Suspending an employee in a knee jerk reaction may get an employer in trouble. Ane employer must be careful even in a difficult situation and when they are under pressure . The court of Appeal has heard a case about a teacher who resigned after suspension. She claimed that the suspension was a breach of […]
Alcoholic drinks and employees are often a bad mix. Most employers have an alcohol policy, particularly if staff use machines or drive. But, put Christmas in the mix, and things can get out of hand. One serious drink-driven work incident occurred after a Christmas party in 2011. This time the boss lost control and struck […]
Welcome to the sweet and sticky things. Christmas pudding is still a firm tradition in the UK though the desire for variations on the theme seem to get more extravagant every Christmas, according to the marketing from supermarkets. Traditionally the Queen gives a Christmas pudding to each member of her staff (around 1,500). In the […]
Christmas unburnt offering. Food, something most of us associate with Christmas and perhaps don’t associate with Employment law. However it is surprising how much this essential topic turns up in issues relating to employment. In this short, four-course seasonal look at employment law we will have drinks and nibbles, main course, dessert, tea, coffee, drinks […]
Snow stops play or should that be work. Many employers wonder what to do if staff don’t turn up for work when there are floods or snow. Many employees wonder whether to turn over and go back to sleep if the temperatures drop and blizzards approach. There is no one answer but most employers and […]
The Paper Crown Wise or mischievous? The tradition of a paper crown in the Christmas cracker only started around the beginning of the 20th century. However it has two, much older, possible origins. In one idea the crown belongs to the wise men who visited Christ at epiphany, the 6th of January. This idea […]
Motto or joke? The original love note in a cracker became by the 1930s a motto or cheesy joke. Mottos at work can be useful or tacky. For big brands their catch phrase, slogan or “motto” can be a powerful asset. But when it goes wrong look out. We have all heard of the embarrassing […]
The Employment Appeal Tribual “EAT” have issued their decision in the Uber drivers claim. They agree with the Employment Tribunal that Uber drivers are workers not self employed. This means that Uber drivers get some of the rights that employees get, including the right to Paid holiday pay 48 hour working week and breaks The […]
This is a fight about the access to justice. In 2013 the government brought in fees for making claims in the Employment Tribunal. Since then claims have gone down by around 79%. Unison brought a claim to quash the right to charge fees. The Supreme Court has now agreed with them and held the right […]
The government (the current one) have a commission enquiring into employment practices lead by Royal Society of Arts Chief Executive Matthew Taylor. The inquiry has an overall remit to consider how the legal framework surrounding employment supports individuals and businesses as the labour market and economy change. One issue that always comes up is zero […]