The government has announced a 6.2% increase in the National Living Wage (NLW) in April 2020 with what they say is the “largest cash increase ever”. 2.8 million full time workers will receive an extra £920 annually that will help with the rising cost of living. [...]
Shared Parental leave was introduced in April 2015 with the goal of helping families split the 50 remaining weeks of leave and 37 remaining weeks of pay after having a new baby. The legislation was not straightforward and there were predictions of nightmares for employers trying [...]
Updated for 2019 is our 3-part Employers' Guide to Christmas. A time of year that can have a massive impact on UK businesses either with an increased demand for products and services, or a winding down as focus shifts in your industry. On the other hand, [...]
Updated for 2019 is our 3-part Employers' Guide to Christmas. For most, the festive season is a time for fun and jokes, but to keep the celebrations hassle free, it's important for employers to communincate expectations among staff and prevent the HR Hangover. The Office Social [...]
Updated for 2019 is our 3-part Employers' Guide to Christmas. During the time of year in which employers can face all sorts of HR challenges, this guide helps to set ground rules and certain expectations in order to help staff enjoy the festive season free from [...]
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 [...]
