A brief reminder of forthcoming increases to the National Minimum Wage and other employment rates From 1 April 2024, the National Minimum Wage increases as follows:   Rates 2023 2024 National Living Wage (age 21+) £10.42 £11.44 Adult rate £10.18 No longer applicable Development rate (age 18-20) £7.49 £8.60 Young...

 Extension of protection for pregnant employees As of the 6th April, protection against redundancy for pregnant employees is extended considerably. There is already a duty to give employees on maternity leave preference to redeployment opportunities over other employees. However, as at the 6th April, this will be extended and cover...

New menopause guidance The Equality and Human Rights Commission have issued guidance today on dealing with menopause in the workplace. It includes an explanation of the obligations on businesses not to discriminate, whether as a result of someone’s sex, age, disability or other protected reasons. It goes on to explain...

The Appeal Tribunal has ruled on a case where an employee was made redundant using a pool and scoring matrix, but didn’t see the pool, or matrix until after it was done. It should not be a surprise that the dismissal was found to be unfair. The Appeal Tribunal gave...

IMPULSIVE RESIGNATIONS The Appeal tribunal has examined what are known as “Heat of the Moment” resignations. Could an employee resign in the heat of an argument, and then retract that resignation? The original Tribunal had decided that where an employee had resigned in a fit of pique, or temper, the...

Autumn 2023 Statement After much rumour and speculation, the Chancellor has today set out his Autumn Statement and what this will mean, in theory, to the pockets of business owners and their employees. Our team of business lawyers will digest and review these proposed changes over the coming days but...

Do you know what you need to change in relation to your flexible working policy? Are you aware of your obligations under new legislation coming in next year concerning zero hours and agency staff? Did you check to see what has changed on the definition of disability? Do you know...

Employers will be familiar with the fact there is legislation in place to protect those with disabilities from being treated less favourably in the workplace due to their condition. In order to be protected from discrimination, a disability must meet the legal definition. It is important for employers to take...

The Supreme Court have issued a judgement which has the potential to increase an employer’s liability for historic holiday pay In short, the case concerned the Police officers who had brought claims for underpayment of holiday pay after having historically received basic pay during annual leave.  You will already be...

Following the allegations about Russell Brand this weekend, we are seeing a lot of speculation about workplace harassment and sexual assault. Much of it is incorrect. So, we will spend a few paragraphs dispelling the myths. First of all, as a rule, sexual relationships between colleagues may be unwise, foolish,...