Govt Shelves Predictable Hours Act for Rights Under New Employment Rights Bill
The Department for Business and Trade has confirmed that a new law, which was set to grant workers the right to request predictable working hours, has been abandoned in favour of upcoming legislation. The Labour government has decided to shelve the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023, despite the Bill receiving Royal Assent on […]
New Guidance on Hybrid Working & Disabled Workers
On 5 September 2024, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published comprehensive guidance for employers aimed at supporting disabled workers in hybrid working environments. With the rise of flexible working arrangements, particularly in the post-pandemic era, hybrid working has become a popular model that combines remote and workplace-based arrangements. While hybrid working offers numerous […]
Employment Case Law Update August 2024
Read on for our monthly digest for employers on upcoming employment law changes and key, recent employment tribunal cases. Equal Pay Thandi and Others v Next PLC A group of predominantly female store-based workers brought a claim for equal pay against their employer, Next, arguing their roles were of equal value to those of […]
Employers May Have to Offer Four-Day Week
The UK government is considering plans to allow workers to request a four-day working week. This proposal would enable employees to compress their full working hours into fewer days, while still receiving their regular pay. Four-Day Working Week Proposals Currently, UK workers have the right to request flexible working arrangements, but employers are […]
Next Loses Equal Pay Tribunal Claim
Next store workers have been successful in their equal pay claims after comparing their roles with those of warehouse workers, raising a number of potential implications for employers. Background to the Claim A group of predominantly female store-based workers at Next filed an equal pay claim, arguing that their work as retail assistants […]
Proposals for New ‘Right to Switch Off’
The UK government is considering implementing a right to switch off, a policy designed to protect employees from being expected to engage in work-related communications outside of their agreed working hours. The measure aims to improve work-life balance, reduce stress and prevent burnout by ensuring that employees can disconnect from work without fear of negative […]
Employment Case Law Update July 2024
Read on for our monthly digest for employers on upcoming employment law changes and key, recent employment tribunal cases. Employment Tribunal Procedures Ridley and others v HB Kirtley t/a Queen’s Court Business Centre Three claimants sought to appeal decisions made by the Employment Tribunal, under the provisions of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) Rules […]
New Fire & Rehire Code of Practice in Force
A new Statutory Code of Practice on Fire and Rehire took effect on 18 July 2024. Formally known as the Statutory Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-engagement, the new guidance now has to be taken into account by employment tribunals on relevant cases, such as unfair dismissal claims. It’s important to note that this […]
King’s Speech 2024: Employment Law Reforms
During the State Opening of Parliament on 17 July 2024, the first since the latest UK general election, the King delivered a speech setting out the new Government’s legislative priorities for the coming months. The speech and accompanying memorandum included 40 bills, with two relating to employment law: the Employment Rights Bill and the Equality […]
ECHR Consultation on Sexual Harassment Guidance
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to its guidance on preventing workplace sexual harassment. The proposed amendments introduce a new section of guidance addressing the legal changes under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which takes effect on 26 October 2024. The Act […]