The Government has announced the creation of the Job Support Scheme (JSS), divided into JSS Open and JSS Closed, to protect jobs in businesses that may face lower demand over winter due to the impact of COVID-19. The hope is that employers will utilise the scheme as an alternative to making redundancies, so that businesses… Read more »
A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is frequently used to protect confidential information being revealed either publically or, in the commercial sense, to a competitor. These agreements, between employer and employee, will stipulate what information must remain confidential and under what, if any, circumstances the information can be used or disclosed. Non-Disclosure Agreement and Employment Contracts A… Read more »
In May 2018, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) reported that international professional services company, Capita, paid its female employees enhanced maternity pay – however the same was not offered on the rates of pay for paternity or shared parental leave (SPL). The EAT held that this was not discriminatory, however the case was subsequently sent… Read more »
Katie Hodson, Employment Law & HR Group manager discusses unauthorised absence and outlines how employers can handle these through conducting reasonable investigations. My Employee Has Not Turned into Work for the Last Couple of Days with No Phone Call. Can I Presume That He Has Resigned and Process Him as a Leaver? Unfortunately, no you… Read more »
When conducting a disciplinary investigation, it will often be necessary to speak to other employees to obtain evidence and gather witness statements. However, some employees may wish to submit an anonymous statement or be reluctant to give out any information altogether. If the matter proceeds to a formal disciplinary hearing, all evidence considered including any… Read more »
Employers most importantly need to be aware of the statutory framework that governs the flexible working process. Flexible working requests are often not dealt with properly by employers who are unaware of these obligations. Flexible working indeed can promote a happier, dedicated and more productive workforce and therefore has benefits for both employees and employers… 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 »
If you are an employee, Salaried Partner or Director and have been offered a settlement agreement but you are unsure what to do next, here are some FAQs to consider: 1. What is a Settlement Agreement? A settlement agreement is a legally binding document that, in most circumstances, will set out the terms on which… Read more »
Restrictive covenants are commonly incorporated into employment contracts in order to restrict a former employee’s actions post-termination and to protect the company’s legitimate business interests. Recently, the Supreme Court considered restrictive covenants that appeared to be wider than was reasonable and therefore potentially unenforceable. The question to be determined was whether words could be severed… Read more »
During a heated discussion, an employee told me he’d had enough and stormed out. The next day he confirmed that he didn’t mean to resign and wants to withdraw the resignation. Do we have to agree or can we just accept his resignation? The answer to this question will depend entirely on the circumstances. Notice… Read more »
