Written warning: disciplinary guide
An employer can give a written warning to an employee where they have breached the organisation’s disciplinary code, or their work or conduct has fallen short of what is expected. Employers however have to ensure they follow a fair and lawful disciplinary process to avoid the risk of tribunal claims. This guide offers employers further […]
Directors’ conflict of interest: how to comply
Directors operate under a number of duties as prescribed by law. In particular, directors must take positive actions in respect of any potential or actual conflict of interest. This duty is placed on the individual director and not the company. Failure to comply can lead to serious consequences, including criminal proceedings. Broadly speaking, there are […]
Employment Rights Act 1996: HR Guide
The Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA) sets out and governs the majority of statutory employment rights in the UK. In this guide for employers, we outline the key provisions of the Act and the obligations it places on employers, or risk legal action. What is the Employment Rights Act 1996? The Employment Rights Act 1996 […]
Time Off in Lieu (TOIL): Employer Legal Guide UK
Time off in lieu (TOIL) is widely used across UK workplaces as a flexible way to manage operational peaks, reduce overtime expenditure and provide workers with additional rest time when business needs allow. When applied correctly, TOIL can support employee wellbeing, maintain productivity and give employers a lawful mechanism for managing fluctuating workloads. When mismanaged, […]
Associative discrimination: what employers need to know
The Equality Act 2010 was introduced to protect employees from discrimination. The Act protects 9 characteristics that employers, businesses and organisations cannot discriminate against. Any form of discrimination — whether direct, indirect, victimisation or harassment — against these characteristics is unlawful. The nine protected characteristics in the 2010 Act are: Age Disability Gender reassignment Marriage […]
MAT B1 form & managing maternity
Understanding the employment rights of your staff is one of the most important responsibilities when it comes to being an employer, including an employee’s right to maternity leave and maternity pay. However, it is also important to understand your own rights, as an employer, when it comes to staff notifying you that they are pregnant, […]
Employment tribunal rules for employers
If a workplace grievance or dispute cannot be resolved informally between an employer and an employee, an employer may find an employment tribunal claim being brought against them by the employee which they are forced to defend. It is therefore good practice that an employer is familiar with the employment tribunal rules and procedures, should […]
What to do if an employee is skiving off work
Sickness absence is an inevitable part of managing a workforce. But what if you suspect someone isn’t being honest about why they’re not at work? Or what if someone is at work but is deliberately not giving their full effort? Skiving off work can be damaging to a business and can negatively impact other employees. […]
Dealing with unauthorised absence from work
While most instances of employee absence will be for legitimate reasons, there may be times when an employee simply fails to show for work or to make contact with their employer without a reasonable excuse. Unauthorised absence can quickly become problematic if not handled correctly and consistently. In this guide, we look at how to […]
Reasonable adjustments guide for employers
The duty to make reasonable adjustments can expose even the most reputable employers to legal and practical risks. A failure to understand the law and your obligations can result in unlawful treatment of individuals with disabilities, resulting in costly tribunal discrimination claims. In this guide for employers, we explain what reasonable adjustments are, with illustrative […]