The Employment Law & HR Podcast

Employee Rights: Some Additional Considerations

This is a mini series focusing on family rights at work and the considerations which apply with regards to employees who are parents/will be parents. In this third episode in the series I round off with some final information employers will need to know with regards to employees who take maternity or adoption leave.

In this episode I will cover:

  • What you need to consider and be aware of with regards to redundancy.
  • Why you must offer a suitable alternative vacancy to an employee on maternity or adoption leave first.
  • What happens to an employee's holiday entitlement when they are on maternity or adoption leave.
  • Why it is important to include details about holiday in a contract or policy.
  • The additional protection from detriment that employees have when taking maternity or adoption leave.
  • The additional protection from dismissal because of exercising or intending to exercise the right to take maternity or adoption leave.
  • Recovery of statutory maternity and adoption pay via HMRC.

Action Points

  1. Ensure you include the details of any holiday requirements for employees taking or about to take adoption or maternity leave in your contracts or holiday policy;
  2. Ensure your managers and staff understand that employees have protection from detrimental treatment because they are taking maternity or adoption leave;
  3. Seek advice if you have an unusual situation or you are not sure what to do. You can contact me by email alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or phone 023 8098 2006 or 01983 897003 if you would like to discuss.
 

 The Guardian Article

The Employment Law & HR Podcast was recently featured in an article on the Guardian online. You can read the full article here

Featured in:
guardian

Direct download: Episode_69.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:27pm EDT

Parental Rights Series: Episode 2 - Maternity & Adoption Leave & Pay

Employee Rights to Maternity Leave & Pay and Adoption Leave & Pay

This is a mini series focusing on family rights at work and the considerations which apply with regards to employees who are parents/will be parents. In this second episode in the series I bring you details about maternity leave and maternity pay and adoption leave and adoption pay. The rights in terms of maternity and adoption are very similar.

In this episode I will cover:

  • An employer's legal obligation to reply to an employee within 28 days of receipt of the start date for their maternity or adoption leave.
  • The right of all employees to maternity leave.
  • The length of maternity leave.
  • Employee's rights during maternity leave.
  • The qualifying criteria for statutory maternity pay.
  • The right of all employees to adoption leave.
  • How adoption leave works when a couple are adopting.
  • The length of adoption leave.
  • Employee's rights during adoption leave.
  • The qualifying criteria for statutory adoption pay.
  • Communication with an employee during maternity or adoption leave.
  • Keeping in Touch (KIT) days for employees on maternity or adoption leave.

Action Points

  1. Ensure you respond within 28 days to an employee who informs you of their intention to take maternity or adoption leave;
  2. Check you understand that basic requirements for an employee who wants to take maternity or adoption leave;
  3. Check your contracts and any handbook to establish whether employees have any entitlement to enhanced pay when on maternity or adoption leave;
  4. Seek advice if you have an unusual situation or you are not sure what to do. You can contact me by email alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or phone 023 8098 2006 or 01983 897003 if you would like to discuss.
 

 The Guardian Article

The Employment Law & HR Podcast was recently featured in an article on the Guardian online. You can read the full article here

Featured in:
guardian

 

Direct download: Episode_68.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:27pm EDT

Family Rights at Work: Episode 1 Pregnancy

Employers Obligations: Pregnancy Notification

In this weeks' episode I bring you the first episode in a mini series focusing on family rights at work and the considerations which apply with regards to employees who are parents/will be parents.

In this episode I will cover:

  • When an employee is legally obliged to inform you they are pregnant.
  • The notification process and information an employee must provide.
  • Guidance on how to handle the situation the right way when an employee tells you they are pregnant.
  • When to carry out a Health & Safety Risk Assessment.
  • What to tell an employee who is pregnant.
  • An employees right to time off for antenatal appointments.
  • A 'Qualifying' employees right to time off to accompany a pregnant lady to an antenatal appointment
  • Additional protection & rights for pregnant employees.

Action Points

  1. Check your staff handbook or policies to ensure it includes a pregnancy and maternity leave policy;
  2. Ensure your general risk assessment includes an assessment of risk and mitigation of risks for pregnant employees generally;
  3. Ensure that your general health and safety risk assessment is up to date;
  4. Seek advice before refusing time off for antenatal appointments you can contact me by email alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or phone 023 8098 2006 or 01983 897003 if you would like to discuss.
 

 The Guardian Article

The Employment Law & HR Podcast was recently featured in an article on the Guardian online. You can read the full article here

Featured in:
guardian

 Getting advice from a Solicitor does not need to be expensive or painful!

