
2020-10-23
An employment tribunal has found that a hairdresser who worked under a consultancy agreement with a salon for five years was an employee.
Report suggests firms with more female executives have higher profit margins
2020-10-23
The Pipeline, a collaboration of Diversity and Inclusion specialists, has published a report on the current state of gender diversity in the workplace
Employment Appeal Tribunal determines that dismissal with no procedure following breakdown in working relations was not unfair
2020-10-23
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has upheld an employment tribunal's finding that a dismissal for "some other substantial reason", effected by an employer without
The Department for Work and Pensions publishes guidance for employers making redundancies
2020-10-23
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently published their guidance which provides information and support for employers making redundancies in response
The Employment Appeal Tribunal finds that foster carers providing "multi-treatment foster care" were Council employees
2020-10-23
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has found that two foster carers who had signed a written "multi-treatment foster care" (MTFC) agreement were employees
The Employment Appeal Tribunal determines that a teacher suspected of possession of indecent images of children but not prosecuted was unfairly dismissed
2020-10-23
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) found that a teacher was unfairly dismissed for misconduct after being charged of being in possession of indecent
World Menopause Day
2020-10-18
Today we observe World Menopause Day. Today’s aim is to educate and raise awareness around the globe of the impact that menopause can have on women’s
World Mental Health Day
2020-10-10
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year. This year’s theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health
National Work Life Week
2020-10-07
National Work Life Week is an opportunity for both employers and employees to focus on wellbeing at work and work life balance. The week is an
Dyslexia Awareness Week
2020-10-05
More than one in ten of us are dyslexic. Dyslexic strengths around understanding complex information, seeing the big picture and communicating with other, means dyslexia
World Breastfeeding Week
2020-08-01
An annual event hosted by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from 1 to 7 August to encourage breastfeeding
COVID-19: Right to work from home legislation may be introduced as part of return to work package
2020-06-15
Government sources have revealed that legislation introducing an employee's right to work from home
COVID-19: pregnant healthcare worker to bring claim against NHS employment agency for refusing to put her on furlough
2020-06-15
NHS Professionals, an employment agency owned by the Department of Health and Social Care,
COVID-19: increasing number of employees report fraudulent use of furlough scheme
2020-06-15
Over a third of all Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related calls received by whistleblowing charity,
COVID-19: growing number of businesses set to repay CJRS funds
2020-06-15
A growing number of businesses, including FTSE 100 company Bunzl, are pledging to repay
Mental Health Awareness Week
2020-05-13
Mental Health Awareness Week, organised by the Mental Health Foundation, is a specific week designed to raise awareness for mental health. As mental health problems can affect
Sun Awareness Week
2020-05-04
According to Cancer Research UK, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates in the UK are projected to rise by 7% by 2035.
Sun Awareness Week is a
World Day for Health and Safety at Work
2020-04-28
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) marks its World Day for Safety and Health at Work on or around 28 April each year, and it is an
Voluntary weekly deductions for football season ticket reduced pay for NMW purposes
2020-04-15
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has decided that weekly deductions for the purpose of
Government publishes new statutory guidance on Modern Slavery Act 2015 and modern slavery statement
2020-04-15
The government has published new statutory guidance for England and Wales on the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA 2015). The guidance is aimed at staff
Government guide to parental bereavement leave and pay
2020-04-15
The government has published guidance for employers on the new right to statutory parental bereavement leave
Government updates guidance on calculating holiday pay
2020-04-15
The government's guidance on how to calculate holiday pay for workers without fixed hours or pay has been updated to refer to the new 52-week
Employer not vicariously liable for data protection breach committed by employee
2020-04-15
The Supreme Court has decided that Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc (Morrisons) is not vicariously liable for the actions of an employee who, without authorisation and
Walk To Work Day
2020-04-05
Who actually walks to work anymore?! In celebration of walk to work day, why not change up your routine, add a little more time to
Stress Awareness Month
2020-04-01
Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic.
