Changing Worker Contract Terms (Coronavirus FAQs)
The coronavirus outbreak is forcing employers to make difficult decisions and actions in respect of their workforce. While the Government introduces emergency schemes to avert widescale layoffs and redundancies, employers need to be aware of the employment law implications of making changes to a worker’s contract terms. We look at some frequently asked questions from […]
Homeworking During Lockdown (HR Advice)
The UK Government has placed the country on official lockdown from 23 March 2020. Under the new rules, members of the public must not leave their house except to: Travel to and from work if impossible to work from home Shop for essentials, as infrequently as possible Exercise outdoors once per day, alone or with […]
Coronavirus Advice for Employers (FAQs)
Coronavirus advice for employers The outbreak of coronavirus in the UK raises a number of issues for employers across employment, immigration and health & safety. We are updating this article with the latest coronavirus advice for employers to help manage and contain the risks relating to Covid-19 and protect your people and your business. […]
Case Law: Covert CCTV Recordings in the Workplace
Protection of privacy for employees What do employers need to be aware of when considering covert recordings in the workplace? In López Ribalda and Others v. Spain, the European Court of Human Rights has overturned a previous judgment it made in the case of López Ribalda and others v Spain, the case where a supermarket […]
Case Law: Probation Officer Fairly Dismissed For Failure to Disclose
In Q v Secretary of State for Justice UKEAT/0120/19 (10 January 2020), the EAT held a probation service officer was fairly dismissed for failing to disclose dealings with social services in a personal capacity. This case demonstrates the difficulties an employee may face when challenging a dismissal after they have failed to take into account a […]
Case Law: Vegetarianism & Veganism: Protected Characteristics?
In the case of Conisbee v Crossley Farms Ltd and Others, the employment tribunal made a ruling that vegetarianism was not considered to be a protected characteristic under equality law. The basis of this decision was that it did not meet the relevant criteria for establishing a protected philosophical belief. The above case contrasts to […]
Employment Law Changes April 2020
The following changes in UK employment law will be taking effect from April 2020. Employers are advised to take action now to ensure compliance and adjust processes and policies in advance of the new rules taking effect. Increases in minimum wage, statutory sick pay and statutory family pay Minimum wage The new rates from […]
Migration Advisory Committee Report 2020
The latest phase in the development of a new points-based system for the UK has been laid out in the Migration Advisory Committee Report, published today. The 270-page document offers recommendations for a future skills-based work migration system for the UK. Specifically, the MAC was commissioned by the Government as an independent advisory body to […]
Brexit Transition Period | Guide for UK Employers
The UK leaves the European Union on Friday 31st January 2020 at 11pm. The Brexit transition period will then come into effect until 31st December 2020. This is the deadline by which the UK Government has to agree a deal with the EU as to the final terms of Brexit. Where no agreement is made, […]
New Statutory Bereavement Rights for Parents
Bereaved parents who have suffered the loss of a child will be entitled to two weeks’ statutory paid leave from work from 6th April 2020. New statutory parental bereavement entitlement The new Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Regulations extend existing provisions under the Employment Rights Act 1996, which only allow employees to take ‘reasonable’ time […]