Although we’ve had discrimination legislation for decades, progress has been far too slow. Clearly the current law has not been working effectively enough across all workplaces, and this new duty will mean improving the protection individuals receive from sexual harassment at work. From 26th October 2024, new legislation will require businesses to take ‘reasonable’ steps…
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The new rates have just been announced and take effect on 6 April 2025. Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay see a small increase from £184.03 to £187.18 a week. The earnings threshold for these payments – except for maternity pay – will also go up from £123 to £125 a week. The…
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Last week we heard the disturbing news that a McDonalds in Cambridge employed 16 employees who were victims of “modern day slavery”. As HR professionals there were some key processes not followed, this case is a timely reminder. Under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, there are specific obligations to help combat modern slavery. This legislation…
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It looks like there will be significant changes that will affect all employers in the UK. It is expected that the new law will remove the three-day waiting period, so employers will pay SSP from the first day of sickness. There is also a view that the weekly amount of SSP will increase substantially from…
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Labour made a manifesto pledge to ‘bring in the ‘right to switch off’ ie right of employees to be able to disconnect from work outside of their normal working hours without facing negative consequences or being expected to respond to work-related communications. The Times have reported that the government is now looking at this right…
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All employers have a new ‘positive duty’ to prevent sexual harassment, from 26th October 2024. Employers cannot ignore this, the obligations are far reaching including conduct from customers. Employers need to consider regular training for all employees as well as managers. If you have a policy, it will need to be updated, if you do…
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Large employers have already changed their processes. Being a small employer is no excuse, in 2023 the Government enforcement visits increased by 68%. Routes to working in the UK (July 24 CIPD) What process should you follow? What are suitable documents (July 2024) – for full details of the correct documents you need to check…
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A female candidate has just been awarded £90K in compensation at a tribunal as a result of sex discrimination, after her job offer was withdrawn in November 2022. Fong Fong Lee had been through two interviews for the role of Senior Marketing Manager at the London office of R&F Properties QS. A few days later…
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Labour have stated that their ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’ will be delivered in full, introducing new legislation within 100 days. Further details will be seen on 17 July 24, when the King’s speech is expected to contain an Employment Rights Bill. What are the key changes to impact on small employers: There are more areas of proposed…
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Employers must by law, pay statutory sick pay (SSP) to employees and workers providing they meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for statutory sick pay, an employee or worker must: – • Be classed as an employee.• Earn at least £123 a week, before tax.• Inform their employer that they are sick…
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A revised Code of Practice on ‘Fire and rehire’ has been published. If the Code is approved by Parliament, then it will come into effect later this year. What are the updates to the Code? There have been no changes to the key provisions in the original Code, which was published in January 2023, however,…
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You have been told you need to reduce your organisation’s head count. The pool of employees who are at risk have been identified…what now? The Redundancy Selection Process As an employer it is important to have a fair selection process in place as it is key to fair dismissal. In terms of a process for…
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