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Employment Tribunal Appeal Tribunal overturned an award of £10,000 for injury to feelings for an act of pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the recent case of Eddie Stobart Ltd v Graham. This was on the basis that the Employment Tribunal Appeal Tribunal decided that the award was manifestly ex…
Read moreThe UK government announced significant increases to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW), effective from April 1, 2025. These changes aim to boost earnings for over three million workers across various age groups, which are outlined below. Although the increases were wel…
Read moreIn the recent case of Gibbons v Vale University Local Health Board, the tribunal was asked to rule whether the hospital employer had done enough to facilitate the employee to breastfeed. The tribunal upheld her complaint of harassment. G worked as a support worker in a hospital. Whilst on maternity…
Read moreThe Employment Tribunal has held that an employer’s termination for a substantial sickness absence record still amounted to unfair dismissal. This was because the employer did not act reasonably towards the employee and did not recognise the employee’s disability. A dismissal simply on historic abs…
Read moreRegular and prolonged exposure to vibration, can lead to debilitating injuries to the fingers, hands and arms, causing pain and damage to nerves, affecting blood supply, joints and muscles and eventual loss of sensation. This condition, known as HAVS, is permanent and cannot be treated. The problem…
Read moreWith NIC and NMW rates increasing in April 2025, UK businesses are feeling the pressure. Recent surveys have indicated that many firms are planning to cut jobs, freeze recruitment, and scale back investment to manage rising costs.
Read moreIn the case of Higgs v Farmor’s School, a practicing Christian (H) worked as a school counsellor. Her contract of employment was terminated on the grounds of gross misconduct after she posted comments on Facebook criticising relationship education in schools. Her primary comments centred around tran…
Read moreEmployers often face the situation when they have to assess what is a disability and what amounts to actual misconduct in the workplace. An employee will be protected by the Equality Act 2010 if they are covered as a disabled individual. The Act considers certain individuals to have a deemed disab…
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Ramadan represents a very important religious time of the year for Muslims. During this month, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking between sunrise and sunset.
Read moreAs of January 2025, Tribunals now have enhanced powers to increase awards up to 25% in cases where the employers fails to follow collective consultation obligations and the Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-engagement.
Read moreNumber 10 A logistics company was fined £1m after an employee fell down 10m fracturing his skull, pelvic, arm, wrist, and ankle. He had fallen through an open hole in the driver’s cab of a straddle carrier, landing on the concrete floor below. Number 9 A chemicals company was fined £1.1m. A man…
Read moreThe Answer In the case of MacLennan v BPS 2024, the employment tribunal ruled that because the trustee in question, who had been elected to the post of President-Elect of the British Psychology Society for the charity, only worked on a voluntary basis thus was not employed by the charity in the cap…
Read moreIn the recent case of Deksne v Ambitions Ltd (2024), the claimant brought a claim against her employer for unlawful deductions from wages, specifically with regard to an underpayment of her holiday pay. Deksne alleged that she was underpaid her holiday pay starting from August 2020 and final holiday…
Read moreEmployers must consider the recent important changes the Home Office has made to it guidance on right to work checks. To be compliant employers must now review their right to work procedures. The Home Office can issue large fines where an employer is found to be employing people illegally. If you a…
Read moreThe Question Can migraines be classified as a disability within the provision of section 6 Equality Act 2010 (EA) even when possible lifestyle changes could help to reduce its impact on day-to-day activities? The Answer For a health issue to be considered as a disability under the (EA), the condi…
Read moreA Private Members Bill has been introduced in the House of Commons, to amend the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSAWA74). The main provision is to introduce new requirements for employers in relation to violence and harassment in the workplace. Although this is still at the preliminary stage,…
Read moreWith Christmas upon us very soon, many businesses will be recruiting temporary staff to meet increased demand. Invariably, the majority of these new recruits will be young (especially students) and inexperienced workers, recruited directly or via agencies. Employers are reminded that they have manda…
Read moreThe case of Gallagher v McKinnon Auto and Tyres serves as a reminder to employers to always conduct the pre termination discussions fairly and without improper behaviour. The Employment Appeal Tribunal held in this case that the pre-termination negotiations were inadmissible in the employees attemp…
Read moreThe Topic Under Regulation 10 of the Maternity and Paternity Leave Regulations 1999, a woman on maternity leave whose job is being made redundant, is entitled to be offered a suitable alternative vacancy where it is available (before the end of her employment under her existing contract) with her…
Read moreA recent case serves as a cautionary warning about the risk of providing an employee a reference. In the 2024 High Court case of Simon Bennett v. Mitie Technical Facilities Management Limited the court confirmed the employer on this occasion was not negligent when he provided prospective employer a…
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