Employee or Worker: Legal Differences Explained
An individual’s legal rights and entitlements at work can differ significantly depending on whether they are classed as an employee or worker. In this guide, we explain the differences between these two types of employment status, including how legal status as either an employee or worker determine employment rights and responsibilities within the workplace. […]
Burchell Test: Misconduct Dismissals Explained
The Burchell Test is a legal principle in UK employment law used to determine whether an employer has acted fairly in dismissing an employee for misconduct. This test originates from the case British Home Stores Ltd v Burchell (1980), which established a three-part framework for assessing the fairness of a dismissal under the Employment Rights […]
Work Uniform Laws in the UK: Employer Guide
There is currently no existing law in the UK specifically relating to dress codes and uniforms at work. This means employers can decide if and what rules to implement in the workplace. However, if an employer does decide to impose a dress code, they must ensure that the rules do not unlawfully discriminate against workers. […]
Good Managers Never Say These Things
Managers play a critical role in defining an organisation’s culture and in inspiring and motivating their teams. Communication skills are one of the key aspects of management style. Where there is poor communication, employees can feel demotivated, their work effort and quality can suffer and they may decide to leave the organisation. The importance of […]
Whistleblowing Policy: Guide for Employers
UK employees are entitled to certain protections if they make a disclosure in the public interest regarding their employer’s actions. For organisations, the most effective way to meet their legal obligations to protect whistleblowers is to implement a whistleblowing policy that ensures a consistent, effective and compliant approach to handling these complaints. In this guide, […]
Quiet Quitting: What Employers Need to Know
Quiet quitting has emerged as a growing trend in the workplace, where employees meet only the minimum requirements of their roles without going beyond what’s expected. For employers, this phenomenon can lead to decreased productivity, low morale and disengagement, ultimately affecting organisational performance. Whether driven by worker burnout, dissatisfaction or changing attitudes towards work-life balance, […]
Sleeping On The Job: Employer Strategies & Policies
Sleeping at work is generally not allowed, due not only to productivity issues, but also because of potential health and safety hazards, depending on the employee’s role and responsibilities. Employers should be clear on the rules around sleeping on the job, and the consequences facing employees if they are found have been asleep while at […]
Protecting Clinically Vulnerable Workers: Employer Obligations
Vulnerable workers, including those with specific health conditions or heightened susceptibility to risks, require additional support to ensure they can work safely and effectively. In the UK, employers must balance their duty of care with compliance under laws like the Equality Act 2010 and Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This article will guide […]
Absence Management: Strategies for Employers
Time lost due to employee absence costs employers, both in relation to the unworked hours and in the time needed to manage the absence, arrange cover and provide support where required on the return to work. But absences from work are an inevitable part of running an organisation, where staff may be off work for […]
Failure to Make Reasonable Adjustments
A failure to make reasonable adjustments refers to a breach of the employer’s duty to ensure that workers and job applicants are not substantially disadvantaged in carrying out or applying for a job because of a disability when compared with people who do not have a disability. This is a statutory duty that most employers […]