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Many organisations have come to realise, mainly through the Equality Act 2010 and the media, the need to increase diversity within the workplace. Diversity is about respecting every person based on the 9 protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010.
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In a previous article published on the Quest website on 25th September 2019 a case was reported that asked whether veganism was a philosophical belief. The outcome of that case has been questioned as there is now a preliminary hearing finding of an employment tribunal in the case of Casamitjana V L…
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All employers owe a duty of care towards their employees, and to non-employees such as contractors under the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974, and various Regulations made under it. This duty of care is extended towards visitors by the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
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ACAS guidelines state it is important to try to resolve any workplace complaint without undue delay. The complaint could be formal or informal – in writing or verbally. The matter could be addressed swiftly through a 121 meeting – the employer could save a lot of time by avoiding a full grievance pr…
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The Government has decided that in 2020 to honour the 75th anniversary of VE Day the Bank Holiday in May will be altered from Monday 4th of May to Friday 8th of May.
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With it being January, the month of post-Christmas blues there can be an influx of sickness absences or more specifically absences without leave (AWOL). Employers may be faced with how to move forward with employees who have not come into work as they have gone on holiday without having prior author…
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A west midlands Scaffolding Company director has been handed a suspended sentence after failing to protect his employee so far as reasonably practicable by ensuring his safety at work. The company were engaged by the main roofing company undertaking the refurbishment of a factory roof.
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The general position is stated in statutory provision namely section 39 of the Patents Act 1977 which states that any invention made by an employee belongs to the employer. It has clauses to satisfy this provision; if they are made, ‘in the course of the normal duties of the employee or in the co…
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here are many sectors like hospitality, health care and retail where staff work closely with the public and other third parties, whilst performing their duties. With such close connections, staff could be subjected to verbal abuse, threatening behaviour or assaults that could also be of a sexual na…
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Now the weather has turned colder, our attention turns to the risk of show and ice and the disruption this can bring. We don’t have to think back too far to remember at the start of the year when widespread snow practically shut down several airports and rail stations.
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Ms Gilham was a district judge and during her tenure, she raised various concerns about cost-cutting reforms, excessive workloads and alleged poor working conditions, which she alleged amounted to “protected disclosures” under the whistleblowing provisions.
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The long-held tradition of the works Christmas parties are now in full swing, a chance to forget about work and enjoy relaxing with your colleagues. Due to fear of the reputational and legal fallout from bad behaviour at parties many employers cut back the plans and introduce measures which shield…
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With long-term sickness absence, employers have a duty of care to support the employee, which extends to making reasonable adjustments to the employee’s role. This is to assist the employee’s return back to work in circumstances where the medical prognosis suggests adjustments are desirable.
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Sickness days are increasing once again according to the Office for National Statistics. In 2018 – employees took 141.1 million sick days costing companies millions of pounds in absenteeism. There were a multitude reasons for taking sick days last year ranging from coughs and colds, musculoskeleta…
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Following the recent news on McDonald’s Chief Executive, Steve Easterbrook who was fired after having a consensual relationship with one of his employees, it is important for employers to understand how to deal with relationships in the workplace. The Chief Executive was found making “poor judgement…
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Alcohol awareness week commences 11th November 2019. The theme is ‘alcohol and me’. The purpose ‘alcohol awareness’ is to discuss the impact of alcohol and health. In today’s society alcohol plays a big part; whether it is due to celebrations or a quite drink in a pub we all have a duty to look a…
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Whilst whistle-blowing must fall within public interest and thus must not relate to the employee’s individual concerns over his/her contract of employment but where the employee’s concerns suggest some overlap between personal and public interest then whistle blowing protection could still apply as…
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From 28th October to 3rd November, the Fertility Network UK are raising awareness through to a wider audience. They are supporting employees and employers on fertility education and fertility in the workplace. Infertility is becoming a real issue where ‘1 in 6 couples in the UK are affected and majo…
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Many employers use the photographs of their staff to promote their business websites and as part of their business marketing campaigns both in print and on social media. This is often done with good positive intentions to demonstrate that the company values its staff and the services they provide to…
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By law, all employees have a right to be accompanied at a disciplinary and grievance hearing either by a work colleague or trade union representative. Employers must act fairly and reasonably and allow an employee to bring a companion. This is highlighted under the Employment Rights Act 1999 under s…
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