Knowledge Hub

Right to Switch Off

The Right to Switch Off

The new government promised to introduce the ‘right to switch off’ but it still isn’t clear what this new right will look like and there is no timetable to implement. With the constant online connectivity that we have nowadays e.g. laptops, smart phones and other various digital devices they can lead to stress, burnout, and…

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Conflict at work

Conflict in the Workplace

A quarter of UK employees have experienced workplace conflict in the past year according to a CIPD study.  The workforce is also a reflection of our wider society, experiencing polarisation of views and employees are increasingly voicing them. The CIPD report reveals that only a third of employees involved in conflict at work feel it…

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Two people discussing reasonable adjustments in the workplace

Reasonable Adjustments

How to support an employee when they inform you that they have ADHD Employers have a legal obligation under the Equality Act 2010 to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the workplace for employees who have a disability or long-term health condition. Under the Act, a disability is defined as a ‘physical or mental impairment that has…

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Sexual harassment in the workplace

Sexual Harassment, new legislation October 2024 – how should employers prepare?

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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Race discrimination

Race-related harassment cost employer £9k (2024)

Mr Taneja joined the company as an area sales manager in June 2021. He was highly regarded within the company’s sales team; however, his employment was terminated after a difficult initial meeting with a new sales director. Mr Taneja brought various claims in the employment tribunal including a claim for harassment related to race. The…

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Modern day slavery

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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Group of engineers discussing employment rights

Employee rights proposed to increase from 1st day of employment

The new government are making a number of proposed changes to rights for all employees from their first day of employment. This is a significant change and will affect all employers.  In October we will understand the timetable and the detail, but we know this will mean changes for family leave, flexible working requests, dismissal…

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Statutory Sick Pay

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

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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Right to Switch Off

Employees have the Right to Switch Off

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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Sexual harassment in the work place

Sexual Harassment – a new ‘positive duty’ for employers

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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Right to Work check passport

Right to Work – your responsibility as a business owner

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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