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Legal updates7/05/2021
Three Steps Employers Can Take to Help Support Bereaved Employees
Next week is Dying Matters Awareness Week and is intended as an opportunity for organisations, individuals and others to...
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Legal updates28/04/2021
Would One of Your Employees be Able to Skip Work for Fifteen Years? Three Areas of Practice to Watch Out For
An Italian hospital employee has been in the news for allegedly skipping work for fifteen years – on full pay! The cas...
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Health & safety alerts26/04/2021
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
April 28th 2021 This year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work campaign focuses on strategies to stre...
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Health & safety alerts26/04/2021
Plumbing Suppliers and Contractor Found Guilty After Building Collapse
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) investigated after a building undergoing work collapsed, with debris falling int...
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Legal updates26/04/2021
Workplace Theft in the Spotlight after Post Office Convictions Overturned
The news that the Court of Appeal has quashed the convictions of 39 former Post Office workers who were found guilty of ...
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Legal updates23/04/2021
Footballs European Super League: Three Issues Highlighted for Employers
Football has been in the headlines with the announcement that some of the top UK clubs were breaking away to start a Eur...
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Legal updates22/04/2021
Employee Awarded over £12,000 in Claim that was Brought Six Months Out of Time
An employment tribunal found that it was just and equitable to extend the time limit in an employee’s direct race disc...
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Health & safety alerts21/04/2021
Fire Safety
The fire at Grenfell Tower represented the greatest loss of life in a residential fire in the UK since the Second World ...
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Health & safety alerts16/04/2021
Workers Exposed to Dermatitis Risk
An engineering company has been fined £20,000 incl of costs for failing to control the risk of its employees developing...
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Legal updates16/04/2021
You Must Be Joking!
A bit of fun in the workplace can contribute to a positive workplace culture, but what if it involves jokes that go wron...
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Employment Law & HR15/04/2021
Whistleblowing in the Spotlight: Five Fast Facts
Following the publication of data by whistleblowing advice service Protect, that revealed one in four COVID-19 whistle-b...
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Legal updates8/04/2021
When Workplace Relationships Overstep the Boundaries…
Employers may find themselves needing to think about workplace relationships on occasion, usually this is when cupid’s...
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Legal updates6/04/2021
Is your Organisation Planning a ‘Spring Clean’?
Spring cleaning isn’t just for homes, it’s a great practice for organisations too! Employers can really benefit from...
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Legal updates31/03/2021
Discrimination Becomes a Little More Costly
If an employee is found to have been discriminated against an employment tribunal can award compensation for injury to f...
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Employment Law & HR30/03/2021
Bank Holiday Helper
With Easter approaching we thought it would be a good time to have a look at some fast facts regarding bank holidays. ...
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Legal updates29/03/2021
Equal Pay Hitting the Headlines Again
The Supreme Court has handed down a judgement in a long running equal pay case brought by shop floor workers against Asd...
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Employment Law & HR25/03/2021
Important Lessons When Making Redundancies
Many employers have found themselves in the unfortunate position of needing to make redundancies since the pandemic star...
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Health & safety alerts23/03/2021
It Has Been One Year Since the Beginning of the First COVID-19 Lockdown
This time last year we entered the first national lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, today we reflect on the toll...
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Legal updates19/03/2021
Breaking News: Supreme Court’s Decision on National Minimum Wage and Sleep-Ins
In an important ruling which will be welcome news to many employers, the Supreme Court has today handed down it’s deci...
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Legal updates18/03/2021
Employer Falls at Final Hurdle When Managing Long Term Sickness Absence
An employment tribunal has found that an employee had been unfairly dismissed and subjected to discrimination arising fr...
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Legal updates16/03/2021
The Only Way is Up for Employment Tribunal Claims?
The quarterly tribunal statistics for October to December 2020 have been released and they show that the number of emplo...
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Legal updates12/03/2021
Pregnancy and Maternity Leave – Five Fast Facts
As it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday we thought we would take a look at five fast facts employers may find it helpful to...
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Legal updates10/03/2021
Giving HR Hot Topics the ‘Royal Treatment’
The recent Oprah interview with Harry and Meghan has undoubtedly got people talking and put matters such as mental healt...
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Health & safety alerts8/03/2021
Register to order Coronavirus tests for your employees.
COVID-19: All businesses in England to be given rapid coronavirus tests free of charge. COVID test kits will be made av...
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Legal updates4/03/2021
Changes to Compensation Limits on the Way
It has been announced that the limits on certain tribunal awards and other sums payable under employment legislation wil...
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Legal updates3/03/2021
Breaking News: Important Budget Announcements for Employers
In what will be welcome news for many organisations the Chancellor has this afternoon set out the further measures that ...
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Legal updates25/02/2021
Navigating the Road Map
Following the Prime Minister’s unveiling of the roadmap for lifting lockdown restrictions in England many employer’s...
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Health & safety alerts23/02/2021
Upcoming Enforcement Visits to Fabricated Metal Businesses
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has written to fabricated metal businesses across the UK to check that they are ma...
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Legal updates22/02/2021
Supreme Court Finds Uber Drivers are Workers
The Supreme Court has handed down its decision in Uber v Aslam, upholding earlier court decisions that Uber drivers are ...
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Employment Law & HR19/02/2021
Homeworkers Working Longer Hours?
Recent surveys have reported that some employees who are working from home are putting in more hours than before the Cov...
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Legal updates16/02/2021
Dismissal of Employee for Testing Positive for Cannabis Found Unfair
An employment tribunal has found that the dismissal of an employee who tested positive for cannabis was unfair. The empl...
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Legal updates12/02/2021
Love HR This Valentine’s Day!
Whether you are new to HR and looking for some top tips to set your heart aflutter or simply find your thoughts turning ...
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Legal updates11/02/2021
Is Your Organisation’s Discrimination and Harassment Training ‘Stale’?
An employer has lost a claim for race harassment after being unable to show that it had taken all reasonable steps to pr...
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Legal updates9/02/2021
Selecting Employees for Redundancy Because They are Parents
A recent survey has revealed that some employees may be being unlawfully selected for redundancy because they are parent...
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Health & safety alerts8/02/2021
Register to Order Coronavirus Tests for your Employees.
Rapid tests will be offered to workplaces with more than 50 employees in an effort to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Th...
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Legal updates3/02/2021
What’s on the Horizon?
We take a look ahead at some developments that employers may find it helpful to be aware of. 1. National Minimum Wage C...
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Legal updates1/02/2021
Employee Unfairly Dismissed for Comments on Social Media
An employee was awarded over £28,000 after it was found that he was unfairly dismissed over social media comments. The ...
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Health & safety alerts29/01/2021
COVID-19 Tests and Isolation Explained
There are 2 main types of test currently being used to detect if someone has COVID-19: Polymerase Chain Reaction (P...
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Health & safety alerts25/01/2021
Health and Safety Spot Checks and Inspections During Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Enforcement officers are out and about, carrying out spot checks and inspectio...
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Legal updates22/01/2021
Supporting Employees Who Have Survived Redundancy
Sadly, many employers have found themselves in the position of having to make redundancies recently and more may find th...
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Legal updates18/01/2021
Tribunal Finds “Best Fit” Recruitment Decision Discriminatory
An employer lost a discrimination claim from an unsuccessful job applicant after managers became focussed on recruiting ...
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Health & safety alerts11/01/2021
COVID-19 Response to a Positive Test Result
When to Isolate: Introduction: In line with UK Government guidelines, if an employee or worker has had contact at work...
