National Minimum Wage Rates
Under UK law, employers are required to pay at least a minimum hourly rate for the hours someone works under the National Minimum Wage rules. Since April 2024, the National Living Wage applies to workers aged 21 or over. For workers aged under 21 and for apprentices in their first year, the National Minimum Wage […]
What phased retirement means for employers
Phased retirement refers to ways in which an employer can provide older workers with greater choice about the way in which they manage the transition from full-time work to leaving work altogether. This could be by way of reduced hours or duties, or even a different job role. The following guide for employers provides advice […]
How much notice to change working hours?
Making a change to a term in an employee’s contract, such as changing working hours, is called a ‘variation of contract.’ If their contract contains an agreed number of hours they are to work each week, then you cannot arbitrarily reduce them. You must follow a fair procedure to change contract terms and ensure you […]
Dependency leave: guide for employers
This guide for employers looks at the rules relating to dependency leave, including who counts as a dependant and how best to manage requests for dependency leave. What is dependency leave? By law, the employee has relatively limited statutory rights when it comes to dependency leave, although establishing exactly when and to what extent these […]
Resolving pay disputes (HR guide)
Pay disputes at work require swift action on the part of the employer to understand the reason for the complaint, and to identify and rectify any issues or errors. The following guide on pay disputes sets out employees’ rights and entitlement to pay and the basis upon which a claim for unpaid wages could be […]
Statutory employment payments 2023-2024
Statutory employment payments 2023-2024 Employers must ensure they are paying the correct rates for statutory employment payments, and take action to review and update policies and documents to reflect changes in the prevailing rates. Statutory sick pay (SSP) From April 2022, statutory sick pay is set at £99.35 per week. From 2 April 2023, SSP […]
Payment in lieu of notice: PILON guide for HR
PILON Guide for employers Dismissing an employee or having an employee resign can cause complications, especially if it’s the result of a workplace dispute or disagreement. Sometimes it can be easier to end the employment before the employee’s notice period. This is where making a payment in lieu of notice, or PILON, can be useful. […]
Hiring young workers
Employing young people can provide a number of advantages to a company, including the ability to satisfy staffing demands, build an employer brand, and construct a talent pipeline, as home-grown talent can be a cost-effective approach to replace any future skills gaps. In the UK, workers under the age of 18 enjoy special legal protections, […]
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 […]
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 […]