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 »
Should WM Morrison Supermarkets plc be Vicariously Liable? The Supreme Court has ruled that WM Morrison Supermarkets plc, trading as Morrisons, were not vicariously liable for the malicious acts of one of its employees, Mr Andrew Skelton (‘S’), who uploaded Morrisons’ payroll data to the internet. This result will come as a relief to many… Read more »
ACAS has released a guidance note providing advice for employers and employees in relation to the current COVID-19 situation. We provide a summary of the advice below. Good Practice It is advisable for employers to implement, amongst other things they consider suitable, the following: keep all staff updated on actions being taken to reduce risks… Read more »
An employee accrues continuous service for each year they work for an employer. This provides the employee with certain statutory rights, for example, the right to claim unfair dismissal after 2 years. When a person moves from one employer to the next, those years of accrued continuous service do not move with them and the… Read more »
With a higher number of new cases of the Coronavirus now reported outside of China than within, there is an increased risk that an employee might have been to an area affected by the Coronavirus. This can potentially cause confusion for employers. To provide guidance, we have looked at three main questions below. Should I… Read more »
From 6 April 2020, the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018 will come into force which means that parents who suffer the loss of a child under the age of 18, or have a stillbirth from the 24th week of pregnancy, will be entitled to two weeks’ statutory parental bereavement leave (“SPBL”). The right… Read more »
This question regarding vegan employees has been asked many times by employer clients in response to the recent case of Casamitjana v League Against Cruel Sports and it is certainly an interesting subject. In this case, the Claimant, Mr Jordi Casamitjana, alleged that he was dismissed from employment on account of his “ethical” veganism and… Read more »