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Health & safety alerts7/01/2021
COVID-19 News
The government published new tighter measures on 5th January 2021 to suppress the spread of the virus and keep the numbe...
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Employment Law & HR24/12/2020
Spot the Christmas Turkey…
How hot is your employment law knowledge? Pit your wits against our Christmas turkey contest and see if you can spot the...
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Employment Law & HR23/12/2020
Agency Workers – Did You Know?
Some employers will be thinking about how to meet their additional staffing needs in these uncertain times, one of the r...
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Health & safety alerts23/12/2020
Christmas Tree Lights Banned because of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT.)
A property management firm responsible for three Lancashire Jobcentres advised the Department for Work and Pensions that...
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Employment Law & HR22/12/2020
Peace on Earth (…or the Workplace At Least!)
It may be the season for peace on earth and goodwill to all, but unfortunately this won’t be the case amongst all empl...
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Health & safety alerts21/12/2020
New Tier 4 level – STAY AT HOME – what does it mean?
The Government announces a new level of restriction for certain areas to be in place from 20th December. Employers do n...
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Health & safety alerts21/12/2020
Jobcentre Staff Banned from Sticking Christmas Decorations on the Ceiling.
Jobcentre staff were banned from sticking Christmas decorations on the ceiling - in case they fell and injured themselve...
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Legal updates21/12/2020
Employment Tribunal Claims on the Rise
The quarterly tribunal statistics for July to September 2020 have been released and they reveal some unwelcome news for ...
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Legal updates18/12/2020
When a Child is Born…
We thought it was a fitting time to have a look at three fast facts around pregnancy and maternity rights that you may f...
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Health & safety alerts18/12/2020
Brownies and Guides Banned from Singing Carols in Shopping Centre – because of “Health and Safety” Risk.
The Marlowes centre in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire banned Brownies and Girl Guides from putting on a carol concert fo...
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Legal updates18/12/2020
Make it a Christmas Cracker…
Some employers may be looking at different ways to thank employees for their hard work over what has been a difficult ye...
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Legal updates17/12/2020
Breaking News: Furlough Scheme Extended Further
The Chancellor has this afternoon announced that the furlough scheme will be extended for an extra month – until the e...
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Health & safety alerts17/12/2020
Christmas Decorations Banned from Village Centre because of “Health and Safety.”
A small Kent village had lost its festive spirit before Christmas had even got started in 2019, after the council banned...
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Legal updates16/12/2020
Spread a Little Love
Mental health in the workplace has been a topic we have returned to over the course of this year and with Christmas on t...
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Health & safety alerts15/12/2020
A City Council Banned its Staff from Putting up Christmas Decorations
A city council banned its staff from putting up Christmas decorations on their office walls because it breaches ...
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Employment Law & HR14/12/2020
Employer Victimised Employee by Not Giving a Pay Increase
An employee who brought disability discrimination claims against her employer was found to have been victimised when th...
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Legal updates11/12/2020
Virtual Performance Appraisals
As we approach the end of the year, some organisations may be starting to prepare for annual employee performance appra...
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Legal updates10/12/2020
Proposed New Statutory Payment Rates Announced
The government has announced its proposal to increase statutory maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental pay and...
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Legal updates9/12/2020
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas…
December just wouldn’t be the same without Kingfisher Professional Services very own 12 Days of Christmas Countdown! ...
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Health & safety alerts8/12/2020
“Health and safety” killjoys force Santa to wear a seatbelt in his sleigh.
Every Christmas Eve Santa whizzes around the world at top speed, without incident. But Santa's unblemished driving reco...
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Legal updates7/12/2020
Proposed Changes Regarding Non-Compete Clauses and Exclusivity Clauses
The government has launched consultations on possible changes to the law regarding the use of post-termination non-comp...
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Legal updates3/12/2020
Looking AHEAD
Many employers will have seen the government count-down clock setting out how many days there are left until Brexit and...
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Legal updates30/11/2020
Looking Ahead: Things to Think About in December
As the year begins to draw to a close there are a few HR matters employers may wish to think about if they have not don...
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Legal updates26/11/2020
Equal Pay in the Spotlight
The BBC has recently been cleared of unlawful acts of pay discrimination against women, following an investigation by t...
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Legal updates25/11/2020
Minimum Wage News
The Chancellor has announced that the qualifying age for the national living wage rate will be reduced from 25 to 23 fr...
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Legal updates24/11/2020
Employee Dismissed for Asking for Clarification of Possible Disciplinary Sanction
An employee’s dismissal was held to be unfair by an employment tribunal after it was found that the true reason for i...
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Legal updates23/11/2020
Is Your Organisation in a Difficult Position?
This year has been and remains one of the toughest for lots of employers. Many have found themselves needing to make di...
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Legal updates19/11/2020
Furlough Developments
The Treasury Direction which provides the legal basis for the furlough scheme has been published and whilst it mainly r...
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Legal updates17/11/2020
Top Tips for Preventing and Tackling Workplace Bullying
This week is national bullying week in England and whilst it is intended to raise awareness of the issue of bullying am...
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Health & safety alerts16/11/2020
Company fined after forklift truck fatality
A pallet transport company has been fined after a forklift driver was killed when his forklift overturned. Mr Regina...
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Legal updates16/11/2020
Holiday and Furlough: Fast Facts
Employers may find themselves wondering what the position is regarding holiday where employees are fully furloughed. If...
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Legal updates13/11/2020
Further Furlough Guidance
The government has published further details of the extended furlough scheme. Information set out in the guidance includ...
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Health & safety alerts9/11/2020
£40,000 fine after care home death fall
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Dunkeld has been fined for health and safety failings which led to the death of a vulnerab...
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Legal updates5/11/2020
Breaking News – Furlough Scheme Extended Until March
In what will be very welcome news for many employers the Chancellor has announced that the furlough scheme will be exten...
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Legal updates5/11/2020
Employment Law Myths Going Up in Flames…
As it’s bonfire night we thought we’d take the opportunity to throw a few of those employment law myths on the bonfi...
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Health & safety alerts5/11/2020
What a face covering is?
In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mou...
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Legal updates4/11/2020
Furlough Scheme Turnaround
The government has announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough scheme) will be extended by a further m...
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Health & safety alerts3/11/2020
Liverpool to be regularly tested for Coronavirus in first whole city testing pilot
Tests will be provided through a partnership between Liverpool City Council, NHS Test and Trace and the Ministry of Defe...
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Health & safety alerts30/10/2020
Treat Yourself to Some HR Tricks This Halloween!
Haunted by HR issues? Having a devil of a time managing an employee? Here’s some ‘spooktacular’ HR tips that can h...
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Legal updates23/10/2020
What do the Latest Employment Tribunal Statistics Show?
Quarterly employment tribunal statistics have been released for April to June 2020. They show that: Single employme...
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Legal updates22/10/2020
Breaking News – Chancellor Announces Changes to Job Support Scheme
The Chancellor has this afternoon announced significant changes to the government’s Job Support Scheme for open busine...
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Legal updates20/10/2020
Equality Act: Ten Year Anniversary
As it’s 10 years this month since the Equality Act came into force, we thought we’d have a look at some of the key a...
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Health & safety alerts19/10/2020
Fine for manufacturer after serious injuries to worker
Emtelle UK Limited, a manufacturer of plastic tubing and blown fibre tubing for telecoms and water piping, has been fine...
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Legal updates14/10/2020
Top Tips for Remote ‘Onboarding’
With many organisations working remotely, one of the questions that may arise if an organisation is in a position to rec...
