Employers will be familiar with the need to complete right to works checks, which continue to be required following Brexit. In short, employers must carry out checks in respect of all new employees or workers, regardless of nationality. They must see original documentation proving the right to work in the...

On 31 December 2020 the Brexit transition period ended, meaning that the UK is no longer bound by EU law. There are no immediate changes to employment law as all EU employment law had been transposed into UK law prior to Brexit taking effect. However, the end of the transition...

We have already received enquiries from employers asking whether they can insist on employees being vaccinated against Covid-19 and either not employing or dismissing those who refuse. There is not currently any legal requirement for people to have the Covid-19 vaccination, and we would be surprised if it became mandatory....

There have been an increased number of queries recently concerning whether furlough payments are available in relation to employees who are shielding due to being extremely vulnerable, and those who have to stay at home to care for others. Updated guidance by HMRC states that the answer is YES, such...

England and Scotland have returned to lockdown today, with the instruction being given that those who can should work from home. Also those who are clinically extremely vulnerable should shield again. As a reminder, the furlough scheme is still available although if businesses are furloughing staff they must have this...

This update is written and posted on 18th December 2020 and will quickly become out of date once further details are known. We will endeavour to update it as soon as information becomes available.   The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (commonly known as furlough), previously due to end on 31...

This update is written and posted on Monday 16th November 2020. More changes are likely and we will endeavour to provides updates as soon as information becomes available. Further government guidance has been issued regarding the extended furlough scheme. Of particular note is the change in an employer’s ability to...

The new extended Furlough Scheme runs on very similar lines to the last scheme, except that HMRC are beginning to toughen up on its use, and seek out its abuse. IN ORDER TO QUALIFY there must be a contractually binding agreement in place. It need not be in writing, but...

This update is written and posted on Thursday 5th November 2020 and will quickly become out of date once further details are known. We will endeavour to update it as soon as information becomes available. The Chancellor has this afternoon announced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (commonly known as furlough)...

As a firm, we are seeing two unforeseen consequences of COVID-19 emerging which are placing a risk to employers which needs to be treated seriously. The first risk is where disgruntled employees are now being made redundant, or treated in a way that is unsatisfactory, and consequently revealing that they...