Collective Bargaining & Agreements
Collective bargaining is a process where employers and trade unions negotiate terms and conditions of employment, such as pay, working hours and benefits. It is a key part of industrial relations in the UK and aims to ensure fair treatment of employees while maintaining a productive working environment. Agreements reached through collective bargaining are legally […]
Working During Maternity Leave: Employers’ Guide
Working during maternity leave in the UK can take several forms, including Keeping in Touch (KIT) days, self employment or working for another employer. KIT days allow employees to work up to 10 days during their maternity leave without ending their leave or losing statutory maternity pay (SMP). These days are entirely optional and must […]
Custom And Practice In Employment Contracts
Custom and practice refers to unwritten workplace practices that, over time, become implied terms of an employee’s contract. These practices develop through consistent, long-standing actions that are known to and accepted by both employers and employees, such as regular annual bonuses or extra holiday days may become contractual if consistently provided without formal agreement. The […]
What Are Fair Redundancy Selection Criteria?
Redundancy selection criteria are used by employers to decide which employees will be made redundant during a workforce reduction process. These criteria must be fair, objective and transparent to reduce the risk of claims of unfair dismissal. Employers commonly base their selection criteria on factors such as length of service, skills and qualifications, performance or […]
Employee Signed Off Work with Stress?
Stress-related sickness absence has become increasingly prevalent in the workplace. Employers face a balancing act between supporting their employees’ wellbeing while minimising the risk of operational disruption and impact on other employees resulting from individuals being signed off work with stress. The following guide examines the rights and responsibilities of employees who are absent due […]
Restructuring & Role Changes: Guide for Employers
Restructuring and role changes occur when an organisation makes adjustments to its structure, workforce or job roles to better meet business needs. Examples include combining roles, changing job responsibilities or removing positions to improve efficiency, reduce costs, or adapt to market conditions. Restructuring can, however, be a challenging and unsettling experience for all those involved. […]
Employee Stealing from Work?
Stealing from work refers to any act where an employee takes property, money or resources belonging to their employer without permission. It can range from theft of physical items, such as office supplies or equipment, to more significant actions like embezzlement or misuse of company funds. Even seemingly minor acts, like taking food from a […]
Standard Terms & Conditions of Employment Contracts
Terms and conditions of employment refer to the key details that define the working relationship between an employer and an employee or worker. These terms are typically outlined in a contract of employment or a written statement of employment particulars, which is a legal requirement under the Employment Rights Act 1996. Employers must provide these […]
AI for HR: Risks & Opportunities
AI is set to fundamentally disrupt organisations, creating dynamic, ever-evolving workplaces. In the context of HR, AI presents both advantages and disadvantages, with the potential to reimagine HR roles, functions, strategies and operations. Benefits of AI for HR When it comes to the use of technology in any given context, there are both potential benefits […]
Terminating Zero Hour Contracts: Employer Guidance
While zero-hours arrangements can bring flexibility and agility to an organisation, employers should be aware that those individuals engaged on zero-hours contracts do benefit from a range of employment law protections. These include rights and entitlements relating to pay, paid annual leave and rest breaks. Furthermore, individuals on zero hours contracts may also have the […]