Employers can define their own policies, noting what types of behaviour will be classed as gross misconduct, however it is important to consider what is perhaps a zero-tolerance type conduct, e.g. theft, use of drugs or breaches of safety procedures or a lesser offence that could be classed as misconduct. It is important that these policies are well…
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There will be so many changes to employment rights, employers need to consider the impact now. These changes will affect all employers, regardless of size, unionised or not. The new government want to improve employees rights from day one. This will change the way recruitment and probation periods are managed. Processes will become critical. Small…
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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has just been awarded £90K in compensation at a tribunal as a result of sex discrimination, after her job offer was withdrawn in November 2022.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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If you monitor your employees or are considering doing so, this article is a must read for you. At the end of 2023, the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office – www.ico.org.uk), issued new guidance on ‘Employment practices and data protection: monitoring workers’. While monitoring employees in some circumstances is required both to protect both employers, employees…
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We are often asked what Collective Consultation means in a Redundancy situation, and how does the company know if it applies to them. It is vital for any employer to be sure what their obligations are in any redundancy situation. This article relates specifically to those employers who are proposing to dismiss 20 or more…
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The updated Code of Practice on Flexible Working is currently awaiting parliamentary approval. If passed, the new law will come into effect from 6 April 2024. Employers should note there are some key changes to the formal process. The Code relates to the statutory right to request flexible working as set out in the Employment…
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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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When a couple are adopting, in respect of leave and pay entitlements, only one person must be assigned as the ‘primary’ adopter. Adoption Leave and pay is available only to employees who adopt through an adoption agency. Please note that employees who adopt a child on a private basis are not eligible for adoption leave…
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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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Maternity leave can be complex for small employers this article looks to summarise the key points. Changing the return date If an employee wants to change their return date from maternity leave, they must give the employer at least eight weeks’ notice before the new end date. If the employer is not given enough notice,…
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Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, an employer has a duty to carry out a risk assessment of the work that employees are required to do. Regulation 16 specifically requires employers who employ women of child-bearing age to carry out an assessment if the work could involve a risk to…
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