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Health & safety alerts13/10/2020
About local COVID alert levels
The government has introduced a new system called ‘local COVID alert levels’. This will replace current guidance on ...
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Health & safety alerts9/10/2020
Construction Health Inspection Initiative – October 2020
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) There have been big improvements over recent years in reducing the number and rate of...
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Legal updates8/10/2020
Predetermined Dismissal Was Unfair
An employee who was dismissed after an argument with her manager has won her unfair dismissal claim after it was found t...
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Legal updates6/10/2020
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is taking place on 10th October 2020. The main theme selected this year is ‘mental health for ...
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Legal updates5/10/2020
Government Releases Further Information on the Coronavirus Job Retention Bonus
The government has now published further information regarding its Coronavirus Job Retention Bonus, which provides emplo...
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Legal updates30/09/2020
Festival of Learning: Spotlight on Family Friendly Rights
As September is the most popular month for births we take a look at some fast facts about statutory maternity and patern...
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Legal updates28/09/2020
Tribunal Finds Stoicism is a Philosophical Belief
An employment tribunal has found that Stoicism is capable of protection under discrimination law. The employee’s belie...
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Legal updates24/09/2020
Breaking News – Chancellor Announces New Job Support Scheme
In what will be welcome news for some employers, the Chancellor has this afternoon announced a new ‘Job Support Scheme...
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Legal updates22/09/2020
Festival of Learning: Dependant Care Leave Did You Know?
As part of our festival of learning series in which we shine a spotlight on different areas of employment law, we take a...
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Legal updates21/09/2020
Significant Discrimination Decision
An employee has won discrimination and harassment claims after an Employment Tribunal held that the Equality Act 2010 do...
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Legal updates18/09/2020
Employer Should have Taken a More ‘Constructive Approach’
An employer has been found to have constructively unfairly dismissed an employee who has a disability when they did no...
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Uncategorized17/09/2020
Festival of Learning : Grievance Top Tips
Sometimes employees raise a complaint about a workplace issue, if you have not had to deal with a workplace grievance be...
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Legal updates15/09/2020
Festival of Learning: TUPE Did You Know?
If an employer is buying or selling a business or part of one, or is involved in a service provision change, the Transfe...
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Health & safety alerts10/09/2020
COVID-19 News
The government has announced new measures to suppress the virus and keep the number of infections down. The governmen...
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Legal updates10/09/2020
Mental Health Awareness – World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on 10th September every year, it’s intended to promote awareness about suicid...
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Legal updates7/09/2020
The Festival of Learning
The month of September sees the festival of learning, the biggest celebration of lifelong learning in England. It aims t...
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Legal updates3/09/2020
Welcome Back…
With the government set to launch a renewed plan to encourage more people back to the workplace (where it’s safe to do...
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Legal updates2/09/2020
Winding Down of the Furlough Scheme
As many employers will be aware the furlough scheme will be coming to an end on 31st October 2020. As it winds down, emp...
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Legal updates28/08/2020
Employee Wins Over £15,000 in Discrimination and Victimisation claim
An employee has won her employment tribunal claim for age discrimination, victimisation and discrimination arising from...
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Legal updates18/08/2020
Changing Terms and Conditions in Difficult Times
For many employers, the government’s announcement that the UK is in the first technical recession for 11 years will co...
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Legal updates14/08/2020
Employing Apprentices – Key Things Employers Need to Know
With the government offering incentives to encourage employers to take on new apprentices, some employers may be conside...
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Legal updates12/08/2020
Staying Cool in a Heatwave
As many parts of the country are experiencing a heatwave, employers may be thinking about what steps they can take to he...
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Legal updates10/08/2020
Holiday and Quarantine
Recent changes to the quarantine rules for travellers arriving into the UK from some countries such as Spain, Belgium an...
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Legal updates7/08/2020
Coronavirus: Recent Developments
There have been a few recent developments that it will be useful for employers to have on their radar. These include fur...
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Legal updates4/08/2020
Jobs Rush?
Employers who are recruiting may find that their vacancies are in high demand. It’s been reported that a Manchester re...
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Legal updates28/07/2020
Supporting Bereaved Employees
Some employers may find themselves managing an employee who has been recently bereaved. This will be a difficult and ups...
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Legal updates27/07/2020
Could a Settlement Agreement Help Your Organisation?
Many employers will find themselves dealing with difficult situations in the coming months. If your organisation is one ...
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Legal updates22/07/2020
Performance Management – Avoid Following in this Employer’s Footsteps
An employer who had been addressing the poor performance of a manager for a considerable time fell at the last hurdle wh...
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Legal updates21/07/2020
Workplace Planning
Many organisations who have employees on full time furlough will be making plans as best they can for when they are able...
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Health & safety alerts20/07/2020
New Plans to Ensure Pubs, Restaurants and Cafes Offer Both Smoking and Non-Smoking Outdoor Options
People using pubs, restaurants and cafes will soon have greater freedom to choose non-smoking outdoor areas following an...
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Legal updates20/07/2020
Shielding Employees: Looking Ahead
From 1st August 2020 the public health guidance in England changes so that employees who are shielding and are unable to...
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Legal updates16/07/2020
Redundancy Selection: Turbulent Times Ahead?
After announcing large scale redundancies EasyJet has been facing criticism from pilots’ representatives after proposi...
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Health & safety alerts15/07/2020
Face Coverings to be Mandatory in Shops and Supermarkets from 24th July
Under new rules, people who do not wear a face covering will face a fine of up to £100, in line with the sanction on pu...
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Legal updates13/07/2020
National Minimum Wage in the Spotlight
The issue of employees being paid less than the National Minimum Wage has been highlighted following reports that a Sund...
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Legal updates9/07/2020
Actions Outside Work Can Affect Employment
Historian David Starkey has been hitting the headlines recently after saying in an online media interview that slavery w...
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Legal updates8/07/2020
Breaking News: Chancellor’s Announcements for Employers
The Chancellor has made some announcements in his Summer Statement that will be of interest to employers, we look at wha...
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Health & safety alerts8/07/2020
HSE Urges Businesses to Become COVID-Secure
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is calling for businesses in Great Britain to make sure they’re COVID-secure as ...
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Legal updates3/07/2020
Working Time Reminder
With some employers finding a high demand for their products /services at the moment and other sectors starting to open ...
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Legal updates2/07/2020
Redundancy: Consultation and Coronavirus
With further redundancies being announced this week at well known businesses across a variety of sectors there is no dou...
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Legal updates30/06/2020
Ostracised Employee Wins Employment Tribunal
An employee who complained about colleagues making fun of disabled clients and was ostracised as a result has succeeded ...
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Legal updates29/06/2020
Flexible Working – Did You Know?
Some employers may find that they start to receive an increase in flexible working requests over the coming months. This...
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Health & safety alerts26/06/2020
Restarting Workplace Pressure Systems Safely During the Coronavirus Outbreak
This guidance is for employers who use pressure systems in their workplace including those working in manufacturing, and...
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Legal updates25/06/2020
Employer Wins Unfair Dismissal and Discrimination Case
An employer who dismissed a bus driver for dangerous and poor driving which culminated in him driving into the rear of a...
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Legal updates24/06/2020
Redundancy Business Cases What Employers Need to Know
With the announcement of dates from which more businesses in England will be able to open many employers will be conside...
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Health & safety alerts23/06/2020
Air Conditioning and Ventilation During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Air conditioning The risk of air conditioning spreading Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace is extremely low. Yo...
