Blog

Legal updates

Harrassment in the workplace

3rd October 2019

Harassment has been in the legal news again this month. Our employment team discuss the recent issues

Redundancy pay

3rd October 2019

In a redundancy situation, an employee might be entitled to both statutory and contractual redundancy pay.

Working time: how long can you legally work?

3rd October 2019

Working time can differ by employer, but how long can you legally work?

Most employment claims should be brought within a three-month time limit. If it is not ‘reasonably practicable’ for an employee to present his claim within the three-month time limit, an employment tribunal has the discretion to extend the time limit.

Commute times: how damaging are they?

3rd October 2019

Analysis by the Office for National Statistics has shown that women who commute for an hour are nearly 30 per cent more likely to leave their jobs than if they have a ten-minute commute.

The ONS believes this is due to childcare commitments. In comparison, men are more likely to look at money as the reason for leaving their job. They are prepared to travel for longer to get higher pay. The ONS believes this contributes to men doing the higher paid work which fuels the gender pay gap.

Amber Rudd, Minister for Women and Equalities, has said that women find it difficult to balance their job with their parenting responsibilities. She says she is determined to help women find a balance between higher pay, career progression and their childcare and family commitments.

Plans include consultation on proposals to better support parents and improving access to information on family related matters such as childcare support and parental leave. They also intend to explore ‘innovative pilots’ to deliver more flexible working in SMEs and sectors with a high number of low paid employees. It will be interesting to see how these worthy principles translate into practice.

Does your language affect the employees you recruit?

3rd October 2019

Are your job adverts accidentally putting off potential applicants when you recruit?

Disability discrimination: what is a long-term disability?

3rd October 2019

A person is disabled if she has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on her ability to do day to day activities.

Vegetarianism and Philosophical belief

3rd October 2019

Is Vegetarianism a philosophical belief?

Gig Economy: what does ‘worker status’ mean?

3rd October 2019

Worker status is the holy grail in the gig economy, including the fields of taxi rides, food delivery and courier services.

Discrimination Claims: Injury to feelings

3rd October 2019

If an employee wins a discrimination claim, the employment tribunal will award compensation for injury to feelings. There are three bands: top band for the most serious cases (currently £26,300 – £44,000); middle band for serious cases not worthy of a top band award (£8,800 – £26,300) and bottom (£900 – £8,800) for less serious cases including one off incidents.