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 […]
Home Office Clarifies Discrepancy in Going Rate Guidance
The Home Office has addressed a discrepancy between the salary rates for certain roles listed in the “Skilled Worker visa: going rates for eligible occupation codes” guidance and the rates in the Immigration Rules. In July 2024, the Home Office updated its guidance on salary rates for roles eligible under the Skilled Worker visa route, […]
Home Office Latest Illegal Working Clampdown
The UK government has unveiled new measures aimed at enhancing border security, focusing largely on employers hiring illegal workers and disrupting organised immigration crime. Illegal Working Under the Spotlight In a statement published on 21 August 2024, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the immediate recruitment of up to 100 specialist intelligence and investigation […]
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 […]
Transitioning to an eVisa for UK BRP Holders
Currently, the UK visa system relies mostly on physical documents such as the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to manage and prove immigration status for large numbers of migrants. The BRP card holds visa details and acts as proof of the holder’s immigration status and rights when in the UK. However, as part of a wider Home Office […]
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 […]