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Health & safety alerts22/06/2020
Air Suspension Systems on Vehicles
HSE has investigated several serious incidents involving air suspension systems on vehicles. The two main causes are col...
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Legal updates19/06/2020
Further Furlough Guidance
On 29th May the government provided some information about the extension of the furlough scheme and in particular ‘fle...
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Legal updates12/06/2020
Returning to the Workplace – Thinking Ahead
Many non-essential retailers in England will be planning to open next week and other employers will be trying to plan ah...
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Health & safety alerts11/06/2020
Use of Face Masks Designated KN95
Introduction A substantial number of face masks, claiming to be of KN95 standards, provide an inadequate level of prote...
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Legal updates11/06/2020
Collective Redundancies
Many employers will be in the processes of assessing their staffing needs, sadly for some this may lead to them consider...
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Legal updates4/06/2020
On Your Radar…?
With many organisations under pressure at the moment we have put together a round-up of a few matters it will be helpful...
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Legal updates3/06/2020
Furlough: Important Update
The government has announced important developments regarding the furlough scheme. These include the closure of the sche...
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Health & safety alerts29/05/2020
COVID-19 Temporary Relaxation of the Enforcement of the EU and GB Drivers’ Hours Rules: All Sectors Carriage of Goods by Road
The Department for Transport introduced a temporary and limited urgent relaxation of the enforcement of both the EU and ...
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Legal updates27/05/2020
Recruitment Lessons
Reports have been hitting the headlines about the poor recruitment and on-boarding experiences of ‘contact tracers’ ...
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Legal updates26/05/2020
Redundancy: Fast Facts
Many employers will be assessing their staffing needs over the coming year and for some, this may mean considering makin...
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Legal updates22/05/2020
Mental Health Awareness Week: Spotlight on Home-workers
Many employees are currently working from home for the first time. Whilst some will be enjoying the experience, this is ...
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Health & safety alerts19/05/2020
Is the Covid-19 Shutdown Putting Your Workers at Additional Risks from Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionellosis – is the collective name given to the pneumonia-like illness caused by the legionella bacteria, includi...
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Health & safety alerts18/05/2020
Statement From the UK Chief Medical Officers on an Update to Coronavirus Symptoms: 18 May 2020
New information about coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms has been announced. From today, all individuals should self-iso...
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Legal updates18/05/2020
Whistleblowing and the Workplace
There are undoubtedly many challenges facing employers at the moment and these will of course vary sector by sector and ...
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Legal updates13/05/2020
Welcome News for Employers – Furlough Scheme Extended Again
The Chancellor has announced that the furlough scheme which was set to run until the end of June, has been extended unti...
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Health & safety alerts12/05/2020
New Guidance Launched to Help get Brits Safely Back to Work
New ‘COVID-19 secure’ guidelines are available to UK employers to help them get their businesses back up and running...
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Legal updates7/05/2020
Coronavirus and the Workplace – What’s on the Horizon?
There are two developments that are on the way that will be of interest to employers – government guidance on returnin...
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Legal updates5/05/2020
Pregnant Employee Dismissed for Taking Sick Days
A pregnant employee who worked for her employer for only a week has won her automatic unfair dismissal and pregnancy and...
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Legal updates4/05/2020
Possible Changes Ahead for Employment Tribunal Cases
The Law Commission has made a number of recommendations for changes that could, if implemented, mean significant changes...
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Health & safety alerts1/05/2020
Musculoskeletal Disorders – How to Keep Britain’s Backbone in Good Health During the Pandemic
The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry is being pushed to its limits, with many manufacturers and suppliers repo...
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Legal updates30/04/2020
The Prime Minister and Paternity Leave
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, became a father again this week and it was announced that he planned to take paternit...
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Legal updates28/04/2020
Successful Employment Tribunal Claim Costs Employer Dear
An employment tribunal has found that an employee had been subjected to a catalogue of unlawful treatment in the workpla...
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Health & safety alerts23/04/2020
Advice to Distribution Centres and Other Sites on Maintaining Social Distancing for Drivers
Loading and unloading goods vehicles can put drivers and other workers at risk. It is important to consider all risks to...
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Legal updates23/04/2020
Increasing Cost of Successful Discrimination Claims
As you may already be aware, if an employee is found to have been discriminated against an employment tribunal can award...
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Legal updates22/04/2020
Furlough Statistics and Update
The online portal employers use to make claims under the government furlough scheme opened on Monday morning. As anticip...
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Legal updates17/04/2020
Update! Furlough Scheme to be Extended
The government has announced that the furlough scheme will be extended by one month to reflect the continuing social dis...
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Legal updates17/04/2020
Mental Health: Supporting Employees in Troubling Times
There is a word we have all become accustomed to hearing throughout this coronavirus crisis: unprecedented. For many emp...
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Health & safety alerts17/04/2020
RIDDOR Reporting of COVID-19
You must only make a report under RIDDOR (The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013...
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Legal updates16/04/2020
Furlough Again!
There have been more developments in relation to the government furlough scheme with further changes to the government g...
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Health & safety alerts16/04/2020
Carrying Out Thorough Examination and Testing of Lifting and Pressure Equipment During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Introduction An emerging consequence of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is the challenges faced by commerce and ind...
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Legal updates15/04/2020
Further Furlough Guidance…
With only a short time to go before the online portal which employers will use to make a claim under the furlough scheme...
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Legal updates9/04/2020
Further Government Update on Furlough Scheme and Portal Launch Date
There is some good news for employers who are in need of help through the government furlough scheme. Representatives of...
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Health & safety alerts6/04/2020
Coronavirus Update: A Joint Statement between the HSE, TUC and CBI
This is an extremely worrying time for firms and workers. We know many workers, union reps and employers have questions ...
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Health & safety alerts3/04/2020
First Aid Cover and Qualifications during Coronavirus (COVID-19)
If first aid cover for your business is reduced because of Coronavirus or you can’t get the first aid training you nee...
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Legal updates30/03/2020
Coronavirus: Holiday Help for Employers
The government has announced that employees who have not taken all of their statutory annual leave entitlement due to co...
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Legal updates27/03/2020
Update – Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
The government has released further details regarding the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (‘furlough leave’) that ...
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Health & safety alerts27/03/2020
Fit Testing Face Masks to Avoid Transmitting Infection During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
HSE updates its guidance regarding RPE and face fit testing. A fit test should be carried out before people wear RPE ...
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Legal updates27/03/2020
‘In Demand Sectors’
Whilst many sectors have been hard hit by the measures the government has put in place to fight Coronavirus, there are s...
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Health & safety alerts25/03/2020
Performing Health or Medical Surveillance During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
Do you already provide health / medical surveillance for employees? Are you concerned with how to continue to manage ...
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Legal updates23/03/2020
Coronavirus: Government Help for Employers
In what will come as a relief to many employers, the government has announced that further help will be made available w...
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Legal updates20/03/2020
Coronavirus Latest: Online Isolation Notes Launched
One of the many practical problems facing employers in relation to coronavirus sickness absence and self - isolation has...
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Legal updates20/03/2020
Coronavirus and Support for Employers
Many employers have been hit hard by coronavirus and the government measures that have been put in place to fight it. Wi...
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Health & safety alerts19/03/2020
Drivers – Welfare Regulations and Drivers Hours
Are you restricting a delivery drivers’ access to welfare facilities in your premises when they visit as part of their...
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Legal updates19/03/2020
Coronavirus: Workplace Considerations
Many employers are working hard to prepare as best they can to deal with the challenges the developing Coronavirus situa...