Direct download: Episode_67.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:24am EDT

The Employment Tribunal decision on the status of Uber drivers

In this weeks' episode I follow up from Episode 61 when I brought you the details of a claim being considered in the London Central Employment Tribunal. The Judgement has been published and the outcome is that the Uber drivers in this case have been classified as workers.

In this episode I will cover:

  • Details about the case;
  • The differences in employment status;
  • What it means for the Uber drivers to be considered as workers;
  • The rights workers have;
  • What factors the Tribunal considered relevant in this case;
  • The potential wider impact of this case and why it is not over yet.

Action Points

  1. If you have 'self-employed' persons or consultants working for you, review the situation to ensure it is still a self-employed relationship;
  2. Seek advice if you are not sure about the legal status of the relationship;
  3. Sign up for my newsletter to ensure you get an update when the case is appealed;
  4. Give me a call if you want to talk through 023 8098 2006 or 01983 897003

 Useful Links

Episode 61 - Uber case

Hermes Case

Direct download: episode_66_RELA.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:23am EDT

Holiday Pay & Commission the Court of Appeal Decision: Episode 65

The Latest Update on the Holiday Pay Case of Lock v British Gas

In this weeks' episode I bring you the details of the latest installment in the long running case regarding payment of commission whilst on holiday and the interpretation of the working time regulations to decide how much pay an employee should receive when on holiday.

In this episode I will cover:

  • The background to European Law which governs holiday entitlement and holiday pay;
  • What the facts of this case are;
  • The reason why the case has been going on for so long;
  • The uncertainty for employers and what you can do in the interim;
  • My suggestions on how best to calculate holiday pay for staff who receive commission payments.

Resources

Case name: British Gas v Lock - Court of Appeal. You can read the full judgement for the case here

You can listen to previous episodes on the issue of holiday pay online episode 10 and episode 48

Action Points

  1. If you pay employees commission seek advice how best to ensure you are paying the correct amount when staff are on holiday;
  2. Subscribe to the podcast and Newsletter to ensure you get the updates when the case moves to the Supreme Court;
  3. Seek advice about your specific business issue;
  4. Give me a call if you want to talk through 023 8098 2006 or 01983 897003

 

 Remember getting advice from a Solicitor need not be expensive or difficult!

Direct download: Episode_65_REAL.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:49am EDT

Early Conciliation Timing: Episode 64

Does the Early Conciliation process apply to claims that happen after the certificate is issued?

In this weeks' episode I bring you the details of a case which has recently been decided by the Employment Appeal Tribunal regarding the Early Conciliation process which is mandatory in the majority of employment tribunal cases. In this case Mrs Morgan fulfilled the requirements of Early Conciliation and then resigned. Her employer, Compass Group,  argued that she could not rely on the earlier conciliation certificate when making a claim for constructive unfair dismissal.

In this episode I will cover:

  • The background to the Early Conciliation process and requirements;
  • How Early Conciliation works;
  • The facts of the case and why the employer argued that the employee had not fulfilled the Early Conciliation requirements;
  • Why the Employment Appeal Tribunal consider that a wide view should be taken of 'matter' when considering Early Conciliation;
  • Why you should take care in submitting your defence to a claim in the Employment Tribunal.

Resources

Case name: Compass Group v Morgan - Employment Appeal Tribunal. You can read the full judgement for the case here

You can start the ACAS Early Conciliation process here

Action Points

  1. If you receive a call from ACAS about Early Conciliation then you should give some meaningful thought to resolution;
  2. Seek advice before submitting your defence to a claim in the Employment Tribunal;
  3. Seek advice about your specific business issue;
  4. Give me a call if you want to talk through 023 8098 2006 or 01983 897003

 

 Remember getting advice from a Solicitor need not be expensive or difficult!

 

 

Would you like advice about your situation?

Appointments are available on the telephone or via Skype throughout the UK.

Alternatively I offer face to face appointments on the Isle of Wight, in Eastleigh, Southampton, Fareham, Portsmouth, Winchester and surrounding areas in Hampshire.

 


 

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

Direct download: episode_64_RELA.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:35am EDT

Be pro-active & improve productivity of your staff

In this weeks' episode I bring you five tips to increase the productivity of your staff. It is not just about paying more there are other easy ways to get staff working harder for you.

In this episode I will cover:

  • Why the ultimate key to improving productivity and getting the best from your staff is happiness;
  • How the introduction of one to ones and performance reviews will help employees performance;
  • 360 degree communication on a consistent basis;
  • How investing in your staff with training is essential for your business success;
  • Why you should not be afraid to implement performance management procedures;
  • Ways to incentivise staff to go above and beyond.
  • Why you should look at the work environment and how this effects employees.

