Vandana Dass, Author at Bowling & Co Solicitors

Blog: Bullying and racism in the workplace during lockdown

March 17, 2021
Vandana Dass
Employment

Dealing with bullying and racism in the workplace, particularly with many staff working in different environments during lockdown. Bullying and racism affect everyone involved, and harassment hits hard at every level. Bullying or racism may seem the fate of the underdog, but recent headlines have shown how it may affect anyone at any level, including royalty and high-flying civil servants. Seniority and titles do not confer special protection. Companies are being encouraged to review their employment policies. Most recently, the Duchess of Sussex has talked about the impact of racism…

Blog: Caring responsibilities during furlough and your rights

March 4, 2021
Vandana Dass
Family, Employment

The rules concerning furlough, schools, and workplace restrictions continue to change frequently, and it can be difficult for both employers and employees to keep up. However, if you are affected by furlough or there has been a change in your caring responsibilities, it is essential that you understand your rights under UK employment law. Government guidance on the furlough scheme, issued in November, confirmed that furlough is available to employees who must stay home because they have caring responsibilities as a result of coronavirus. In this article, we look at…

Blog: Your rights in disciplinary and grievance procedures during coronavirus

February 17, 2021
Vandana Dass
Employment

While many workplaces continue to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic, employment law and the Acas Code of Practice concerning disciplinary and grievance procedures still apply. Do you know your rights in disciplinary and grievance procedures during coronavirus? If you are facing disciplinary action or grievance procedures, you must be aware of your rights and how these might be affected by coronavirus restrictions. Furloughed workers If you are currently on furlough, it is still possible to be involved in disciplinary or grievance procedures. Whilst on furlough, you may: Take part in…

The new immigration rules: deadlines you need to know

The UK’s new immigration system will come into effect on 1st January 2021 and will apply to both EU citizens and non-EU citizens. This means that citizens of EU member states (with the exception of Ireland) who want to move to the UK on or after 1st January 2021 will require a visa to live, work or study. There are many consequences for both employers, workers, and families of EU citizens. There are also several important deadlines that you must make a note of if you are an EU citizen…

Stress-testing before celebrating a virtual office Christmas

Christmas traditionally brings a round of festive celebrations for customers and employees, but with current Covid-19 restrictions, companies are having to re-think drinks and dinners for customers and learn how to stage a virtual staff party. Plans that venture into new territory will demand a doubling down on risk management. Any corporate gifting and entertaining must stand up to the rules laid out in the Bribery Act, and an online Christmas party needs to be controlled to avoid employer liability from inappropriate staff behaviour. A recent poll[1] found that 26%…

The new Job Support Scheme – Your questions answered

The Job Support Scheme (JSS) will replace the furlough scheme and will come into play on 1 November 2020. In this article, we look at FAQs covering how the scheme works, who is eligible and specific difficulties employers and employees might have concerns about. Which employees are eligible for JSS? Employees who have been on the PAYE payroll on or before 23 September 2020 are eligible for the JSS. They must also work at least 33% of their usual hours. Can only businesses who furloughed employees use the JSS? No,…

When bullying goes on behind the screen

In the run-up to this year’s Anti-Bullying Week, which runs from 16th- 20th November 2020, employers are being encouraged to look at how new styles of working may be affecting employees Employers are being encouraged to focus on how they manage and respond to bullying and harassment issues, including cyberbullying, in the new virtual working landscape. Working away from the office, staff may be missing working alongside their colleagues and the chance to have face-to-face meetings, according to a YouGov poll, but few will miss the fear of dealing with…

Chancellor announces Plan for Jobs to help Businesses

July 29, 2020
Vandana Dass
Employment

Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced a plan for jobs on 8 July 2020. We set out some of the key highlights. Furlough will not be extended: although it seems attractive, it will be worse for the economy to extend it. So, it will end in October 2020. A new policy has been introduced to reward and incentivise employers who successfully bring furloughed staff back – a new Jobs Retention Bonus. As an employer, if you bring someone who was furloughed and you continuously employ them through to January 2021, the Government will…

Job Retention Bonus: employers to receive £1,000 bonus

July 16, 2020
Vandana Dass
Employment

During his Summer Statement, the chancellor announced key initiatives to help the UK economy recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The introduction of the Job Retention Bonus was high up on the agenda. What is the Job Retention Bonus? The Job Retention Bonus is a one-off payment to employers for every furloughed employee retained from November 2020 (due to the furlough scheme ending October 2020) to the end of January 2021. The government will award a £1,000 bonus to the employer for each worker still employed by January…

Survey reveals half of businesses to lay off staff after furlough

June 25, 2020
Vandana Dass
Employment

A recent YouGov survey has revealed that half of UK businesses will be forced to lay off staff within three months of the government’s furlough scheme ending. The government’s furlough scheme is set to continue in its current form until the end of July and will continue in amended form until October. Read the full article here...