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Legal updates18/03/2020
Coronavirus: Catch-up and Planning
Many employers are making plans to try to mitigate as far as possible the impact coronavirus will have on their organisa...
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Legal updates17/03/2020
Coronavirus : What does the latest announcement mean for employers?
The government has announced more restrictive measures in the fight against Coronavirus. The advice is now to avoid non-...
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Legal updates16/03/2020
Bullying in the Workplace – Top Five Things Employers Need to Know
The Home Office has been hitting the headlines with the news that a senior civil servant, Sir Philip Rutnam, intends to ...
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Legal updates13/03/2020
Coronavirus: Preparations and SSP Update
As the coronavirus situation develops employers are having to deal with the unique challenges it poses. This includes ke...
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Legal updates11/03/2020
Budget Announcements: SSP and Coronavirus
In the Budget revealed by the Chancellor this afternoon were a number of measures intended to help support employers in ...
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Legal updates11/03/2020
Contracts Changes Ahead
You may remember from our earlier Legal Update whats-on-the-horizon-for-2020 that April promises to be a busy time for ...
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Legal updates10/03/2020
Changes to Compensation Limits on the Way
It has been announced that the limits on certain tribunal awards and other sums payable under employment legislation wil...
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Legal updates5/03/2020
Coronavirus and Sick Pay
Coronavirus and Sick Pay The Prime Minister announced yesterday that as part of emergency legislation to combat the cor...
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Health & safety alerts3/03/2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Latest Information and Advice
Introduction: A Coronavirus is a type of virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world. Typical symptoms...
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Legal updates3/03/2020
Beware Resignations Given in ‘the Heat of the Moment’
A Managing Director has won a claim of unfair dismissal after fellow directors held him to what they considered to be hi...
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Legal updates2/03/2020
Coronavirus and Employees
With Coronavirus (COVID-19) featuring heavily in the news employers may find themselves with some employment law questio...
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Legal updates27/02/2020
Successful Tribunal Claim Costs Employer Dearly
Successful Tribunal Claim Costs Employer Dearly An employee has been awarded nearly £400,000 after winning her tribu...
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Legal updates24/02/2020
Government Response to National Minimum Wage Consultation
The government has been consulting on aspects of the National Minimum Wage legislation and has now announced that some c...
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Health & safety alerts21/02/2020
Exposure Limits Revised
Do you carry out building refurbishments, run a bakery, have a woodworking shop, carry out welding activities or fabrica...
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Legal updates20/02/2020
Mental Health Back in the Spotlight
The sad news that former Love Island Presenter Caroline Flack took her own life has put mental health and suicide in the...
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Legal updates19/02/2020
Workplace Disruption
Unfortunately, it’s likely that some employers may be experiencing workplace disruption due to the recent adverse weat...
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Health & safety alerts11/02/2020
Does Your Company Lease Your Premises? Part 3
Questions which are often raised with Consultants are: Does a commercial landlord have any legal responsibilities f...
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Legal updates5/02/2020
Attendance Insights
A recent survey has provided some interesting insights into employee behaviour when it comes to attendance. It shows tha...
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Legal updates3/02/2020
Hot Topic: Social Media
The issue of employees making inappropriate social media posts is back in the spotlight following the announcement that ...
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Health & safety alerts31/01/2020
Does Your Company Lease Your Premises? Part 2
Questions which are often raised with Consultants are: Does a commercial landlord have any legal responsibilities f...
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Legal updates31/01/2020
New Right to Parental Bereavement Leave
Employed parents who lose a child under the age of 18, or suffer a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy, will have a ne...
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Employment Law & HR30/01/2020
Conflict at Work: Are Your Managers the Problem or the Solution?
A recent report from the CIPD shows that all too often line managers can be a source of conflict or make workplace confl...
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Health & safety alerts27/01/2020
Does Your Company Lease Your Premises? Part 1
Questions which are often raised with Consultants are: Does a commercial landlord have any legal responsibilities f...
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Legal updates16/01/2020
BBC Loses Equal Pay Claim
BBC presenter Samira Ahmed has won her equal pay claim after showing that the work she did presenting Newswatch was equa...
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Legal updates13/01/2020
Proposed New Statutory Payment Rates Announced
The government has announced its proposal to increase statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay t...
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Legal updates9/01/2020
National Minimum Wage Rates
The new National Minimum Wage rates have been announced. From 1st April 2020 rates for: Workers aged 25 and over wi...
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Legal updates7/01/2020
Tribunal Finds Ethical Veganism is a Philosophical Belief
An employment tribunal has decided that ethical veganism is capable of protection under discrimination law. The employee...
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Legal updates2/01/2020
What’s on the Horizon for 2020?
There are a number of developments on the way this year, with April promising to be busier than usual, mainly due to cha...
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Health & safety alerts17/12/2019
The Twelve Days of Christmas Day 12
Health and Safety Myth A Chef at a carvery restaurant refused to serve the customer some skin off the turkey on the gro...
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Legal updates16/12/2019
The Twelve Days of Christmas Day 11: ‘…Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’
Discovering an employee has been asleep at work is unlikely to lead most managers to wish them tidings of comfort and jo...
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Health & safety alerts13/12/2019
The Twelve Days of Christmas Day 10
Health and Safety Myth Health and safety prevent people putting coins in Christmas puddings. Reality: Finding a coin ...
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Legal updates12/12/2019
The Twelve Days of Christmas Day 9: I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas….
…Or maybe re-writing a to-do list or just making (another!) quick cup of tea before you get started, yes we are talkin...
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Legal updates12/12/2019
Top Tips for Change Management
In the runup to the election we have been hearing a lot about the changes political parties would like to make and that ...
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Health & safety alerts11/12/2019
The Twelve Days of Christmas Day 8
Health and Safety Myth Children are banned from throwing snowballs. Reality: Every year “health and safety” is qu...
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Legal updates10/12/2019
The Twelve Days of Christmas Day 7: All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names, they never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games…
Whilst we like to think of Rudolph as being happy and fulfilled at work sadly it seems that this hasn’t always been th...
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Health & safety alerts9/12/2019
The Twelve Days of Christmas Day 6
Health and Safety Myth Carol singer’s health and safety is at risk. Reality: Surely no-one would object to hearing ...
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Legal updates6/12/2019
The Twelve Days of Christmas Day 5: All I Want for Christmas is You…
If you have temporary Christmas vacancies sprouting up in your organisation, here are some top tips to keep you merry: ...
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Health & safety alerts5/12/2019
The Twelve Days of Christmas Day 4
Health and Safety Myth Indoor Christmas lights need a portable appliance test (PAT) every year Reality: Lots of compa...
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Legal updates4/12/2019
The Twelve Days of Christmas Day 3: I Believe in Father Christmas…
The issue of philosophical beliefs is one that has hit the headlines a few times this year but what about a belief in Fa...
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Health & safety alerts3/12/2019
The Twelve Days of Christmas – Myth One
Myth One: Workers are banned from putting up Christmas decorations in the office. Reality: We regularly come across c...
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Legal updates2/12/2019
12 Days of Christmas – Day 1: All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth…
…and some time off work to go the dentist please! If you receive a plea from an employee for time off to attend a dent...
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Legal updates28/11/2019
Black Friday and Cyber Monday – What Do Employers Need to Know?
With bargains to be had, excitement about Black Friday and Cyber Monday can spill over to affect employees in the workpl...
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Legal updates27/11/2019
Bah Humbug?
It’s that time of year again, the exciting annual event all managers have been waiting for! Not your workplace Christm...
