Implementing a four-day work week
The world’s largest pilot of a four-day work week has launched in the UK a few months ago but is it the right move for your business? What are the benefits and potential disadvantages?
Covid-safe workplace as businesses return to the office
The annual report from the Health and Safety Executive is a reminder to employers to ensure health and safety continues to take account of the risk of Covid-19 transmission and the impact on mental health.
Bullying in the workplace – how to recognise it
Bullying in the workplace can be distressing and can have an impact on people’s lives both in and out of work. What is bullying, how does the law protect you, and what should employers do?
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant: what you need to know
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant is coming to an end. Find out how you can claim the final installment here.
Blog: Bullying and racism in the workplace during lockdown
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
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
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…
Why Big Brother needs to watch out when it comes to employee monitoring
The ‘Big Brother’ surveillance scenario envisaged by George Orwell has long since become reality. The ability to watch citizens outlined in the futuristic novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, published in 1949, is now firmly fact, not fiction. Rolling back to 2013, the British Security Industry Association estimated that the number of CCTV surveillance cameras in the UK numbered some 4 to 6 million and recent estimates put London in the top three cities worldwide having the highest number of cameras by population. This race towards technological surveillance and monitoring saw a further boost during…
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%…