Fixed Term Contracts: Pros & Cons for Employers
Hiring someone on a fixed term contract (FTC) enables the employer to specify how and when employment will end. This could be on a specific date, or on the occurrence of a particular event, such as the conclusion of a project or the return of the permanent post-holder from a period of absence. While there […]
Disciplinary Procedure Guide for Managers
When an employee has acted inappropriately at work or they have gone against company policy, employers can respond by taking disciplinary action. Embarking on a formal disciplinary procedure may become necessary to ensure that any unacceptable or improper behaviour at work, or poor performance matters, that cannot be resolved informally are appropriately addressed. Regardless of […]
Fit Note Guidance for Employers
A fit note, officially known as the Statement of Fitness for Work, is a medical document issued by a qualified healthcare professional in the UK. It is used to confirm whether an employee is unfit for work or may be fit for work with adjustments. Fit notes are typically required after seven consecutive days of […]
How to Write a Reference: Guide for Employers
An employee in need of a reference may be moving on to a different job role for all sorts of reasons, for example, if they are relocating, due to other personal circumstances, or simply because they want a fresh start or they are looking to progress their career. However, whatever the reason, they will almost […]
Time Limits for Disciplinary Actions: Employer Guide
The ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures states: “employers and employees should raise and deal with issues promptly and should not unreasonably delay meetings, decisions or confirmation of those decisions.” In practice, most disciplinary matters are dealt with promptly, typically within a matter of weeks, while more complex or difficult cases – […]
UK eVisa System Delayed
The UK government has postponed the full transition to eVisas due to concerns about potential disruption for people travelling and proving their immigration status. eVisa Transition Deadline Postponed In a written statement published on 4 December 2024, Seema Malhotra, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Migration and Citizenship, announced that expired biometric residence […]
Continuous Employment: Guide for UK Employers
Continuous employment refers to the length of time an employee has been employed by the same employer without a significant break in service. It’s an important concept in UK employment law as it determines eligibility for various statutory rights and benefits, such as redundancy pay, unfair dismissal protection and statutory maternity or paternity leave. For […]
Understanding Agency Worker Regulations in the UK
The Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) 2010 were introduced in the UK in 2011 to ensure fair treatment for temporary workers supplied by recruitment agencies. Under the regulation, agency workers have certain basic employment rights as soon as they start work for a hirer, and attain further rights after 12 weeks of working in the same […]
Dismissal for Sickness Absence: UK Employer Guide
When an employee remains on long-term sick leave, or has a recurring pattern of time off work due to illness, you may have grounds for lawful dismissal for sickness absence, provided specific criteria are met. Employers, however, should proceed with caution and take advice to avoid risking tribunal claims. By law, dismissal for sickness absence should […]
Pregnancy Related Illness: UK Workplace Guide
In recognition of the vulnerabilities that come with pregnancy, pregnant employees are afforded special legal status. Pregnant employees can be more susceptible to illness, with common pregnancy-related illnesses including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, back pain and bleeding. This can result in higher instances of absence from work. Employers and managers should approach pregnancy-related sickness absence with […]