Have your say in our 2023/24 SME Business Survey
As we approach 2024, the recruitment and retention of staff continue to be a top priority for businesses, as companies navigate the challenges of the current climate and candidate demands. Economic pressures and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continue to impact both businesses and their employees. Reflecting on our 2022/23 SME Business Survey earlier this year, […]
THE EQUALITY ACT 2010 (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2023
The Government has released a draft version of legislation which seeks to modify the Equality Act 2010 and is due to be in force from 1 January 2024. The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 solidify specific discrimination protections derived from EU law which would have otherwise ceased to apply at the end of the year (due […]
The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023
The Government has released a draft version of legislation which seeks to modify the Equality Act 2010 and is due to be in force from 1 January 2024. The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 solidify specific discrimination protections derived from EU law which would have otherwise ceased to apply at the end of the […]
Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023
Last month, the Government announced how it will legislate reforms to both the Working Time Regulations (WTR) and the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006. This follows recent public consultations in which the government sought views on matters such as the management of annual leave entitlement and pay, irregular hour and part year […]
Case Law Update: Mr J. Richardson v West Midlands Trains
In the case of Mr J. Richardson v West Midlands Trains, Richardson was summarily dismissed following workplace pranks involving the shed skins of a tarantula and a snake. The case was dealt with as a bullying and harassment matter, however as the incident did not meet the threshold of seriousness required for something to be […]
The Autumn Statement – November 2023
Today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has set out his autumn statement, which includes several significant announcements relating to employment and business: There will be an increase to the statutory minimum wage rates from April 2024: a. The national living wage (NLW – the rate for workers aged 21 and above) is to increase by […]
THE AUTUMN STATEMENT – NOVEMBER 2023
Today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has set out his autumn statement, which includes several significant announcements relating to employment and business: There will be an increase to the statutory minimum wage rates from April 2024: a. The national living wage (NLW – the rate for workers aged 21 and above) is to increase by £1.02 to a […]
A NEW DUTY ON EMPLOYERS TO PREVENT SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The Equality Act 2010 is a defining piece of legislation aimed at preventing unlawful discrimination in the UK, encompassing protection against harassment generally, which relates to a relevant protected characteristic. At the end of October, it underwent an update through the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, officially becoming law across the UK. […]
Time frame for disclosing ‘spent’ convictions to employers has become shorter
In line with the recent implementation of Section 193 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, significant changes have come into effect regarding the disclosure periods for individuals with custodial convictions. The amendment, which came into effect on 28 October 2023, aims to shorten the duration during which workers are obligated to inform […]
Why robust employment contracts are key to business success
Are you aware of the extent to which your employment contracts can affect your organisation? In recent years we have seen a significant shift in the way in which people are employed and a more modern way of operating has materialised. Initially, this change was as a response to a worldwide emergency, supported by advancements […]
Why robust employment contracts are key to business success
Are you aware of the extent to which your employment contracts can affect your organisation? In recent years we have seen a significant shift in the way in which people are employed and a more modern way of operating has materialised. Initially, this change was as a response to a worldwide emergency, supported by advancements […]
2023/24 SME Business Survey – Have your say!
What are your predictions for 2024 and how do you see the next year going for your business? Would you like to explore the key trends and challenges that SMEs are likely to encounter over the next 12 months? Our annual SME Business Survey is back, and this time it is set to be better […]
What are the legal obligations for keeping in touch with an employee when on maternity/adoption leave?
Case Overview In the case of Miss R Smith vs Greatwell Homes Limited, Miss Smith raised a claim against Greatwell Homes Limited for a failure to be informed of job vacancies whilst on maternity leave, as well as other important company information. This case provides insights into the legal aspects surrounding the matter of keeping in […]
AGE DISCRIMINATION: HOW TO CREATE AGE-FRIENDLY WORKPLACES
Despite laws against age discrimination having existed for many years, it’s still an issue that persists and remains under-discussed in the world of people management. In our latest HR webinar, we turned the spotlight on the struggles faced by both younger and older workers. We explored how employers can create age-friendly workplaces that support young adults […]
MENOPAUSE AND THE WORKPLACE – MENOPAUSE AWARENESS MONTH
October is menopause awareness month and offers the chance for the topic to be shared and discussed openly. This year’s theme for World Menopause Day on 18th October, is cardiovascular disease. The link between reproductive factors and cardiovascular disease is another important aspect of menopause that people need to be aware of. The menopause can be seen as […]
Immigration developments and how they impact employment
Developments in immigration are expected later this year for UK nationals travelling to the Schengen area. In this webinar, we will explain the developments that include a new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and an EU Entry/Exit System (EES). We will explore how these new systems will impact on employment. Specifically, we’ll consider […]
Disability discrimination claim win for employee with menopause symptoms
As October marks Menopause Awareness Month, with Menopause Awareness Day taking place on 18 October 2023, its important to highlight the recent case of Ms Lynskey vs Direct Line. Ms Lynskey won the claim for disability discrimination when her employer failed to adjust its performance management system. Background to the case Ms Lynskey joined Direct […]
Changes to pension automatic enrolment
Parliament has passed legislation that will reduce the qualifying age for employees to be automatically enrolled in a pension scheme. As it stands, employees must be between the ages of 22 years and state pension age, but with the introduction of the new Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Act 2023, the age at which eligible […]
Significant Holiday Pay Case Ruling
Yesterday (4 October 2023), The Supreme Court (SC) delivered its judgement in the case of Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and another v Agnew and others. This is a case that challenges the current legal position that an employee must bring a claim for unpaid holiday pay within three months of […]
Whistleblowing in the workplace
The recent allegations against Russell Brand in the mainstream media have highlighted the importance of workplace safety, an employer’s duty of care and the need for strong whistleblowing policies for businesses. Whistleblowing is the colloquial term commonly used to describe the disclosure by a worker of some wrongdoing (such as fraud, misleading the public or […]
