Do employees have the right to disconnect?
The right to disconnect has become a much-debated employment issue in recent years. With remote working a pervasive practice since the pandemic, boundaries have increasingly blurred between work and home life for more workers than ever, resulting in growing cases of stress and burnout. This has raised questions over whether workers should be given a […]
Can employers make COVID vaccinations mandatory?
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted employers across the UK to reassess their health and safety practices to ensure their workplaces are clean and safe for their workforce, customers and visitors. This has resulted in strict hygiene measures being introduced to control the spread of coronavirus within the workplace. But is a ‘no jab, no job’ […]
Termination of employment due to custodial sentence
What does it mean for an employer if one of their employees is convicted of a crime and sent to prison? In many cases, employers may be considering termination of employment, not least because the employee will no longer be available for work, but also due to associated issues such as bringing the company into […]
Employment case law update July 2021
Read on for our monthly digest for employers on upcoming employment law changes and key employment cases that have recently been decided. Right to form a trade union Independent Workers Union of Great Britain v Central Arbitration Committee The Court of Appeal has held unanimously that Deliveroo riders are not in an employment relationship and […]
Do you have to advertise a job?
Advertising a job vacancy is a fairly standard recruitment practice for employers looking for someone to fill a position in their business. This could be where a vacancy has arisen following the departure of an existing employee or because a new role has been created. However, the employer may already have a candidate in mind […]
Employees refusing to return to work due to COVID
With the recent lifting of lockdown and public health restrictions, employers can start to plan a return to workplaces for furloughed employees or those who have been working from home. Still, some employees may have ongoing concerns about the spread of coronavirus within the workplace, refusing to return where they feel unsafe, especially if they […]
Should you put employees on garden leave?
Garden leave is used by employers as a protective measure to ensure that key employees exiting a business have a minimal impact on its reputation and ongoing success. That said, the use of garden leave does not come without cost and certain risks for the employer. In the following article, we examine the pros and […]
Tackling sexual harassment in the workplace
Sexual harassment at work has been prohibited by UK law for decades, yet this kind of conduct and its damaging effects still continue. The startling revelations that have emerged in recent years, including the #MeToo movement, have made it abundantly clear that the problem persists, despite the existence of these legal protections. Everyone should be […]
Employment law rules for night shifts
Night shifts are a common feature in today’s economy. Understanding your workers’ rights and your responsibilities as an employer can help ensure your workforce stays safe and that you don’t fall foul of the employment laws on night working and working unsociable hours. The following guide for employers sets out the employment law on night […]
Legal working temperatures
Ensuring the health and safety of your staff forms an important part of your duties as an employer, including the provision of a workplace that is neither too hot nor too cold. In this guide, we examine the rules on minimum and maximum workplace temperatures, providing employers with practical advice on the provision of a […]