The COVID-19 vaccine will soon be available to the entire UK population but not everyone wants to be vaccinated. Employers should consider very carefully how they will approach a vaccination policy for their employees. The COVID-19 vaccination programme in the UK is now well underway. With the vaccine being offered first to the most vulnerable […]
David P Harris speaks to Phil Kennedy on BBC Berkshire about the potential impact of the recently announced national lockdown
David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment law matters. He is a frequent contributor to BBC Radio Berkshire and People Management Magazine. David has represented individual and corporate clients in the employment tribunal as well as the High Court […]
Could employers dismiss employees fairly based on reputational risk?
Earlier this month, in K v L, the Employment Appeal Tribunal found that a school was not entitled to dismiss K, a teacher of 20 years, on grounds of reputation risk after K was charged but not prosecuted for possessing indecent images of children. The Employment Appeal Tribunal’s view that it would not have been […]
COVID-19: UK Government guidance on business operations and working from home
With the end of the national lockdown and the introduction of the tier system that started on 2 December 2020, the UK Government has reiterated that employees in England who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter. [In Scotland employees should only go to work if it is essential for them […]
New Tribunal Procedure Rules
A new statutory instrument was brought before parliament on 17 September 2020 to amend the tribunal procedural rules. The rules were changed to make the following allowances: More flexibility to be permitted over virtual hearings due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As Covid-19 has created a significant backlog of problems in the Employment Tribunal, if certain […]
Disability Discrimination Update
The EAT in Sullivan v Bury Street Capital Ltd UKEAT/0317/19/BA recently held that an employee who suffered from paranoid delusions was not disabled because although these had a substantial adverse effect, they were not long-term or likely to recur. The Employment Tribunal rejected the Claimant’s evidence and found that his condition did not have a […]
David P Harris discusses the latest updates from Rishi Sunak with Andrew Peach on BBC Radio Berkshire
Listen to the interview here: For further information call us on 0118 914 5622 or complete our Contact Us Form to arrange a confidential call back from a qualified solicitor without charge. David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment […]
David P Harris discusses the latest update from Rishi Sunak on BBC Radio Berkshire with Phil Kennedy
Listen to the interview here: For further information call us on 0118 914 5622 or complete our Contact Us Form to arrange a confidential call back from a qualified solicitor without charge. David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment […]
Calculation of CJRS grants: disclosure of mistakes to HMRC
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme comes to an end at the end of October. Whilst the scheme has been widely welcomed by employers, it is not without its complexities, not least as guidance on the application of the scheme and the calculation of grants has been updated on a frequent basis. Given the changes in […]
David P Harris discusses the latest expansion to the Job Support Scheme on BBC Radio Berkshire with Phil Kennedy
Listen to the interview here: For further information call us on 0118 914 5622 or complete our Contact Us Form to arrange a confidential call back from a qualified solicitor without charge. David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment […]
David P Harris discusses the latest Government updates on BBC Radio Berkshire with Bill Buckley
Listen to the interview here: For further information call us on 0118 914 5622 or complete our Contact Us Form to arrange a confidential call back from a qualified solicitor without charge. David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment […]
Test and trace scheme: considerations for employers
The NHS Test and Trace service are intended to form a central part of the government’s coronavirus recovery strategy, with those who have tested positive for COVID-19 asked to register via the NHS Test and Trace website and identify any individuals that they have recently been in close contact with. The intention is that contact […]
Coronavirus: managing return to work for shielding UK employees
Now that shielding has come to an end in the UK, employees who were previously in this position are reporting feelings of anxiety. At the same time, as the seasons change and schools return across the UK, there is a sense that businesses will also be starting to return to ‘normal’ with more employers taking […]
David P Harris discusses the announcement of the ‘Jobs Support Scheme’ on BBC Radio Berkshire
Listen to the interview here: For further information call us on 0118 914 5622 or complete our Contact Us Form to arrange a confidential call back from a qualified solicitor without charge. David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment […]
David P Harris discusses the changes to the furlough scheme from the 1 September on BBC Radio Berkshire
For further information call us on 0118 914 5622 or complete our Contact Us Form to arrange a confidential call back from a qualified solicitor without charge. David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment law matters. He is a […]
Changes to Employment Tribunal Fees
Over the last decade, we have seen the employment tribunal fee regime completely overhauled. Most recently all fees were scrapped and no fee is currently required to submit a claim. However, recent information has shown that this may still change. In July 2013 the government made the decision to introduce fees for bringing a claim […]
The right to refuse work?
