Unauthorised absence is when someone does not come into work and gives no reason for their absence, or makes no contact with their employer. Other terms used can include: ‘AWOL’ or absent without leave absent without permission There are many reasons why an employee may not turn up for work, ranging from a simple issue…
The position concerning holidays, bank holidays and part-time workers can be complex. The Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000 give part-time workers the basic right not to be treated less favourably than a comparable full-time worker. This means that a part-time worker is entitled to the same paid holidays on a pro…
2020 was a busy year for organisations with many changes to the employer/employee relationship, particularly in regard to remote working, but what are the key employment law developments for 2021. 1. New immigration law From 1 January, free movement of people is to end, and with it comes a whole new set of immigration laws.…
Since the onset of Covid-19 last year, many employers have been under pressure financially and a high number of business leaders have contemplated what can be done to reduce business costs, with redundancies being high on the list. It’s true to say that people are often a business’ biggest cost and in addition, the fact…
In short, no, although employers have a duty, as far as reasonably practicable, to ensure the health and safety at work of their workforce. Asking employees to agree to a vaccination against coronavirus (COVID-19) is likely to be a reasonable step to take to reduce the risk to employees’ health. In this respect, employers can…
Going through a redundancy process can be a devastating experience for those affected and needs to be handled sensitively by employers. In addition, conducting redundancies without consideration of the ACAS code of practice could lead to expensive employment compensation claims for the employer. Meaningful and timely consultation with all employees at risk of redundancy, while…
National Minimum Wage (NMW/NLW) rates are reviewed annually and from April 2021 will be as follows. Workers aged 23 and over: £8.91 an hour Workers aged 21-22: £8.36 an hour Development rate for workers aged 18-20: £6.56 an hour Young workers rate for workers aged 16-17: £4.62 an hour Apprentices under 19, or over 19…
Handling an employee grievance correctly can mean the difference between successful resolution, or an escalation to an employment tribunal.Having in place a clear grievance procedure, that is easily accessible for all employees and part of your employee handbook is a good place to start. Equally important is the requirement to follow the ACAS Code of…
From 1 January 2021, a new points-based immigration system will come into force and will apply to all non-British and non-Irish citizens. Under the new system, anyone coming to the UK for work must meet a specific set of requirements for which they will score points. Visas are then awarded to those who gain enough…
Employers should encourage employees to take their breaks, but are there any penalties for the employer if the employees don’t take them?The Working Time Regulations 1998(WTR) set out that all workers should be allowed an uninterrupted break of at least 20 minutes during their working day, if they work for more than 6 hours in…