What is a protected disclosure?
Whether an employee’s complaint is classed as a protected disclosure is critical to determine if they are protected as a whistleblower. By understanding the meaning of a protected disclosure within the context of whistleblowing, this can help employers to respond appropriately to employee concerns and complaints about any wrongdoing at work without falling foul of […]
What to include in a whistleblowing policy
UK workers and employers are entitled to certain protections if they “make a disclosure in the public interest” regarding their employer’s or a third party’s actions. Encouraging your workforce to make any such disclosures in line with a specific procedure and reassuring them of their protected position if they do so, may be necessary and […]
How long does a DBS last?
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a criminal record check that an employer can request as part of their recruitment and onboarding process. DBS checks are useful in ensuring that the employer is only recruiting suitable people into their organisation and for the job role in question. This is especially important when the […]
New food labelling guidance issued ahead of Natasha’s Law
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued detailed guidance for companies on new labelling laws coming into force in 2021. Under Natasha’s Law, allergen labelling rules will become a legal requirement on all ‘prepacked for direct sale’ food, with labels on affected products required to state all ingredient and allergen information. This includes food that […]
Conveyancing & witness-free electronic signatures – guidance imminent
HM Land Registry is expected to shortly release draft guidance on the use of electronic signatures that would exempt the requirement to have a witness to a conveyancing transaction. In a blog post last week, HMLR general counsel Mike Harlow said the organisation was “close” to sharing draft practice guidance for qualified electronic signatures. Land […]
Dealing with allegations of managers bullying team members
Employees are protected by law from bullying. Yet bullying in the workplace is most commonly cited as coming from those in a position of seniority such as managers. What should an employer do if a manager is being accused of bullying at work? What do we mean by bullying at work? There is no legal […]
Employment case law update September 2020
A number of key employment law cases of significance for employers have recently been decided. Disability discrimination Sullivan v Bury Street Capital Limited In this Employment Appeal Tribunal decision, it was held that an employee suffering paranoid delusions was not considered disabled for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010. The Claimant suffered which delusions […]
Drug testing in the workplace
Drug-testing in the workplace can often be a difficult and daunting issue for employers and HR personnel to handle, where it is important to strike a balance between the individual rights of your employees with the health and safety of your workforce and the wider public. Below we look at the rules relating to drug […]
Dealing with a malicious grievance
Being on the receiving end of a complaint at work can be an extremely stressful and worrying time, especially where the grievance raised is vexatious, malicious and deliberately intended to make life difficult for you. Below we look at how to deal with a malicious grievance at work, either as an employer or senior employee, […]
Mental health discrimination at work
By understanding your responsibilities as an employer in relation to the mental health of your workforce, you can avoid making costly mistakes by treating someone unfairly because of their condition. Below we examine the difficult issue of mental health discrimination at work, from how this can arise to practical tips on building a supportive culture […]
Indoor & Outdoor Social Gatherings Above Six Banned in England from 14 September
Social gatherings of more than six people in England will become illegal from Monday 14 September. The new rule applies to people of all ages and will ban larger groups meeting anywhere socially indoors or outdoors. This includes gatherings in private homes, indoors and outdoors, and places such as pubs, restaurants, cafes and public outdoor […]
How many hours is full time?
Determining how many hours is full time can be important for both employees and employers to help determine their respective rights and responsibilities at work. The following guide looks at how to establish how many hours is full time when compared with part time workers, and how this impacts workers’ rights and entitlements. What qualifies […]
Gender reassignment discrimination
As an employer, it is unlawful to treat someone unfairly at work because they intend to undergo, are undergoing or have undergone gender reassignment. It is also unlawful to fail to take timely and appropriate action when others at work discriminate against, or bully or harass someone else, because they are transsexual. Below we look […]
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 […]
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. […]