Action Points

  1. Take action and implement at least one of the tips from this episode;
  2. If you want more tips sign up here for your free copy;
  3. Let me know how it goes for you;
  4. Give me a call if you want to talk through some strategies or if you would like training or to implement change in your business 023 8098 2006 or 01983 897003

 


 Sign up for my fortnightly newsletter (next newsletter Monday 26th September 2016)

 

www.adviceforemployers.co.uk

Direct download: episode_63_Employment_Law_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:30am EDT

When is additional pay a reasonable adjustment for a disabled employee?: Episode 62

In this weeks' episode I bring you the details of a case which has recently been decided by the Employment Appeal Tribunal regarding the requirement to make a reasonable adjustment for an employee who is disabled and who took a different job role, as a reasonable adjustment, which would normally have 10% less pay. Case name G4S Cash Solutions (UK) Limited v Powell

In this episode I will cover:

  • The facts of the case and why the employee was arguing for more pay;
  • The background to the requirement to make reasonable adjustments for a disabled employee;
  • Why it is important to consider what is 'reasonable' in the particular circumstances;
  • Why full sick pay is not a reasonable adjustment;
  • Why the Employment Appeal Tribunal decided it would be reasonable for the employer in this case to continue to pay at the employees previous rate of pay;
  • Why you should take care in deciding what reasonable adjustments should be made for a disabled employee.

Resources

You can read the full judgement for the case here

You can find lots of examples of reasonable adjustments on the Equality & Human Rights Commission Website here

Action Points

  1. If you have a disabled employee or someone you suspect could be disabled you need to consider if any adjustments are needed;
  2. Seek advice if you are not sure about whether they would be a disabled person for the purposes of the Equality Act;
  3. Seek advice about specific adjustments for the circumstances;
  4. Give me a call if you want to talk through 023 8098 2006 or 01983 897003

 Remember getting advice from a Solicitor need not be expensive or difficult!

Direct download: Episode_62.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:08am EDT

The Employment Tribunal hears a case by Uber drivers claiming to be employees

In this weeks' episode I bring you the details of a case that has just been heard by the Central London Employment Tribunal involving Uber drivers and their claim to be employees. If they are successful it will mean they and thousands of other drivers will be entitled to a number of employment benefits. It could also have wider implications for businesses who utilise staff services in a similar way. The Employment Tribunal have not issued their judgement yet and I will report on this again when the outcome is known.

In this episode I will cover:

  • Details that are known about the case;
  • Why it is important for the Uber drivers to be employees rather than self-employed persons;
  • What factors the Tribunal will consider when deciding if someone is an employee, worker or self-employed person;
  • What the top three factors are in deciding if someone is an employee;
  • Why more businesses are starting to use 'self-employed' contracts;
  • Why you should take care when deciding what 'label' to place on your relationship with staff.

Action Points

  1. If you have 'self-employed' persons or consultants working for you, review the situation to ensure it is still a self-employed relationship;
  2. Seek advice if you are not sure about the legal status of the relationship;
  3. Sign up for my newsletter at www.adviceforemployers.co.uk to ensure you get an update when the outcome is released;
  4. Give me a call if you want to talk through 023 8098 2006 or 01983 897003
Direct download: Employment_Law_podcast_Episode_61.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am EDT

Six tips for happier employees: Episode 60

6 simple steps to a happier & more productive workforce

In this weeks' episode I follow on from the tips and hints provided by my two previous guests Tony Brown and Steve Thomson and give you my six tips, which are super easy to implement, which will make a change to the happiness, productivity and engagement of your staff. How to get happier staff quickly!

In this episode I will cover:

  • Why you need to think about your staff;
  • Why being proactive is essential in preventing problems;
  • Why communication is vital to any organisation with people at the heart;
  • How you can make very simple and easy changes to your behaviour;
  • Some suggestions on how to get started;
  • Why it will make a difference to your business.

Action Points

  1. Take action and implement at least one of the tips from this episode;
  2. If you want more tips sign up here for your free copy;
  3. Let me know how it goes for you;
  4. Give me a call if you want to talk through some strategies or if you would like training or to implement change in your business 023 8098 2006 or 01983 897003

Would you like advice about your situation?

Appointments are available on the telephone or via Skype throughout the UK.

Alternatively I offer face to face appointments on the Isle of Wight, in Eastleigh, Southampton, Fareham, Portsmouth, Winchester and surrounding areas in Hampshire.

 


The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

Direct download: Employment_Law__hr_Episode_60.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT