In light of the Job Retention Scheme coming to an end on 31 October, the Government has created the Job Support Scheme, the aim of which is to try to assist businesses in protecting jobs that may be affected over the Winter period due to COVID-19. This Scheme can therefore be considered as an alternative… Read more »
As lockdown measures continue to ease across the UK, more employees will be returning to their workplaces. Employers will therefore have a duty to protect their employees’ health and safety and to take appropriate measures to make the workplace as “COVID secure”, as is reasonably practicable. Simon Bellard, HR Consultant, discusses what employers should be… Read more »
Most employers are aware that if an employee is dismissed with two or more years’ service, the employee will be able to bring an unfair dismissal claim within the Employment Tribunal. Therefore, it is often assumed that if the qualifying length of service isn’t met there is no risk of a claim arising from the… Read more »
It is highly likely that an employee’s terms and conditions will need to be amended at some point during the course of their employment. The obvious changes could be in relation to a promotion or salary increase. These are likely to be mutual changes that both parties are in agreement with and will therefore be… Read more »
As lockdown restrictions ease, employers across the country are reopening for business and bringing their employees back to work. But what are the main aspects that employers should consider prior to doing this and what issues might they face? 1. Planning from an Employment Perspective Welfare meetings should be conducted with staff in order to… Read more »
Many of the millions of Britons on furlough leave have opted to take a second job. Some are picking fruit and vegetables to support the British harvest, while others have been taking second jobs in supermarkets. But what are the restrictions to taking a second job whilst on furlough leave? Can My Employees Work Elsewhere During… Read more »
Now more than ever, we are finding ourselves using video conference calling to interact with fellow colleagues, clients and customers. Whether your preferred choice of platform is Google Hangout, Zoom, Star Leaf or Skype, there is video conferencing etiquette you should always follow. Simon Bellard, HR Consultant, outlines some useful points to consider prior to… Read more »
With the re-opening of schools proposed to begin from 1st June, school leaders are likely to be presented with queries from staff who are concerned about returning to school and the possible impact on their health and wellbeing. Below is a useful guide to assist you with responding to any staff concerns. Vulnerable Staff Previously,… Read more »
Can employees refuse to attend work due to concerns about contracting COVID-19? If the employee does not have any health conditions that puts them at a higher risk to contracting the virus, and their refusal to attend work fails to conform with Government guidance, then it could be argued that the employee is failing to… Read more »
Most employers will have more pressing matters to deal with at the moment – however it is important that organisations don’t let the implementation of the Government’s Good Work Plan on 6 April 2020 pass them by. The Good Work Plan was labelled as the biggest package of workplace reforms for over 20 years. Below… Read more »
