Workplace Mediation & Conflict at Work
Addressing workplace conflict requires a proactive approach by employers, including clear communication, effective management practices, and, when necessary, interventions such as mediation or conflict resolution training. Conflict is a natural element of human interaction, and employment relationships are no different. In the UK, organisations are vibrant, diverse and comprise individuals from all walks of life […]
TUPE Transfer Guide 2024
The TUPE (‘Transfer of Undertakings’) regulations protect the rights of employees if the organisation they work for changes ownership through, for example, a merger or sale. TUPE also applies if an outsourced service, such as office cleaning, catering or security, is due to be taken over by a new contractor. Under the TUPE regulations, where […]
New Menopause Guidance for Employers
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published new menopause guidelines for employers, setting out possible support options and the consequences for employers failing to meet their legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010. The new guidelines have been designed to help employers create supportive and inclusive workplaces for women experiencing menopause symptoms, while ensuring […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Religious discrimination at work
With such a diverse population in the UK comes a broad range of different religions and belief systems. Consequently, by law employers must be careful not to discriminate against someone at work because of the religious or philosophical beliefs that a person may hold. The following guide for employers examines the meaning of religious discrimination […]
Immigration civil penalty for employing illegal workers
If you are facing allegations of employing migrant workers illegally in the UK, you can be issued a civil penalty notice from the Home Office. Immigration civil penalties are substantial fines and as such, a serious matter that requires you to take action – whether you want to challenge the fine or to pay the […]
When to issue a final written warning?
There are a number of obligations employers have to meet when issuing a final written warning. The following guide for employers and HR personnel looks at the steps that should be taken to avoid the potential pitfalls when issuing a final written warning, while ensuring a fair disciplinary process is followed. We also consider what […]
Redundancy during maternity leave: HR guide
The process of making employees redundant is rarely straightforward, but can be further complicated where the law affords the worker additional protections, such as if the employee is pregnant or on maternity leave. This guide will explain the key issues for employers dealing with redundancy during maternity leave, to help ensure fair and lawful handling […]
Racial discrimination at work: HR help
Being an equal opportunities employer means taking positive steps to prevent all forms of discrimination, including racial discrimination at work. Tribunal claims for unlawful racial discrimination are costly to defend, damaging to your reputation as an employer, and can have a profoundly negative impact on workplace morale. As such, taking positive steps to prevent unlawful […]
When can you replace a redundant position?
It’s not uncommon for organisations to experience growth after a period of financial difficulty that resulted in redundancies. If you are looking to recruit for a role that has previously been made redundant, it will be important to ensure you are proceeding lawfully to avoid potential legal complaints. In this guide for employers, we explain […]
Dealing with long term sickness absence
Long term sickness absence requires careful management by employers. It is a balancing act between supporting the employee’s recovery and return to good health while minimising operational and performance disruption and mitigating legal risk exposure. Absence management should be considered in two parts: dealing with the employee’s absence from work and then managing their return […]
Constructive dismissal bullying claims: HR help
An employee complaining of workplace bullying may be able to bring a tribunal claim for constructive dismissal if they resign as a result of their employer’s failure to deal with the unwanted behaviour. In this guide for employers, we look at how to reduce the risk of constructive dismissal claims for bullying by dealing with […]