New Holiday Pay Rules for 2024
The UK Government has issued new guidance on holiday pay aimed at simplifying calculations and clarifying entitlements, particularly for irregular hours and part-year workers. The Department for Business and Trade’s guidance on holiday pay and entitlement reforms outlines how employers should apply recent changes to the holiday pay provisions of the Working Time Regulations, as […]
New Ban on Disposable Vapes
Disposable vapes are to be banned in the UK, under new laws proposed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. It is already illegal to sell any vape to anyone under 18, but the government said disposable vapes – often sold in smaller, more colourful packaging than refillable ones – are a “key driver behind the alarming […]
Sponsor Licence Renewals Abolished from April 2024
The requirement for UK sponsors to renew their sponsor licence every four years is being abolished from April 2024, under new Home Office rules. In light of the changes, UK sponsor licences expiring on or after 6 April 2024 are now being automatically extended by 10 years. Licences that are automatically extended will not end […]
Calculating Holiday Pay & Entitlement
One of the primary employment rights in the UK is that workers are entitled to a minimum amount of paid time off work as holiday, or annual leave. Holiday entitlement and how holiday pay is calculated will depend on how many hours an individual works. For employers, this can quickly become complicated when someone doesn’t […]
GDPR Checklist (and How to Comply!)
If you are responsible for collecting and handling personal data you will need to understand how the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies to you, and how to remain compliant with the new law. The following GDPR checklist provides essential guidance on how to comply. GDPR Checklist The GDPR is based on the […]
The Role of the Designated Premises Supervisor
What is a Designated Premises Supervisor? Under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003, with the exception of certain community premises, every premises licence that authorises the sale of alcohol must specify a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). A Designated Premises Supervisor is usually the person who has been given day-to-day responsibility for the running […]
Licence Holders & the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 the police or local authority have the power to close premises quickly, including licensed premises, which are being used, or are likely to be used, to commit nuisance or disorder. Moreover, if there is a risk of recurrence, the court has the power to grant an […]
What is a Personal Alcohol Licence?
A personal alcohol licence is required by anyone authorising the sale of alcohol from licensed premises. The following guide looks at who can apply for a personal alcohol licence, how long it lasts, how much it costs and how, in some cases, your licence can be suspended, revoked or surrendered. What is a personal […]
What is the BIIAB Award for Personal Licence Holders?
BIIAB is the awarding body of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the professional body for the licensed retail industry. It specialises in work-based learning, providing a range of commercial vocational qualifications, including the BIIAB Level 2 award for Personal Licence Holders. What is the BIIAB Level 2 award for Personal Licence Holders? […]
Company Law Reform: Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act Now In Force
After passing through parliament, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act has now become law. The Act aims to enhance measures against economic crime and increase transparency of corporate entities. It follows the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022, which enabled the government to impose sanctions more rapidly, established a register of overseas entities […]
ACAS Opens Consultation on Predictable Working
ACAS has launched a public consultation on its draft code of practice for responding to requests for a predictable work schedule. The draft statutory code outlines the procedures that employers must follow when responding to requests for more consistent working schedules or hours. These procedures include the practical considerations employers should take into account when […]
Employer Checking Service: Employers’ Guide
Employers are under a legal duty to prevent illegal working, and it is unlawful to employ someone who does not have permission to work in the UK. Employers can avoid allegations of illegal working by conducting prescribed Right to Work checks to verify an individual’s eligibility to be employed. Most Right to Work checks are […]
Immigration Health Surcharge to Increase No Earlier Than 16 January 2024
Following publication of the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023, it has been confirmed that the UK’s Immigration Health Surcharge will increase no earlier than 16 January 2024. The Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023 is the draft legislation that will implement the fee changes. According to the draft, the increases will take effect between 16 January 2024 and […]
Redundancy bumping & fair dismissal
When dealing with redundancies, employers have to meet specific requirements to ensure the fair and lawful dismissal of employees. This includes having a genuine reason for any redundancy and following the correct redundancy procedure. Redundancy bumping is a specific and complex aspect of the redundancy process, which employers should give full consideration to when making […]
Form ET3: responding to a tribunal claim
Form ET3 is an important document for employers facing an employment tribunal claim from an existing, former or even prospective employee. For employers, it will be important to know how to respond using ET3 in way that is legally compliant with the claims process and ensures your organisation’s best interests are protected. What is Form ET3? […]
How to dismiss a company director
If the decision has been made to dismiss a director, the company must ensure the termination is conducted lawfully. Dismissing a company directory can potentially raise a number of issues, and the exit can quickly become contentious if not handled correctly. Company directors have certain rights and responsibilities, over and above those of employees and workers. Many […]
How do staggered hours work?
With flexible working commonplace in workplaces across the UK economy, arrangements such as staggered hours can offer both the employer and employee many advantages. In this guide, we look at what staggered hours mean, and the key legal and HR considerations for employers adopting this approach, either on a temporary or permanent basis. What are […]
Menopause in the workplace: employer advice
Menopause in the workplace: employer advice Supporting employees experiencing the menopause has become increasingly important for employers. The changing demographic of our working population means that there are 3.5 million women over the age of 50 in the workforce, and this number is set to rise. With nearly 8 out of 10 menopausal women in […]
What phased retirement means for employers
Phased retirement refers to ways in which an employer can provide older workers with greater choice about the way in which they manage the transition from full-time work to leaving work altogether. This could be by way of reduced hours or duties, or even a different job role. The following guide for employers provides advice […]
Equal Pay Act: the law on equal pay for equal work
One of the fundamental employment rights is that women and men are entitled to equal pay and equal contractual benefits for doing comparable work. The following guide examines the equal pay provisions under the Equality Act 2010, from what the law says about equal pay and an employer’s obligations under the Act, to best practice […]