Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

It looks like there will be significant changes that will affect all employers in the UK. It is expected that the new law will remove the three-day waiting period, so employers will pay SSP from the first day of sickness. There is also a view that the weekly amount of SSP will increase substantially from…

Employees have the Right to Switch Off

Labour made a manifesto pledge to ‘bring in the ‘right to switch off’ ie right of employees to be able to disconnect from work outside of their normal working hours without facing negative consequences or being expected to respond to work-related communications. The Times have reported that the government is now looking at this right…

Sexual Harassment – a new ‘positive duty’ for employers

All employers have a new ‘positive duty’ to prevent sexual harassment, from 26th October 2024. Employers cannot ignore this, the obligations are far reaching including conduct from customers. Employers need to consider regular training for all employees as well as managers. If you have a policy, it will need to be updated, if you do…

Right to Work – your responsibility as a business owner

Large employers have already changed their processes. Being a small employer is no excuse, in 2023 the Government enforcement visits increased by 68%. Routes to working in the UK (July 24 CIPD) What process should you follow? What are suitable documents (July 2024) – for full details of the correct documents you need to check…

Disability discrimination, small employers what are your obligations?

Disability is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 which makes disability discrimination unlawful in employment. Not all disabilities are obvious and employers are often confused as to their obligations. We start by understanding the definition of a disability in terms of employment. Substantial impact on day-to-day activities The easiest way to describe a…

Gross Misconduct dismissals – what policies does an employer need?

Employers can define their own policies, noting what types of behaviour will be classed as gross misconduct, however it is important to consider what is perhaps a zero-tolerance type conduct, e.g. theft, use of drugs or breaches of safety procedures or a lesser offence that could be classed as misconduct. It is important that these policies are well…

Employers should expect far reaching employment changes – start planning now

There will be so many changes to employment rights, employers need to consider the impact now. These changes will affect all employers, regardless of size, unionised or not. The new government want to improve employees rights from day one. This will change the way recruitment and probation periods are managed. Processes will become critical. Small…

Candidate asked ‘how old are your children’ awarded £90K

A female candidate has just been awarded £90K in compensation at a tribunal as a result of sex discrimination, after her job offer was withdrawn in November 2022. Fong Fong Lee had been through two interviews for the role of Senior Marketing Manager at the London office of R&F Properties QS. A few days later…

Employment Rights, significant change expected before Christmas!

Labour have stated that their ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’ will be delivered in full, introducing new legislation within 100 days. Further details will be seen on 17 July 24, when the King’s speech is expected to contain an Employment Rights Bill. What are the key changes to impact on small employers: There are more areas of proposed…

Biometric Data – Personal Data – what are your responsibilities?

If you monitor your employees or are considering doing so, this article is a must read for you. At the end of 2023, the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office – www.ico.org.uk), issued new guidance on ‘Employment practices and data protection: monitoring workers’. While monitoring employees in some circumstances is required both to protect both employers, employees…

Collective Consultation in Redundancy

We are often asked what Collective Consultation means in a Redundancy situation, and how does the company know if it applies to them. It is vital for any employer to be sure what their obligations are in any redundancy situation. This article relates specifically to those employers who are proposing to dismiss 20 or more…

Flexible Working: ACAS Code of Practice

The updated Code of Practice on Flexible Working is currently awaiting parliamentary approval. If passed, the new law will come into effect from 6 April 2024. Employers should note there are some key changes to the formal process. The Code relates to the statutory right to request flexible working as set out in the Employment…

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