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From the information provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for the year 2023, the total number of people coming to the UK was 1,218,000 of which 10% (126,000) were EU nationals and about 85% (1,031,000) came from outside the EU with the highest numbers coming from India, Nigeria and C…
Read moreThe Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 imposes a statutory duty on employers to take reasonable and practicable steps to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of their staff. This duty of care extends towards visitors and contractors (non-employees) who are present on their site. Although these…
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When workplace grievances escalate, they can sometimes lead to unexpected legal challenges – including defamation claims. A recent High Court case, Maria Joao de Azavedo Camacho v OCS Group, highlights the complex relationship between workplace disputes and defamation.
Read moreThe Question In the recent case of Boohene and Ors v Royal Parks Ltd, was there a breach of section 41 of the Equality Act 2010 – which prohibits discrimination by a principal against contract workers? The Answer The issue of indirect discrimination was considered in Boohene and Ors v Royal Parks…
Read moreThe Question Can an individual be liable for acts of discrimination against another employee? The Answer The Employment Appeal Tribunal considered this question in the case of Baldwin v Cleves School 2024. In this case the claimant brought claim under the Equality Act 2010 for disability discrimi…
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Handling sexual harassment complaints in the workplace requires sensitivity, thoroughness, and adherence to legal obligations. This article discusses the key elements of sexual harassment and outlines the best practices for employers to ensure fair and effective investigations.
Read moreA recent study has found that a substantial proportion of personal protective equipment (PPE) is not meeting safety standards. The research – carried out by the British Safety Industry Federation, concluded that ineffective and unsuitable PPE was putting lives at stake. What Laws Govern Personal Pr…
Read moreNavigating employment law can be complex, especially when it comes to dismissing employees with less than 2 years’ service. While employers may assume they have free reign to terminate these contracts, the reality is far more nuanced. Understanding the legal landscape is crucial to avoid potential p…
Read moreData published by the NHS shows that 11 million fit notes were issued in 2023, with 94 per cent of these indicating that the recipients were not fit for work. A significant portion of these were repeat fit notes issued without further medical advice. These figures suggest that almost a third of work…
Read moreDid you know that as a landowner of business owner in the UK, you have a legal duty not just to those who are invited onto your property, but also to trespassers? It’s a surprising fact, but it’s one that carries significant implications for your responsibilities in maintaining safety and security.…
Read moreThe Question Does an agency worker get full pay under rights given to an agency worker within Regulation 5 of the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 (‘AWR’), when assignments are stopped by the hiring organization pending investigation of matters to an incident that the agency worker was involved in? …
Read moreIn a recent ruling, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) shook up the employment landscape by determining that a volunteer could – in fact, be classified as a worker. This groundbreaking decision challenges long standing assumptions and underscores the importance of getting to know the nuances of vo…
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A recent survey by WES reveals a significant issue within the engineering industry: 60% of personal protective equipment (PPE) is unsuitable for women. This inadequacy compromises safety and underscores a broader issue of inequality in the workplace.
Read moreThe Answer The Employment Tribunal in Johnson v Bronzeshield Lifting Ltd, upheld a constructive dismissal claim where a long service employee working as an administrator resigned after her employer refused her flexible working request, where the employee requested not to work on Friday and to have…
Read moreHow often do you review your company’s first aid policies? Regularly updating these policies is vital to ensure they remain effective and compliant with current legislation, industry standards and workplace changes. Neglecting this task leads to outdated practices, increased risks and ineffective re…
Read moreFollowing an alleged substantial and fundamental breach of contract by the employer, can the employee affected proceed to resign three months from the date of breach so as to claim constructive dismissal or would the employee’s delay amount to affirming the breach? The Answer In the case of Dr P…
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The Employment Appeal Tribunal recently considered this in the case of De Mello v British Airways. The decision they reached carries significant implications for employers regarding the inclusion of meal allowances in holiday pay calculations.
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As of 2023, employers face new legal obligations to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Understanding and implementing these duties is crucial, not only to comply with the law but also to foster a safe and respectful work environment.
Read moreAs of April 1st 2024, employers must now adhere to updated regulations governing holiday pay calculation. These changes mark a significant shift in how holiday entitlements are determined - particularly for employees with irregular working hours, or those who only work part-year. In the dynamic and…
Read moreThe Answer The Employment Appeal Tribunal decision in the case of Sullivan v Isle of Wight Council 2024 appears to confirm that whistleblowing protection does not apply to an external job applicant, where Miss Sullivan (S) was unsuccessful in her two job applications to the Council and raised writt…
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