Employment Articles

The recent #MeToo movement has exposed an ever-deepening headline of sexual harassment in the work place, spanning across all industries. Google announced recently it has sacked 48 people, including 13 senior managers, over sexual harassment claims in the past two years.

Whether a company is in the private or public sector, whistle-blowers are actively encouraged to speak out and expose organisations if they are acting in a way that is deemed either illegal or unethical.

We should all be aware what a letter of resignation is but are you aware of whether it is required or not? A letter of resignation is when an employee decides to terminate their contract of employment with their employer. There are no legal requirements setting out what a letter of resignation must or must not include, or if one is required to end employment but it is strongly advised that it is clear and unambiguous.

In 2017 the Government published a bill to offer two weeks’ paid leave for bereaved parents. And this week, the Parental Bereavement (Pay and Leave) Act 2018, introduced by Kevin Hollinrake, MP, received royal assent.

Working in Britain compared to other countries typically means working long days, carrying out demanding tasks and taking breaks that are few and far between. Working life can be tough, often leaving us feeling exhausted, deflated and lacking in motivation.

The HMRC recently challenged the working status of around 60 top level football referees who officiate over the matches between professional teams playing in leagues below the English Premier League. These Level 1 referees typically receive match fees worth hundreds of pounds and in some cases, totalling an annual income around £10,000.

Defining the role of an au pair, should in theory be relatively easy. Au Pairs are usually individuals from another EU Country, who come to help with either the housework or childcare duties for a family, working between 25 to 30 hours a week in exchange for a live-in room and board, as well as “pocket money”.

Employers can dismiss people, however as the case in thisarticle shows, the employer must have strong evidence and reason before dismissing an employee, but how can you check if your dismissal was unfair?

Employment tribunal claims spike whilst refunds remain unpaid.
One year on from the Supreme Court ruling to scrap employment tribunal fees, the number of people considering bringing an employment issue to tribunal has risen by 30%, whilst 80% of tribunal fee refunds remain unpaid.

Following two European harassment cases that resulted in compensation being awarded, what constitutes as harassment in the work place?

All workers are entitled to take holiday and must be paid the same amount of pay whilst on holiday as they usually would, had they been at work. Holiday pay must include overtime, bonuses and commission if they usually make up part of someone’s normal weekly pay.

The government has published a whitepaper, entitled “the Future Relationship Between the UK and the European Union”, in which it is proposed that there be no regression in the UK’s employment laws following its exit from the European Union.

The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for the end of this week with temperatures set to reach as high as 34 degrees celsius in some parts of the country. Unfortunately for those seeking a day off work because of the heat, there are no laws in the UK about when it is too hot to work.

It is common for elderly, disabled or vulnerable individuals to have care packages that require their carers to stay overnight at their home. The thought being that the carer can be called upon immediately should assistance be required throughout the night. Are these carers who are technically ‘on call’ therefore entitled to be paid national minimum wage whilst they sleep?

Employees are entitled to raise a grievance if they have a concern, problem or complaint at work. It could be the way the way a colleague or manager is treating them, concerns regarding a task they have been instructed to do or being subjected to unreasonable treatment.