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Legal updates20/11/2019
Latest Sickness Absence Figures
The Office of National Statistics has released the latest sickness absence figures and they make some interesting readin...
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Health & safety alerts18/11/2019
DRIVING FOR WORK – On The Road
More than a quarter of all road traffic incidents involve someone who is driving for work (Department of Transport). I...
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Legal updates15/11/2019
Tackling ‘Disagreements’ in the Workplace – What Can Employers Learn from the England Football Squad?
You may have heard about the ‘disagreement’ between England teammates that led to the Manager, Gareth Southgate, dro...
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Legal updates13/11/2019
‘Breath-taking’ Lack of Training Led to Managers Committing ‘Grave Errors’ in the Treatment of a Disabled Employee
Laura Ashley has been ordered to pay a disabled Sales Leader over £18,000 after it was found she had been constructivel...
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Legal updates11/11/2019
Workplace Politics?
We are surrounded by politics at the moment, whether it’s discussions about Brexit, election campaigning or political ...
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Employment Law & HR4/11/2019
Can Employment Law Help You Deal with Difficult Trading Conditions?
The latest Industrial Trends Survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) makes for some gloomy reading for tho...
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Health & safety alerts31/10/2019
Risk Assessment – Are You Complying with the Legal Requirement?
All employers are legally required to make a ‘suitable and sufficient assessment’ of the risks to their employees’...
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Employment Law & HR31/10/2019
Are you Feeling Brave?
As it’s Halloween we thought we’d share a few seasonal stories of our own and some tricks to help you protect your o...
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Employment Law & HR28/10/2019
Employee Constructively Dismissed Following Change to Role
An employee has been awarded over £17,000 after a tribunal found that she had been constructively dismissed following...
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Employment Law & HR23/10/2019
Is Homelessness Affecting Your Employees?
When employers are considering issues that may impact an employee’s performance, attendance or wellbeing it is unlikel...
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Employment Law & HR15/10/2019
Lessons from an Employers Costly Conduct
An employer has been ordered to pay over £50,000 after they lost a case for race and sexual orientation harassment and ...
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Employment Law & HR11/10/2019
National Work-Life Week Day Five: Encouraging Good Practice for Wellbeing
There are many ways employers can encourage wellbeing at work without needing to make big or costly changes. You might w...
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Employment Law & HR10/10/2019
National Work-Life Week Day Four: Flexible Working in Focus
With an increasing number of employees valuing a good work-life balance, it’s important for employers to be aware of t...
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Employment Law & HR9/10/2019
National Work-Life Week Day Three: Wellbeing at Work
Not only is it National Work Life Week this week but tomorrow is World Mental Health Day. The main theme selected this y...
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Employment Law & HR8/10/2019
National Work-Life Week Day Two: Workplace Culture
A big part of wellbeing at work is workplace culture. If there is a positive workplace culture where employees feel supp...
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Employment Law & HR7/10/2019
National Work-Life Week Day One: Spotlight on Working Hours
For many employees one of the key factors in achieving a good work-life balance is their working hours. So, is there a l...
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Employment Law & HR4/10/2019
What Do the Latest Employment Tribunal Statistics Reveal?
For those of you who have been following the tribunal trends for the past couple of years it will come as no surprise th...
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Employment Law & HR2/10/2019
I’m an Employee Get Me Out of Here!
There may be times when employees find themselves unable to get back from holiday on time through no fault of their own....
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Health & safety alerts30/09/2019
Working at Height
There are three main reasons for providing a safe and healthy working environment, (possession of morals, the fact that ...
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Employment Law & HR30/09/2019
Insights on Compliance with Workplace Rights
According to research by the Resolution Foundation some workers are still missing out when it comes to basic rights such...
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Employment Law & HR20/09/2019
Vegetarianism Held Not to Be a Protected Characteristic
An employee who claimed he had been discriminated against on the grounds of his vegetarianism has had his complaint reje...
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Employment Law & HR18/09/2019
Feeling Perky?
Whilst many employers choose to offer some perks to their employees, these usually tend to be along the more traditional...
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Employment Law & HR12/09/2019
Low Appraisal Score was Discrimination Arising from Disability
An employee whose performance was impaired by the symptoms of his kidney disease was found to have been discriminated ag...
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Employment Law & HR10/09/2019
Recruitment Insights?
Recruitment can be a demanding and time consuming process for employers as there is pressure to ensure the right candida...
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Employment Law & HR5/09/2019
Brexit Preparation
With all the uncertainty around Brexit it can be difficult for employers to know what, if any, steps they need to take t...
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Health & safety alerts2/09/2019
Company and Director Sentenced After Multiple Workers Diagnosed With Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
A company providing specialised services in drilling, and its director, have been sentenced after a number of workers we...
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Employment Law & HR30/08/2019
Back to School for Employers
As a new school year is about to start, we thought it would be a good time to look at some family friendly rights workin...
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Employment Law & HR27/08/2019
Two Top Challenges for Retail in the Spotlight
At a time when the retail sector is already facing challenges, recent developments highlight two areas in particular w...
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Employment Law & HR22/08/2019
Do You Have More in Common with Robert De Niro Than You Would Like?
A senior employee at Robert De Niro’s film production company has been accused of wasting ‘astronomical amounts of t...
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Employment Law & HR20/08/2019
Zero-Hours Contracts: Consultations and Changes
The government is proposing to introduce measures to reduce ‘one sided flexibility’ in contracts such as zero hours ...
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Employment Law & HR16/08/2019
Instant Dismissal Following Argument Costs Employer Over £18,000
A tribunal found that a flight instructor had been unfairly dismissed following an argument with a director, after which...
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Employment Law & HR14/08/2019
Holiday Pay for Part Year Workers
The Court of Appeal has handed down a decision in Brazel v The Harper Trust that will affect employees on permanent co...
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Health & safety alerts12/08/2019
Health and Safety Executives Statistics 2018-2019
A total of 147 workers were killed at work in Great Britain in 2018/19. Although this represents an increase of 6 fatali...
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Employment Law & HR12/08/2019
Empower Your Managers!
Managing employees and navigating the employment law procedures that go with this can be tough. It’s important that ma...
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Employment Law & HR8/08/2019
The Government’s New Arrival
The government has published a response to its consultation on extending redundancy protection for pregnant women and ne...
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Employment Law & HR6/08/2019
Are Your Employees Getting the Holiday They Are Entitled To?
According to a recent report by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) nearly two million employees in the UK are not getting th...
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Employment Law & HR5/08/2019
Dyslexic Charity Worker Wins Significant Compensation at Tribunal
A former employee of the housing charity Shelter has been awarded over £28,000 after winning his case for constructive ...
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Employment Law & HR5/08/2019
Gross Misconduct – Fact or Fiction?
When it comes to gross misconduct it can be difficult for employers to separate fact from fiction. Below we look at thre...
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Employment Law & HR5/08/2019
Restaurant Found to Have Unfairly Dismissed an Employee for Whistleblowing
An employment tribunal has found that an Assistant Restaurant Manager was automatically unfairly dismissed for blowing t...
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Health & safety alerts29/07/2019
Employer Sentenced After Worker Severed Three Fingers – 17th July 2019
Andrew Gibson has been given a suspended jail sentence for safety breaches after a worker suffered life changing injurie...
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Employment Law & HR26/07/2019
Top Tips for Top Performance
Employees are one of an organisation’s greatest assets so it’s important to ensure you get the most out of them. Bel...
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Employment Law & HR25/07/2019
Deputy Care Home Manager Unfairly Dismissed
An employment tribunal has awarded a deputy care home manager £11,000 after a tribunal found she was unfairly dismiss...