Employers are not legally required to carry out an investigatory hearing during a disciplinary process
2020-03-31
In Sunshine Hotel v Goddard, the EAT confirmed that there is no legal requirement for employers to carry out a separate investigatory hearing during a
Ethical veganism may be a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010
2020-03-31
In this landmark case, an employment tribunal judge has ruled that ethical veganism is capable of amounting to a philosophical belief under the Equality Act
Changes in legislation regarding Contracts of Employment
2020-03-30
There is a change in legislation happening on 6 April 2020.
Changes to Contracts of Employment
From 6 April 2020, your contracts of employment must contain the
Time To Talk Day
2020-02-07
Today is Time to Talk Day, a day in which we must promote the open discussion about mental health to help change lives. One in four
World Cancer Day
2020-02-04
World Cancer Day is an international day to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment, World Cancer Day is led
EHRC publishes new technical guidance on sexual harassment and harassment at work
2020-02-01
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued new guidance on sexual harassment and harassment at work. It replaces previous guidance published in December 2017,
Non-smokers given four days extra holidays by Swindon employer
2020-02-01
A Swindon based recruitment agency is rewarding workers with four days of extra holiday per annum if they don't take smoke breaks. The managing director
April 2020 proposed increases to statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and sick pay announced
2020-02-01
The following rates are expected to apply from April 2020:
The weekly rate of statutory sick pay (SSP) will be £95.85 (up from £94.25). The weekly rate
Change to National Living Wage & National Minimum Wage increases
2020-02-01
The government has responded to the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission regarding increases to the National Living Wage (NLW) and the National Minimum Wage
National Obesity Awareness Week
2020-01-14
Today, we celebrate the commencement of National Obesity Awareness Week. This week is aimed at helping improve the nations health together with raising awareness of the
What’s on the Employment Law Horizon for 2020?
2020-01-06
Looks like 2020 will be another busy year for employment law. Below we take a look at some of the changes on the horizon taking
Dry January
2020-01-01
Dry January challenges you to go alcohol free for 31 days and sims to raise awareness of the effects of alcohol. It is the annual
2020 - Leap Year - Do I give my staff an extra day's pay?
2019-12-09
The answer is: Yes and no! Because it depends on whether your staff are salaried or they get paid hourly.
Those that you pay based on
General Election 2019 - Implications for Employment Law
2019-12-02
This blog provides an overview of the key policy statements and pledges relating to employment law being made by political parties in the run up
Christmas in the workplace
2019-12-01
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
Employment tribunal quarterly statistics for April to June 2019 and annual statistics 2018/19
2019-10-01
The Ministry of Justice has published the employment tribunal quarterly statistics for the period
Vegetarianism was not a belief for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010
2019-09-30
Mr Conisbee was employed for approximately 5 months before resigning. He alleged discrimination on the ground of religion or belief contrary to the Equality Act
Proposed employment law reforms at Labour Party Conference
2019-09-29
The Labour party made several announcements of interest at the Labour Party Conference in Brighton, which took place in September 2019. The proposed reforms elaborate
Employer liable for the death of employee during sex while on business trip
2019-09-28
A court in Paris has found a French employer liable for the death of a man who died of a cardiac arrest during sex while
TUC calls for more UK bank holidays
2019-09-27
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the government to increase the number of bank holidays for workers in the UK to 12. There
Timescales for responding to a subject access request
2019-09-26
Following a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union, the Information Commissioner’s Office have updated their guidance on timescales for responding to a
Gay marriage cake
2019-09-25
Ashers bakery, who refused to bake a cake with the message "Support gay marriage" on it, are being taken to the European Court of Human
Holiday pay calculator removed from BEIS guidance
2019-09-24
Following the decision in a recent case, the department for Business, Energy and Industrial Stretgy ('BEIS') has removed references to the holiday pay calculator from
What happens when employees are stranded abroad?
