Conducting a disciplinary investigation
A disciplinary investigation is where your organisation needs to look further into the conduct of an employee, or to ascertain the facts surrounding an incident or allegation, prior to taking disciplinary action. It is not always the case that a disciplinary investigation will result in a disciplinary hearing. The aim of the investigation is to […]
Which workplace policies do you need?
As an employer, it is important to have workplace policies and procedures in place that cover a range of operational and behavioural aspects of the organisation. This provides clarity and consistency across procedures, expectations and standards that benefits both employees and the organisation as a whole. Managing people takes time, energy and expertise, but by […]
Dismissing an employee fairly
Dismissing an employee is sometimes unavoidable, either because an individual is behaving badly or underperforming at work, or the business simply cannot afford to maintain its current levels of staff. As an employer, even where you have a clear and legitimate reason for letting someone go, it remains important that you approach any dismissal in […]
Employment case law update August 2020
A number of key employment law cases of significance for employers have recently been decided. Unfair dismissal Phoenix Academy Trust v Kilroy The claimant was a teacher who was dismissed from his role following disciplinary proceedings. The claimant appealed the disciplinary decision. The decision was subsequently overturned and he was reinstated, subject to a final […]
Employing an apprentice: how-to guide
If your organisation is looking to employ an apprentice, there will be a lot to consider in relation to the type of individual you can recruit, the role they can take on, the rules on pay and other benefits, as well as making the most of the financial incentives available to employers. The Government most […]
Dismissing an employee with less than 2 years’ service
When dismissing an employee with less than 2 years service, it will be important for employers to be aware of the potential legal pitfalls. While in most cases of employment under 2 years, the employer does not necessarily need to justify their decision to dismiss, or even follow a fair procedure, there are many reasons […]
Completing Form Set F (ILR for a Child)
SET F is the application form used for a person under the age of 18 or a dependant over the age of 18 who was last granted leave to remain when they were still a child, who wishes to settle in the UK. If you are granted settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain […]
Compulsory Face Covering Rules Now in Force
The rules on wearing face coverings in England and Scotland have been extended from 8 August 2020. People must now wear face masks in museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship, as well as shops, indoor shopping centres, transport hubs, supermarkets, takeaways, banks and on public transport. The mandatory requirements have become enforceable by law. […]
ACAS Code of Practice: quick reference guide
The ACAS codes of practice are advisory documents created by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) and approved by parliament. Each ACAS code of practice sets out fair behaviour guidelines for employers and employees in five key areas of employment practice, as summarised in this guide. Employment law issues arise in all workplace environments. […]
The Benefits of an International Tax Review
For businesses who trade and operate in more than one country, the value of carrying out an international tax review cannot be underestimated, bringing together the complexities of: international tax legislation, including ongoing changes developments within your business and future planning commercial and political changes worldwide International tax legislation Any company who operates across international […]
Home Office to End Use of Controversial Algorithm
The Home Office has confirmed it will cease use of its controversial algorithm within UK visa application processing. The announcement comes as migrant rights groups the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) and Foxglove prepared to challenge the use of the software by way of judicial review. Campaign groups claimed the tool was […]
Unfair dismissal & zero hours contracts
While zero-hours arrangements can bring flexibility and agility to an organisation, employers should be aware that those individuals engaged on zero-hours contracts do benefit from a range of employment law protections. These include rights and entitlements relating to pay, paid annual leave and rest breaks. Furthermore, individuals on zero hours contracts may also have the […]
Form FLR IR: Extending Leave in the UK
It’s important to apply to extend your leave before it expires, to avoid overstaying and becoming unlawfully present in the UK. Form FLR IR is used to apply to extend your stay in the UK where you fall within certain visa categories. The following categories would use Form FLR IR in order to extend their […]
Form FLR FP: Extend Your Stay in the UK
Form FLR FP is the form you have to complete if you want to live with a family member in the UK for more than six months, or you wish to extend your stay in the UK on the basis of family life or private life. Usually you will be extending or switching your existing […]
High Court Rules Humanist Marriages Not Legally Recognised – Yet
Six UK couples have lost a landmark challenge over the legal recognition of humanist marriages. The High Court found that, despite constituting “discrimination”, humanist weddings are not legally recognised in the same way as religious ceremonies, but stopped short of saying the government is acting illegally. Under current law, couples marrying in a humanist ceremony […]
Direct discrimination at work: HR guide
The COVID-19 ‘new normal’ working environment is one in which employers must take every possible step to safeguard the wellbeing of their staff, or risk being in breach of their statutory duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their workforce. In taking action to meet your health and safety duties, employers should also […]
Shortlisting process: guide for HR
Shortlisting is a crucial stage within the recruitment process in which employers are required to identify the candidates from their applicant pool who best meet the essential and desirable criteria for the job opening in question. Rising unemployment levels are putting greater pressure on the recruitment, selection and shortlisting process. Employers are now handling increasing […]
P2B Regulation Takes Effect in EU & UK
Online platforms and search engines are now operating under new rules designed to promote fairness and transparency for their business users. The Platform to Business Regulation (EU) 2019/1150 (P2B Regulation) took effect in the UK and EU member states on 12 July 2020. The new rules apply to online intermediation services and search engines based […]
Employment case law update July 2020
A number of key employment law cases of significance for employers have recently been decided. Unfair dismissal Evans v London Borough of Brent The Employment Appeal Tribunal held that, where no compensation will be awarded but where there is a reasonable prospect of success, an unfair dismissal claim should not be struck out. The EAT […]
UK Unveils New Hong Kong BNO Visa
The UK is opening a new immigration route that will allow British National (Overseas) citizens from Hong Kong to come to the UK to live, work or study and will offer a path to British citizenship. The Hong Kong BN(O) visa will be available from January 2021 to Hong Kong’s British National (Overseas) passport holders […]