UK Riots 2024: Protecting Your Workforce
The recent riots have marked the worst outbreak of civil disorder in Britain in 13 years, creating significant challenges for businesses. These events not only disrupt public order but also pose serious risks to employees’ safety. Businesses in affected areas face heightened threats of vandalism and looting, making it increasingly dangerous for workers to commute […]
Minimum service levels set to be repealed
On 6 August, the government announced that it will repeal the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023. The introduction of minimum service levels during strike action was brought about by the Conservative government and applied to key public sector services including health, fire and rescue, education, transport and border control. When a trade union announced […]
UK riots 2024 | Guidance on keeping staff and premises safe
Following the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport on 29 July, anti-immigrant and far-right unrest has erupted across numerous cities and towns in England and in Belfast in Northern Ireland. This has been the worst outbreak of civil disorder in Britain in 13 years, with police having made 378 arrests at the time […]
UK riots 2024 | Can you dismiss employees for conduct outside of work?
Employees are entitled to their private lives but, on occasion, their conduct outside of work can have a direct impact on the working relationship. In the past couple of weeks, violent unrest has broken out across the UK following a tragic knife attack on children and their dance teachers in Southport, Merseyside. Following misinformation posted […]
UK riots 2024 | Managing workplace closures and addressing staff safety concerns
With violent protests breaking out across the UK, many workers are “fearing for their safety” as rioters turn to looting. Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of staff is paramount, and from an employment law perspective, there are implications to keep in mind. Below, we outline the steps employers should take if they find themselves needing to close […]
The changes in employment law affecting the management of business transfers
The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) is a common business process and one which relies on both HR and the business working closely together to ensure a smooth business transition. In this Hot Topic we look at recent developments in this legislation as well as how the legislation may further develop under a […]
Neurodivergent employees are found to ‘mask’ whilst at work
In an effort to better understand the experiences of neurodivergent employees in the workplace, Pearn Kandola conducted a comprehensive study titled “Neurodiversity At Work Report 2024”. This study surveyed over 600 neurodivergent workers across the UK to gain insights into the challenges they face, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of ‘masking’—the suppression of emotions, discomfort, […]
Claimant won £90,000 after being asked the ages of her children and job offer withdrawn
A senior marketing manager has successfully claimed over £90,000 in compensation for sex discrimination after her job offer was rescinded following inquiries about her childcare responsibilities. The circumstances: In the case of Mrs FL v R&F Properties QS (UK)Co. Ltd, Fong Fong Lee, an experienced marketing professional, was offered a senior marketing manager role by […]
Is your business prepared for the new duty on preventing sexual harassment of your workers?
In a recent article, we highlighted the forthcoming new duty on preventing sexual harassment of your workers that will require employers to ‘take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment’ of their workers in the course of their employment. This new duty on preventing sexual harassment of your workers comes into force from 26 October 2024, and […]
Morrisons fail to overturn court ruling that found not them guilty of taking steps to mitigate risks posed by an employee’s medical condition
In 2023, Morrisons Supermarket was fined £3.5 million for failing to prevent the death of a store worker who had epilepsy and were convicted for three health and safety offences. At the end of last month, the company lost their bid to overturn this ruling. This is a tragic accident which lead to Morrisons being […]
How the new Labour Government may affect the payroll profession
Whilst we will need to wait and see what changes will materialise in the payroll profession and when, we can look to the Labour manifesto for an indication of what may be to come. How the new Labour Government may affect the payroll profession can be understood through their set of proposals, as follows: Tax: […]
Legal secretary wins sexual harassment claim, after she was told she looked like a ‘Love Island reject’
A legal secretary won a sexual harassment claim against her employer following a series of inappropriate incidents involving a senior partner. The tribunal found that the employer’s actions created an intimidating and offensive work environment, resulting in compensation for the employee. The circumstances behind the Sexual Harassment claim In the case of Miss M Bratt […]
New Code of Practice – Dismissal and Re-engagement
A new statutory code on dismissal and re-engagement has come into force across England, Scotland, and Wales this month. This code imposes set procedures for when an employer dismisses and rehires a worker, a practice commonly known as ‘fire and re-hire’. The Code stipulates that dismissal and re-engagement should be a last resort after a […]
King’s Speech 2024: Government Priorities Announced
The start of this month, saw the election of a new Labour Government. In the lead up to the election, we wrote about the plans set out in their manifesto and what we could expect to see if they were to be elected. The next stage in the parliamentary process is for the Government to […]
The King’s Speech
Today, Wednesday 17 July 2024, we saw the state opening of Parliament by King Charles III. This is a historic ceremony formally marking a new parliamentary year, and which sees the Monarch setting out the Government’s agenda for 2024-25. It is significant this year, as it is the first state opening of parliament under a […]
Menopause Mismanagement Costs Employer £60,000
This case involves the unfair dismissal of Allison Shearer, a teacher employed by South Lanarkshire Council, who was awarded over £60,000 after her worsening menopause symptoms during a dispute about moving to a different school base led to her termination. Allison Shearer, an experienced English teacher working with pupils with additional needs, was employed by […]
Labour Government Employment Changes
We now know that Labour will form the next Government, so what happens next and what does it mean for employment? With the labour government employment changes, businesses and employees alike are eager to understand the impact and timeline of these new policies. While Labour has committed to introducing legislation within their first 100 days, […]
Protecting your employees from harassment
Here is the Hot Topic for July 2024 – Protecting Employees from Harassment. An accompanying webinar will follow, which will be hosted on 11 July 2024. One of the most important responsibilities an employer has, is when it comes to protecting and safeguarding its workforce from harm and one area specifically is harassment in the […]
TUPE Transfers
You will recall that we have already seen parts of the Employment Rights (Amendment, Revocation and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2024 introduced this year specifically relating to holiday entitlement and pay and working time records. Next month, we shall see the last of the changes come into effect which relate to TUPE transfers. For TUPE transfers […]
General Election and Employment: Potential Implications
Last week, all political parties published their manifestos setting out their pledges if they were to form the next Government after the general election. We have analysed all manifestos, but below, we set out what the three main parties are pledging for the general election when it comes to employment. The Conservative Party Here are […]