2019-09-23
With the sad news of Thomas Cook’s collapse and with an estimated 600,000 people worldwide having their travel plans disrupted we take a look below
Employee's covert recording of HR meeting was not a breach of the implied term of trust and confidence
2019-09-05
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) dismissed an employer's argument that an employee's basic award and compensatory award should have been reduced to nil on account
Offensive Facebook image was not done in the course of employment
2019-09-04
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) determined in a recent case that they did not consider an employer to be vicariously liable for harassment under the
Wahaca have changed their policy as a result of a waiter paying a customer’s unpaid bill
2019-08-16
Wahaca’s policy has been amended as a result of a waiter having to pay a customer’s unpaid bill. Prior to amendments, the policy required waiters
Statistics for the employment tribunal between 1 January and 31 March 2019
2019-08-09
Following the eradication of tribunal costs, the amount of claims brought in the employment tribunal are rising, based on the statistics between 1 January to
Free legal guidance for females who have been victims of sexual harassment in the workplace
2019-08-02
A free service provided by Rights of Women giving legal guidance for females who have been victims of sexual harassment in the workplace has been
Workplace stress has led to an increase in disability discrimination cases by more than a third
2019-07-31
Current research has indicated that disability discrimination claims being heard at employment tribunals has increased by 37% in just one year (from 2017 to 2018).
Discriminating by dismissing an employee despite the employer not being aware of the employee’s disability
2019-07-26
In a recent case, the employer was unaware of an employee’s depression, which is considered to be a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (the
The Pregnancy and Maternity (Redundancy Protection) Bill 2019
2019-07-24
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy opened a consultation at the beginning of the year regarding proposals to extend redundancy protection for new
Legitimate and justifiable suspension
2019-07-23
In the recent case of The Mayor & Burgesses of the London Borough of Lambeth v Simone Agoreyo, the Court of Appeal determined that if
Compensation awarded for a single act of harassment
2019-07-19
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) maintained the Employment Tribunal’s decision of awarding a middle Vento band for a single act of racial harassment. A middle
‘Bullied’ NHS whistleblower to challenge Non-Disclosure Agreement at tribunal
2019-07-17
An NHS radiographer, Sue Allison, previously made a series of protected disclosures regarding a series of cancer misdiagnoses and was asked to sign a non-disclosure
Rebate of £16 million due from the Government
2019-07-12
Following the case of R (on the application of Unison) v Lord Chancellor [2017] UKSC 51, the Supreme Court determined that employment tribunal fees were
Gay headteacher was constructively dismissed during flawed disciplinary process from which sexual orientation discrimination could be inferred
2019-07-10
A gay headteacher was constructively dismissed during a disciplinary process which was flawed. The disciplinary process involved investigations into his sex life, namely having sex
Did the employer have a legitimate reason to suspend the employee?
2019-07-05
The Court of Appeal agreed with the decision of the County Court in respect of an employee, who’s profession was teaching, that was suspended by
Employers must have a system for measuring daily working hours of all workers (ECJ)
2019-07-03
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has decided that, Member States must require employers to set up an “objective, reliable and accessible system enabling the
Minimum wage to increase to £10 for under-18s by 2020, Labour Pledge
2019-07-03
In a bid to end age discrimination, Labour are proposing to end the £4.35 per hour for under-18s by 2020. This proposal comes as part
Push for mental health first aiders to become legal requirement in the workplace
2019-07-03
The Where's Your Head At? Campaign's petition, which calls for the government to make it a legal requirement for workplaces to have someone trained in
New guidance aims to improve health and safety for expectant mothers
2019-07-03
As a means of highlighting the need for employers to better cater for expectant employee and new mothers, The Trades Union Congress (TUC) in conjunction
Doctor obtained injunction preventing disciplinary proceedings from continuing
2019-07-03
Dr Gregg was suspended on full pay after 2 patients in his care died. A police investigation began, his registration was temporarily suspended and his
ATTENTION: HR Consultants
2019-06-17
Are you a HR Consultant? Do you provide HR and employment law advice to businesses? Would you like the comfort of knowing you had a
Government campaign launched to increase awareness of holiday entitlement
2019-06-12
To help workers understand their rights and to ensure that employers understand their obligations in relation to holiday pay, on 12 March 2019, the government
New ACAS guidance on neurodiversity in the workplace
2019-06-12
Acas has published new guidance on handling neurodiversity in the workplace. The new guidance explains what neurodiversity is and highlights the difference types of neurodivergence
Pimlico plumber loses £74,000 holiday pay claim
2019-06-12
An employment tribunal has ruled that plumber Gary Smith, whose status as a worker was confirmed by the Supreme Court in 2018 is not entitled
Employee entitled to PHI benefits until he could return to the same job with the employer
2019-06-12
In a recent case, the Employment Appeal Tribunal decided that an employee would have been entitled to benefits under a permanent health insurance (PHI) scheme
Employment Tribunal quarterly statistics for October to December 2018
2019-06-12
The employment tribunal quarterly statistics for the period October to December 2018 published by the Ministry of Justice.