Some of the most common queries received in recent weeks have related to whether employers are able to force employees to return to work and, conversely, whether employees can refuse to return to work. Prior to the current pandemic queries of this nature were virtually unheard of; in the majority of cases, an employer is […]
David P Harris discusses the changes to the Furlough scheme from 1 August on BBC Radio Berkshire
Listen to the interview here: For further information call us on 0118 914 5622 or complete our Contact Us Form to arrange a confidential call back from a qualified solicitor without charge. David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment […]
David P Harris discusses employees rights on quarantine on BBC Radio Berkshire
Listen to the interview here: For further information call us on 0118 914 5622 or complete our Contact Us Form to arrange a confidential call back from a qualified solicitor without charge. David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment […]
Coronavirus: managing the return to work in the UK
As the UK government begin to lift lockdown restrictions, employers in the UK should begin planning for staff to be able to return to their places of work. Many UK businesses have had to take steps to either limit or entirely reduce the number of employees on their premises during the lockdown period through a […]
David P Harris discusses Redundancy rights for employees on BBC Radio Berkshire
David Harris, the Managing Partner at DPH Legal, was interviewed on Thursday 2 July on BBC Radio Berkshire. As the furlough scheme is gradually coming to an end a lot of businesses are faced with difficult decisions if they can’t afford to keep their current workforce. Some employees will find they are at risk of […]
Criminal investigations. The risk for UK employers furloughing staff
UK employers who are furloughing staff as a result of the coronavirus pandemic could face a criminal investigation from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if complicit managers are dishonestly facilitating claims under the coronavirus job retention scheme whilst simultaneously requiring employees to work. Under the current criteria for the coronavirus job retention scheme, employers may […]
Holiday during furlough
Employees on furlough leave continue to accrue statutory holidays and any additional holiday entitlement under their contract of employment. Furloughed employees may take holiday without it disrupting their furlough leave. An employer may, subject to the usual notice requirements, require employees to take holiday whether or not the employee is on furlough leave. However, before […]
David P Harris discusses the updated Flexible Furlough Scheme on BBC Radio Berkshire
David Harris, the Managing Partner at DPH Legal, was interviewed on Wednesday 1 July on BBC Radio Berkshire. The government have announced a change to the current Furlough scheme, making it more flexible to assist companies in bringing back employees over the next three months. These changes include: Employers can bring back workers on a […]
David P Harris discusses the latest changes to the Furlough Scheme on BBC Radio Berkshire
David Harris, the Managing Partner at DPH Legal, was interviewed on Friday 29 May on BBC Radio Berkshire to discuss the changes to the Furlough Scheme which will be implemented in the next few months. These changes include: Employers will be able to bring back furloughed staff part-time from 1 July Employers will have to […]
David P Harris discusses the latest changes from the Government on BBC Radio Berkshire
After Boris Johnson’s speech on Sunday, DPH Legal has been working hard to decipher what this means for the UK workforce. David Harris, the Managing Partner, was interviewed on BBC Radio Berkshire to discuss these changes. Listen to the interview here: If you have any questions or need any legal advice give us a […]
Mark Lafferty discusses the changes to workplaces post lock down
Interviewed on BBC Radio Berkshire, Mark Lafferty, Associate at DPH Legal, looks at the changes to working life as discussions on relaxing lockdown have begun. Listen to the interview here: David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment law […]
David P Harris explains pay on furlough for employees on BBC Radio Berkshire
As payday arrives, many may be wondering how they are to be paid. David Harris, Managing Partner at DPH Legal explains all with Andrew Peach on BBC Radio Berkshire. Listen to the interview here: David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and […]
David P Harris discusses the latest Furlough updates on BBC Radio Berkshire
David Harris, Managing Partner at DPH Legal discussed the latest updates on Furlough with Sarah Walker at BBC Radio Berkshire. Listen to the interview here: David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment law matters. He is a frequent […]
David Harris discusses the latest announcement on BBC Hereford Radio with Toni McDonald
David Harris, Managing Partner at DPH Legal was interviewed by Toni McDonald on BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester about the government’s latest announcement for self-employed workers. You can listen to the interview here: David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers […]
Covid 19 – Coronavirus and home working
Given the ever-increasing number of cases in the UK and recent announcements by the Government, Employers should now be thinking about whether they need to take any steps to facilitate home working, and encouraging employees to ensure that they have the correct set-up at home to be able to work there if required to do […]
The impact of Coronavirus on wages
Businesses are having to consider how to reduce their wage costs as the coronavirus pandemic starts to have an impact on business and the wider economy. This article sets out what Employers can do when faced with a downturn in business. Employers may be able to take advantage of contractual lay-off and short-time working provisions, […]
David Harris discusses sick pay and self-employed workers on BBC Radio Berkshire
David Harris, Managing Partner at DPH Legal was interviewed by Andrew Peach of BBC Radio Berkshire about workers’ rights in relation to sick pay, particularly those who are self-employed, in relation to coronavirus. You can listen to the interview here: Also go here to read our advice for employers about coronavirus: https://www.dphlegal.com/coronavirus-advice-for-employers/ Should you have any questions […]
David Harris discusses sick pay and self-employed workers on BBC Radio Berkshire
David Harris, Managing Partner at DPH Legal was interviewed by Andrew Peach of BBC Radio Berkshire about workers’ rights in relation to sick pay, particularly those who are self-employed, in relation to coronavirus. Also go here to read our advice for employers about coronavirus: https://www.dphlegal.com/coronavirus-advice-for-employers/ Should you have any questions about coronavirus and your obligations as an […]
Coronavirus – advice for employers
As the likelihood of more cases of Coronavirus in the UK increases, ACAS has published advice for employers on dealing with the situation. The guidance covers how to deal with employees who have the virus and those who do not want to come to work because they are worried about catching it. In summary, ACAS […]
Employment Law Developments for 2020
As far as employment law changes are concerned April tends to be the busiest time of year and 2020 looks to be no different. April will be upon us before we know it and it is important for companies to prepare in advance for those changes which impact the way they run their businesses and […]
Is It Against The Law To Pay Men More Than Women?