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Employment Law & HR24/07/2019
Handy Heatwave Hints
As the country basks (or melts!) in the heatwave, we’ve put together three handy hints from an employment law perspect...
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Employment Law & HR12/07/2019
Employing an Apprentice? Make Sure Your Organisation Uses the Right Contract
Whilst the start of the new academic year is a way off yet, some organisations will already be considering taking on an ...
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Employment Law & HR11/07/2019
Whistle While You Work….
Whilst most employers have heard the term ‘whistleblowing’ not everyone is familiar with this area or the protection...
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Health & safety alerts5/07/2019
Maintenance Failings Blamed for Death in Wolverhampton
A company which admitted breaching health and safety laws after a woman was killed by debris blown off a building roof b...
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Employment Law & HR5/07/2019
Employment Status – Employee, Worker or Self Employed That is the Question!
Over the past few years employment status has become a hot topic, particularly in sectors such as the gig economy where ...
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Employment Law & HR28/06/2019
Latest Employment Tribunal Statistics Released
There are no great surprises for employers in the latest tribunal statistics. The figures show that the number of tribun...
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Employment Law & HR28/06/2019
Employee Wins Career Long Losses for Appalling Treatment
An employment tribunal has made some rare and costly awards after finding that an employee had been discriminated agains...
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Employment Law & HR26/06/2019
Employee Appraisals Under the Spotlight
As we are close to being halfway through the year you might be thinking about whether your organisation is on track to a...
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Health & safety alerts25/06/2019
Health and Safety Executive Dust Inspections
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have announced new rounds of dust control inspections, which will take place over ...
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Employment Law & HR20/06/2019
Your Summer Staffing Questions Answered!
If your organisation is one of those that is bracing itself for a busy summer season, you may be making plans to ensure ...
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Employment Law & HR14/06/2019
Fathers in the Spotlight
As Father’s Day is nearly upon us, we thought we’d take a quick look at three important family friendly rights that ...
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Employment Law & HR13/06/2019
Carers Week
There are 6.5 million people in the UK who are carers, many of whom will be balancing work with their caring responsibil...
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Employment Law & HR6/06/2019
Treatment by Employer Following Pregnancy Announcement Was Discrimination and Harassment
An employment tribunal has found that an employer discriminated against and harassed a new starter. The unlawful treatme...
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Employment Law & HR4/06/2019
Spotlight on Holiday Pay
With many employees starting to book their summer holidays we thought it would be a good time to have a look at holiday ...
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Employment Law & HR31/05/2019
Dismissal of Employee for Proselytising in the Workplace was Fair
The Court of Appeal has upheld the decision that it was fair for an employer to dismiss a nurse for improperly proselyti...
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Employment Law & HR29/05/2019
Employer Discriminated Against Employee by Asking her to Keep her Sexuality a Secret
An employer was found to have directly discriminated against an employee because of her sexual orientation when the Mana...
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Employment Law & HR17/05/2019
Mental Health Awareness Week Top Tip #5: Create an Inclusive Workplace Free from Discrimination and Harassment
Fear of discrimination and how they will be treated can be significant reasons why many employees don’t feel able to t...
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Employment Law & HR16/05/2019
Mental Health Awareness Week Top Tip #4: Encouraging Healthy Eating
Healthy eating is not just good for physical health but mental health too as what we eat can affect how we feel. Whilst ...
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Health & safety alerts15/05/2019
HSE Issue Safety Alert Regarding Platform Lifts (vertical lifting platforms or lifts for people with impaired mobility)
If you own or use a platform lift within your premise to allow persons with impaired mobility access or are responsible ...
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Employment Law & HR15/05/2019
Mental Health Awareness Week Top Tip #3: Introduce Wellbeing Days
As part of promoting and supporting positive mental health in the workplace you might wish to consider giving ‘Wellbei...
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Employment Law & HR14/05/2019
Mental Health Awareness Week Top Tip #2: Encourage Employees to Make the Most of their In-Work Rest Breaks
Taking a break is important for mental health as it enables employees to relax and refocus. After taking a break, employ...
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Employment Law & HR10/05/2019
Mental Health Awareness Week
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and we are marking it with a series of top tips on ways of improving mental he...
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Employment Law & HR10/05/2019
Could a Settlement Agreement Benefit Your Business?
Settlement agreements can be a useful commercial tool for employers who wish to exit an employee from their organisation...
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Employment Law & HR3/05/2019
Flexible Working: Five Fast Facts
Employees are increasingly placing importance on what they see as a good work life balance but what are their rights whe...
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Health & safety alerts30/04/2019
FFI Increases to £154.00 per hour
In 2012, the HSE instigated its Fee for Intervention Scheme, the cost of which was £124.00 per hour. This was sub...
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Employment Law & HR24/04/2019
The Big HR Spring Clean
It’s not just homes that can benefit from a good spring clean, it’s HR practices and procedures too and the good new...
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Employment Law & HR5/04/2019
Bank Holiday Bonanza
As the Easter bank holiday weekend will soon be upon us we thought it would be a good time to have a look at some of the...
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Employment Law & HR5/04/2019
Employee Wins £84,000 in Discrimination Case
An employer has been left counting the cost after it was found that an employee had been discriminated against on the gr...
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Employment Law & HR5/04/2019
Employment Tribunal Claims Still Rising
The latest tribunal statistics have just been released for the period October to December 2018. They show that there was...
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Employment Law & HR5/04/2019
Discrimination Becomes More Costly
If an employee is found to have been discriminated against an employment tribunal can award compensation for injury to f...
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Employment Law & HR28/03/2019
Mother’s Day Special: Pregnancy and Maternity Rights
As it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday we thought it would be timely to have a look at four fast facts when it comes to pr...
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Employment Law & HR14/03/2019
April Changes on the Way!
Changes to various rates, limits and statutory payments are on their way in April. It’s important that the relevant pe...
read more -
Employment Law & HR8/03/2019
Spotlight on Health
Health is increasingly coming under the spotlight at national level. From high profile campaigns regarding mental health...
read more -
Employment Law & HR28/02/2019
Retail Sector Facing Challenges
A study by the Resolution Foundation thinktank has found that retail has the highest redundancy rate of any sector of th...
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Employment Law & HR14/02/2019
Love is in the Air… and Maybe Your Workplace!
As today is Valentine’s Day we thought we’d share our top tips to help you manage matters of the heart in your workp...
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Health & safety alerts11/02/2019
Change in Enforcement Expectations for Welding Fume
Introduction: There is new scientific evidence from the International Agency for Research on Cancer that exposure to mi...
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Employment Law & HR6/02/2019
How Are You?
Time to Talk Day is taking place tomorrow with the aim of encouraging everyone to have a conversation about mental healt...
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Employment Law & HR1/02/2019
National Sickie Day has Arrived!
According to national statistics the first Monday in February is the day when people are most likely to ‘pull a sick...
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Employment Law & HR30/01/2019
Employment Law Themes and 2019
Last year saw some key themes develop when it came to employment law, so what did we learn and what do we think the rest...
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Employment Law & HR25/01/2019
Extension of Redundancy Protection for New Parents?
The government is consulting on proposals to extend protection for women who have returned to work following maternity l...
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Employment Law & HR24/01/2019
Wages Wrath
You may have heard about a builder in Liverpool having a ‘smashing time’ in a dispute over alleged unpaid wages. The...
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Employment Law & HR23/01/2019
‘Veganuary’ Special: Is Ethical Veganism a Philosophical Belief?
