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Employment Law

An Office Romance – Should a relationship at work be disclosed?

An Office Romance – Should a relationship at work be disclosed?

Disclosing a relationship at work depends on various factors, including company policies, the working environment, and the nature of the relationship. Sara Patel, Employment Law Specialist at Banner Jones, explains some considerations to help employees and employers navigate what can sometimes be a complex situation.

Innocent banter or workplace discrimination?

Innocent banter or workplace discrimination?

Workplace banter is driving a surge in claims against employers with research showing that 66 claimes relating to banter were heard in employment tribunals in 2022.

Minimum wage changes – is your business ready?

Minimum wage changes – is your business ready?

In November 2023 the government announced a minimum wage increase which was focused on protecting low-paid workers’ living standards in light of the current economic climate and cost of living crisis. The changes are due to come in to force on the 1st April 2024 - is your business ready?

Employment Law - Changes employers need to be aware of

Employment Law - Changes employers need to be aware of

As we enter 2024, we’ve been reflecting on some of the significant changes in employment law we have seen over the course of 2023 which employers need to be aware of. These include amendments to the flexible working regime, further deliberations about employment status by the Supreme Court and considerable changes to the calculation of holiday pay. 2024 looks set to be a big year for change in employment law, so here we have done a roundup of key developments in 2023 and have highlighted the ‘ones to watch’ in 2024.

Redundancy Consultation Processes – Advice for Employers

Redundancy Consultation Processes – Advice for Employers

Consultation is a key part of any fair redundancy process. It is therefore vital that employers considering redundancies plan how they will consult their employees about any proposed redundancies at an early stage.

Employees will soon be able to request flexible working on day one of employment

Employees will soon be able to request flexible working on day one of employment

New regulations extending flexible working rights were put before Parliament on 11th December 2023. Once the regulations come in to force employees will no longer need to have 26 weeks’ continuous employment in order to make a flexible working request.

Holiday Pay Claims – Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling

Holiday Pay Claims – Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that employees can claim for a series of underpayments of holiday pay, even where there has been a gap of more than three months between different underpayment periods. This could lead to many UK workers being entitled to thousands of pounds in miscalculated holiday pay.

Business First Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023

Business First Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023

Our quartlery business magazine is packed full of features including creating a supportive workplace, sustainable buildings, legally compliant HR and EDI essentials.

Menopause for thought – what do employers need to know?

Menopause for thought – what do employers need to know?

Women make up a significant portion of the workforce, so it is hardly surprising that gender equality in the workplace has become an important topic in recent decades.

Workers to be given the statutory right to request more predictable working patterns

Workers to be given the statutory right to request more predictable working patterns

The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill received Royal Assent on 18 September 2023, becoming the Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023. This new legislation will give workers the right to request more predictable working patterns relating to the number of hours, times and days of the week that they work.

Managing changes in equality, diversity and inclusion

Managing changes in equality, diversity and inclusion

Most companies work hard to create a safe and productive workplace, but how can businesses stay up to date on these policy and initiative changes, as well as mitigating risks?

Paternity Leave - Calendar News 15th June 2023

Paternity Leave - Calendar News 15th June 2023

Head of Employment Law at Banner Jones, Katie Ash, features in this recent Calendar News item about why people are campaigning for legal reform.

Can a UK employee work remotely in another country?

Can a UK employee work remotely in another country?

With the rise of remote work opportunities and the desire for more flexible lifestyles, many UK employees are considering the possibility of working remotely from another country, particularly during the summer months. In this article, we will explore whether a UK employee can work remotely in another country, examine relevant UK laws, and discuss important precautions to consider.

Paternity leave – what is it and why does it matter?

Paternity leave – what is it and why does it matter?

Here Katie Ash, Head of Employment Law, explains what Paternity Leave is, what fathers are entitled to and why businesses need to place as much importance on supporting men in the workplace, as they do women.

How will the teacher strikes affect you?

How will the teacher strikes affect you?

The news this week that teachers from the National Education Union had voted for more strike action in England and Wales will have left lots of working parents – and their employers – wondering how they are going to manage if the employee’s child’s school is closed.

Can a flexible working request be reversed?

Can a flexible working request be reversed?

For many, the Covid-19 crisis is starting to feel like a distant memory. However, there are still changes to the way we live and work today that were influenced by the restrictions that were put in place. The biggest example in employment law is the shift to working from home.

Are Restrictive Covenants too harsh?

Are Restrictive Covenants too harsh?

Would removing non-compete clauses improve worker’s rights? Theoretically, they’re supposed to be in place for C-suite level employees to prevent them taking business secrets to competitors. So, is it necessary to make low-level workers sign non-competes too? Is it too harsh?

Do I need to give paid annual leave for the coronation?

Do I need to give paid annual leave for the coronation?

A right royal holiday clash

Holiday pay for the additional bank holiday on 8th May to celebrate the upcoming coronation is giving employers a headache before a toast has been raised to the new King. 

Redundancy Guide - What You need to know and do

Redundancy Guide - What You need to know and do

This guide will give some useful legal advice to help you know your rights when facing redundancy, and also some helpful action points to help you find another source of income.

New redundancy protection legislation

New redundancy protection legislation

New legislation is expected to complete its course through parliament giving rise to new requirements on employers to offer alternative positions to those subject to redundancy during pregnancy or in the six months after returning to work and businesses must be ready to respond.

The importance of reviewing & understanding contracts of employment

The importance of reviewing & understanding contracts of employment

Employment relationships in the modern working world are vast and varied: from workers, to employees, to consultants, to freelancers. On top of this, businesses operate at all times of day and night, many internationally, and following Covid-19, there is an ever-increasing ability for many individuals to work anywhere in the world.

Twitter redundancies – why cutting costs could prove more costly

Twitter redundancies – why cutting costs could prove more costly

Unless you actively avoid the news, you’re probably familiar by now with the headline-grabbing controversy caused by entrepreneur and Twitter’s new owner Elon Musk, after he announced that half of the company’s workforce were to be ‘laid off’ as part of cost cutting measures.

Hiring Christmas temps - What are the rules?

Hiring Christmas temps - What are the rules?

Christmas is often the busiest time of the year for many businesses, so the extra support from temporary staff, ‘Christmas temps,’ around this time, is often appreciated. As an employer, however, it is important you know the rules inside out to keep you on the right side of employment law.

Work Christmas parties and the law

Work Christmas parties and the law

Work Christmas parties are a staple on the corporate calendar, but it is always important to remember that even though it is a Christmas party, it is also a work event. As an employer, it is your job to ensure the rules are followed. Not only will this protect your employees from damaging their reputation, but it can save you the misfortune of having your business's reputation damaged or having to discipline an employee.