This is a question that does not have a simple answer since there can be many factors in play that have a direct bearing on the answer. According to the Equal Pay Act of 1970, it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate between a man or woman in regard to pay. While this was […]
How To Eliminate Discrimination At The Workplace.
Discrimination in the workplace is a big issue. It has immense effects on the performance of a business if it is not eliminated. Workplace discrimination results in lower productivity at the workplace, lower self-esteem, increased absenteeism, and defence costs if the case goes to court, among others. Employers, therefore, need to ensure that their employees […]
What Is Equality In The Workplace?
Workplace equality is a culture within the workplace that is built on fairness. This culture ensures that all members of the workplace are treated with the fairness and respect that they deserve. They are all accorded equal opportunities. Workplace equality does not condone bullying, harassment and discrimination. Equality brings about a conducive environment in the […]
When Should I Contact ACAS
You should contact ACAS if the terms of your employment and the employment law are being infringed on. ACAS will be able to provide advice and conciliation during such times. If you’ve tried to solve an employment issue first by talking to your manager or HR and that has not been successful, you may wish […]
Valid Reasons for Redundancy
Redundancy refers to when an employer reduces the workforce because the job is no longer needed. However, if you are fired and someone else fills the position, it’s no longer a redundancy. Some of the common reasons for redundancy include the following. • New technology has been invented making your job unnecessary. Note that, just […]
Using Mediation For Settling Workplace Disputes
Mediation is a form of workplace dispute resolution that is completely voluntary and confidential. This resolution involves an independent and impartial person who helps individuals or groups to resolve their conflicts. A mediator should not determine outcomes or make any judgements whatsoever during this process. He or she should ask questions that are geared towards […]
A Brief History Of Equal Pay For Men And Women
Women have long been paid less than men for doing the same job. The struggle for equal pay has been dates back to the late 19th century. This is contrary to the widespread belief that it started in the 1960s. Women during World War 1 took on men’s jobs while men were deployed into the […]
Unfair Treatment In The Workplace
Unfair treatment of employees in the workplace is discriminatory. It can lead to them feeling ashamed, upset or even scared. The morale of employees goes down. Unfair treatment drains employees of their energies and motivation. This eventually affects the levels of productivity of employees who are being unfairly treated. Unfair Treatment Defined It can be […]
The Best Way To Solve a Workplace Dispute
Solving a workplace dispute quickly and effectively is a primary concept of ideal management. Poor workplace relationships not only lead to animosity and all kinds of performance issues, but unattended problems can boil over and become serious litigation. So, how do you handle workplace disputes properly? Here are some tips: Make The Conflict Resolution Process […]
Suing Your Employer For Harassment
There are actions that are needed to be followed when it comes to protecting your rights regarding discrimination, harassment and unfair treatment in the workplace. These actions go a long way in helping you to stop mistreatment within the workplace. Follow Internal Processes Internal processes of dispute resolution should be followed before you sue your […]
Your Legal Rights When Facing Redundancy
An employee has legal rights to protect him/herself when facing redundancy. The employer should always act according to the contract and your legal redundancy rights. You should be consulted in order to be given a reasonable notice period when you are faced with redundancy. If not, you can claim compensation for lack of consultation and […]
Tips For Dealing With A Workplace Bully
Workplace bullying is quite common in many types of jobs. Of course, you can ignore it and let the bully forget about you. However, if everything escalates, you need to take action. Find out more about some of the things you can do if you experience workplace bullying at your job. 1. Keep A Journal […]
How To Create Fairness And Equality In The Workplace
So what does equality in the workplace mean? This is the equal and fair treatment of individuals regardless of their age, religion, sexual orientation, race, gender, disability or nationality. Everybody deserves to be given a chance with equal opportunities and pay. For legal advice concerning equality in the workplace, contact us. One of the most […]
What To Do If You Are Bullied At Work
Are you feeling bullied at work? It might be a fellow colleague or your supervisor but you need to take action immediately. Here are some of the things you can do if you are being bullied at work. 1. Try Speaking To The Bully Try speaking to the bully and explaining how their behaviour has […]