In the modern world CCTV is commonplace and we have an expectation that we may be recorded while out and about in a public place. But how does this translate to the workplace? What is considered acceptable surveillance and is covert recording a step too far? [...]
Steve Easterbrook, McDonald's Chief Executive found himself in a bit of a pickle last week after he was fired for dating a fellow employee. Despite there being no suggestion of harassment or a non-consensual relationship, Easterbrook was dismissed because McDonald's have a policy banning romantic relationships [...]
We have previously written regarding plans for a substantial Probate fees increase in 2020. The plans were roundly condemned by the Law Society and charities and described as a “Grief Tax” by the Daily Mail. We are delighted to announce that the planned increase has this [...]
Is it reasonable to dismiss an employee who is caught stealing, even if they claim it is due to a disability? In the recent case of Wood v Durham County Council, Mr Wood was caught shoplifting from Boots the Chemist and as a result was dismissed [...]
One of the common characteristics of a self-employed person is that they have a right to substitute someone else to work for an employer on their behalf. Indeed this is one of the key characteristics that both Employment Tribunals and HMRC use when making decisions on [...]
After all the activity surrounding GDPR in the first half of 2018 things have largely calmed down in the press and with most businesses we talk to. Some employers have ignored it and hoped it will go away (it won’t!) but most have at least put [...]
Mental ill health is experienced by 1 in 4 of us at some point in our lives according to the Government’s Department of Health. If you are affected it is important to understand your rights and the legal obligations of your employer where your mental health [...]
The UK National Minimum Wage rates for 2019 have now been introduced together with increases in other statutory rates of pay. Employers are advised to ensure their payroll systems are updated from 1st April. National Minimum Wage Rates from 1 April 2019: Workers aged 25 and [...]
In some recent high profile cases involving harassment and discrimination it appears that confidentiality clauses may have been used to silence potential victims. The Government has now issued a consultation document seeking views on how this might be prevented in future. What is a Confidentiality Clause? [...]
The Court of Appeal has issued its decision in the long running case of Asda Stores vs Brierley, where female Asda checkout staff have brought an equal pay claim arguing that their customer facing role is being undervalued compared to warehouse worker colleagues. In 2017 the [...]