As January is being promoted as ‘Veganuary’ to encourage people to try veganism, it seems a good time to look ahead ...
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Employment Law & HR17/01/2019
TUPE or Not TUPE That is the Question….
It’s an issue which affects many employers – sometimes when they don’t even realise it! So, what is TUPE and why d...
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Health & safety alerts14/01/2019
Portable Ladders
What is happening? Product standards for portable ladders have changed – the single British & European product ...
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Legal updates11/01/2019
Absent Employees Shouldn’t Be Out of Sight Out of Mind
Out of Sight Out of Mind? When an employee is absent from work it’s important not to forget about them. By being ...
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Health & safety alerts21/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Twenty Four: Health & Safety Myths – Myth Twelve
Myth The Chef at a carvery restaurant refused to serve the customer some skin off the turkey on the grounds of health a...
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Health & safety alerts21/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Twenty Three: Health & Safety Myths – Myth Eleven
Myth It was reported that a Supermarket café told a customer that they are unable to heat up the mince pies they serve...
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Health & safety alerts21/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Twenty Two: Health & Safety Myths – Myth Ten
Myth: It was reported that an entry fee charged for a Christmas craft fair was necessary in order to control the number...
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Legal updates21/12/2018
Holiday: Has ‘Use it or Lose it’ Been Lost?
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has handed down an important decision regarding the first four weeks of employees’...
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Legal updates21/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Twenty One: Let it Go, Let it Go!
If you’ve ever had to deal with a personality clash in your workplace that chorus will probably strike a chord with yo...
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Health & safety alerts20/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Twenty: Health & Safety Myths – Myth Nine
Myth: You cannot clear snow and ice from pavements yourself. Reality: You can clear snow and ice from pavements yours...
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Legal updates19/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Nineteen: O Come All Ye Faithful
Sometimes employees ask for time off work for religious reasons. Such requests can be wide ranging and can encompass mat...
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Health & safety alerts18/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Eighteen: Health & Safety Myths – Myth Eight
Myth: Health and safety prevents people putting coins in Christmas puddings. Reality: Finding a coin in your pudding ...
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Legal updates17/12/2018
Hasty Employer’s Dismissal Was Unfair
An employer's refusal to postpone a disciplinary hearing to enable the employee’s trade union representative to attend...
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Legal updates17/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Seventeen: Mistletoe and ‘Whine’
Whilst you might feel that your workplace is merry and bright you may have an employee who doesn’t share your view and...
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Health & safety alerts14/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Sixteen: Health & Safety Myths – Myth Seven
Myth: Children are banned from throwing snowballs. Reality: Every year we hear inaccurate stories about children who ...
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Legal updates14/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Fifteen: … Making a List and Checking it Twice, Gonna Find out Who’s Naughty and Nice!
Whilst you are probably thinking about how well your organisation has performed this year, have you also thought about t...
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Health & safety alerts14/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Fourteen: Health & Safety Myths – Myth Six
Myth: Carol singers are a health and safety risk. Reality: Surely no-one would object to hearing the dulcet tones of ...
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Legal updates13/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Thirteen: ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly?
Whilst the festive season is a happy one for a lot of people, there are those for whom it can be a difficult time. If yo...
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Health & safety alerts12/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Twelve: Health & Safety Myths – Myth Five
Myth: Seats removed from shops - despite weary Christmas shoppers wanting to rest their feet. Reality: Give it a rest...
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Legal updates11/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Eleven: Not So Silent Night
An employer created their own nightmare before Christmas when they took the wrong approach to an employee who was unable...
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Health & safety alerts10/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Ten: Health & Safety Myths – Myth 4
Myth: Traditional shopping centre Christmas trees scaled back or replaced by artificial alternatives Reality: We ofte...
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Legal updates7/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Nine: In the Bleak Mid-Winter…
It’s that time of year again when we can expect some (more!) extreme weather which may cause travel disruption. If an ...
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Health & safety alerts7/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Eight: Christmas Health & Safety Myths – Myth Three
Myth: You can't throw sweets into the crowd at pantos. Reality: Health and safety rules were blamed when a panto stop...
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Legal updates7/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Seven: ‘Tinselitus’ on the Rise?
When it comes to managing sickness absence, don’t overlook the benefits of holding a return to work interview with emp...
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Health & safety alerts6/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Six: Christmas Health and Safety Myths – Myth Two
Myth: Indoor Christmas lights need a portable appliance test (PAT) every year. Reality: Lots of companies waste money...
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Employment Law & HR5/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Five: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
If you employ drivers, you may get a complaint from a member of the public or a customer about their driving. If you do,...
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Health & safety alerts3/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Four: Christmas Health and Safety Myths – Myth One
Myth: Workers are banned from putting up Christmas decorations in the office. Reality: Each year we hear of companies...
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Legal updates3/12/2018
Advent Calendar Day Three: ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas
When it comes to festive tribunal claims Westlake v ZSL London Zoo is hard to beat so brace your elves’! A love tri...
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Legal updates30/11/2018
Advent Calendar Day Two: Frosty the Snowman – Temporary Vacancies
If your organisation is one of the many who will be recruiting temporary employees in the next few months, here’s two ...
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Legal updates30/11/2018
Advent Calendar Day One: All I Want for Christmas is You [r Memo]
Employers don’t need to ask for much this Christmas, They don’t need to wish for snow, All employers really n...
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Legal updates30/11/2018
National Minimum Wage Rates Set to Rise
The government has confirmed the new National Minimum Wage rates that will take effect from 1st April next year. As t...
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Legal updates23/11/2018
Directors Personally Liable for £2 Million Whistleblowing Claim
The Court of Appeal has handed down an important decision about whistleblower protection by finding that two directors w...
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Legal updates13/11/2018
Anti-Bullying Week – Has Your Organisation Chosen Respect?
Anti-bullying Week 2018 is being held between 12th and 16th November and this year’s theme is ‘choose respect’. An...
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Legal updates1/11/2018
Will Employees Have More Time to Bring Employment Tribunal Claims?
The Law Commission is currently consulting on a number of recommendations regarding the operation of employment trib...
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Legal updates24/10/2018
Autumn Baby Boom!
Statistics indicate that Autumn is the most popular time of year for babies to be born. Whilst most employers are fam...
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Health & safety alerts24/10/2018
Work at Height
Working at height remains one of the biggest causes of fatalities and major injuries. Common cases include falls from la...
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Legal updates24/10/2018
Halloween Special: HR Horrors!
There’s no rest for the wicked when it comes to dealing with HR issues this Halloween! Read on to discover how to b...
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Legal updates17/10/2018
Déjà vu….
The latest employment tribunal statistics have been released. You guessed it! The number of employment tribunal cl...
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Legal updates11/10/2018
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day took place this week with the aim of spreading awareness and breaking down social stigma regardi...
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Legal updates3/10/2018
Time to Question Your Interview Questions!
The recruitment process ...can be as challenging for employers as it is for those seeking employment. After all there...
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Legal updates19/09/2018
Sexual Harassment Costs Employer Over £15,000
An employer was ordered to pay compensation to a 17-year old receptionist after she was found to have been sexually har...
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Employment Law & HR19/09/2018
Withdrawal of Job Offer Was Discriminatory
An employer who withdrew a job offer, after receiving what they considered to be unsatisfactory references, has lost a...
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Health & safety alerts19/09/2018
Annual Statistics Show Little Has Changed
The annual summary of workplace “fatal injury” statistics as reported to all health and safety enforcing authorities...
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