The UK Government has published its response to last year’s consultation on updating flexible working laws. Here is a summary of its response: The right to request flexible working will become a “day one” right. Until now, it has only been available to employees who have been in employment for twenty-six weeks. The Government emphasises […]
New holiday pay ruling for part-time workers
The Supreme Court has upheld the Court of Appeal’s judgment in Harpur Trust v Brazel. The ruling states that holiday pay for permanent staff who only work part of the year, such as term-time workers, should get a full 5.6 weeks’ annual leave per year. Pay should be calculated over a 52-week average, rather than […]
Temporary workers can now fill in for striking workers
The Government has repealed restrictions that prevent temporary agency workers from filling in for employees who take part in industrial action. There has also been an increase in the maximum damages that courts can award against a trade union when strike action has been found to be unlawful. Hiring agency workers to replace those on […]
Workers are not protected against detriments imposed by employers in response to industrial action
Reversing a significant decision by the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT), the Court of Appeal in Mercer v Alternative Future Group has confirmed that workers are not protected against detriments imposed by employers in response to industrial action. An example of this might be taking disciplinary action against employees for leaving a shift to take part […]
Increases in pay rates and compensation limits for 2022
April 2022 saw an increase in several rates and limits that would be relevant to employers, including compensation for unfair dismissal, redundancy pay, statutory sick pay and the national minimum wage. Details of the most notable changes are below:- Family Friendly Rights From 3 April 2022, the weekly rate of the maternity allowance as well […]
Fire and rehire practices under further Government scrutiny
The practice commonly known as “fire and rehire”, involving the dismissal and re-engagement of employees on new terms has come under further adverse scrutiny. A Private Member’s Bill, seeking to discourage such practices, attracted attention in the media and ACAS published guidance for employers, at the request of the Government. What is the new UK […]
Dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace
The UK Government has issued a response to the consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace, stating that as soon as Parliamentary time allows, it intends to introduce: a specific duty requiring employers to prevent sexual harassment, in order to encourage employers to take positive proactive steps to make the workplace safer for everyone; explicit […]
What UK employers need to know about the vaccination programme
Employers are facing a surprising number of difficult and untested employment law issues as the UK rolls out its Covid-19 vaccination programme. Many are asking if vaccination can be made compulsory for employees. There are also questions about alternatives to a mandatory requirement, time off for vaccine appointments, and how vaccine objectors should be dealt with […]
COVID-19 rapid workplace testing
Alongside the rollout of the vaccination programme and the continued focus on ‘Hands, Face, Space’, regular testing is a vital tool to stop the transmission of COVID-19 as sections of society are reopened. Around 1 in 3 people with coronavirus don’t have symptoms, which means they could be spreading the virus in workplaces without knowing […]