During this period, receipts, disposals and outstanding
Vento band increases for discrimination injury to feelings awards
2019-06-12
The Presidents of the Employment Tribunals in England and Wales and Scotland have issued a joint second addendum to the Presidential guidance on Vento bands
New ACAS guidance on the potential impact of Brexit on workplaces
2019-06-12
To assist employers and employees in understanding the potential impact that Brexit may have in their workplace, Acas has published a new guidance outlining possible
ACAS publishes latest early conciliation statistics
2019-06-12
Acas has published its latest statistics on early conciliation take-up and success rates covering the period April to December 2018. Between April and December 2018,
Possible introduction of gender pay gap reporting for little companies
2019-06-11
Hilary Spencer, the director of the Government Equalities Office, has announced that gender pay gap reporting will be established for little companies. The action was
GDPR One Year On – Statistics
2019-06-10
One year on after GDPR came into force on the 25 May 2018, below is an overview of the key statistics:
In June 2018, 1,792 breachesPotential changes to the National Minimum Wage’s ‘naming and shaming’ arrangements
2019-06-08
Conservative ministers are no longer ‘naming and shaming’ companies that do not pay their workers the legally required national minimum wage, according to Labour MP
Menopause versus work
2019-06-07
Recent research into the effect of the menopause has shown that it generally affects women between the ages of 50 to 64. The time off
Disclosure and Barring Services Checks and Deductions in England and Wales
2019-06-03
There is no doubt that Employers and Employees often ponder who is responsible for bearing the cost of a DBS check. Has it ever occurred
Human rights and discrimination adviser helpline
2019-06-03
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is now providing a telephone helpline to professional organisations that provide advice in relation to human rights or
Permission to appeal a data breach case in the Supreme Court
2019-05-31
Following an unsuccessful appeal made by Morrisons in October 2018 against the High Court’s decision of liability for data breach claims brought by 5,518 employees,
Off-payroll working rules are changing
2019-05-24
‘Off-payroll’ refers to individuals that work through companies and must pay taxes, similar to those which other employees must pay.
From 6 April 2020, the rules
Plans to digitise employment tribunals
2019-05-17
A plan has been announced to modernise employment tribunals. The aim is to have an electronic case management system which will enable tribunal users, panel
Injuries on the Dancefloor
2019-05-10
At a research institute’s Christmas party where alcohol was being served, a visiting scientist at the institute tried to pick up an employee off the
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.
Employers missing out on best candidates due to discriminative approval to applications.
2019-04-08
In a recently published study by the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice, the criminal record “tick box” commonly found on job applications was found
Hot Topics for Employment Law - April 2019
2019-04-03
Below we take a look at some significant changes expected in employment law in April 2019.
Gender pay gap report
Employers with 250 + employees must report
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
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 - 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
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.
