A problem or a conflict at work which demands a legal solution can be stressful. But it need not be that way. Whether it's an employer seeking advice on how to part company … Read More ...
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March 2024
To determine if a belief qualifies for protection against discrimination, tribunals consider factors like genuineness, significance, coherence, and societal respect. Recent cases, including Grainger plc v Nicholson, establish criteria for protected beliefs, ranging from climate change to gender critical views. Sensitivity is vital when employees return from illness, as seen in Thomas v T&R Direct Insurance. New Paternity Leave Regulations offer flexibility, allowing two-week leave in separate blocks. Redundancy situations require careful pool consideration to avoid unfair dismissal claims. Timely filing of discrimination claims is essential, as shown in Holbrook v Cosgrove.
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February 2024
The Court of Session has ruled that settlement agreements can encompass future unknown claims, as seen in Bathgate v Technip Singapore PTE Ltd. This judgment clarifies that claims can be settled even if they arise post-agreement, as long as the intention is clear. Employers must ensure fair redundancy selection criteria and consider the impact of extreme weather on employment. Additionally, from April 2024, all employees will have the right to one week of unpaid carer’s leave annually. Valid settlement agreements must meet specific conditions, including being in writing and providing independent advice.
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January 2024
Early consultation with the workforce in redundancy situations is essential to prevent unfair dismissals, exemplified by the Joseph de Bank Haycocks v ADP RPO UK Limited case. The Office for National Statistics reports a 14.3% gender pay gap in 2023, varying by age and earnings. New legislation shortens the time for criminal convictions to become ‘spent,’ affecting disclosure requirements for employers. The Supreme Court ruled that Deliveroo riders weren’t ‘workers,’ limiting their trade union recognition rights. Contractual agreements can’t undermine statutory employment rights, as shown in SPI Spirits (UK) Limited v Zabelin. New holiday pay rules allow annual leave carry-over starting January 1, 2024. Flexible working requests become a day one right from April 6, 2024. Fit notes, provided by various healthcare professionals, are crucial for extended sickness absences, with specific guidelines and durations, while statutory sick pay eligibility allows self-certification for the first seven days and flexible evidence afterward.
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December 2023 – Practical perspectives
The December 2023 Monthly Bulletin offers practical insights into employment-related topics. It discusses ‘heat of the moment’ resignations, accent discrimination, and key facts about fixed-term workers. Additionally, it mentions the Labour Party’s proposal for a ‘right to disconnect,’ addresses the importance of accommodating dyslexic employees, and outlines employer responsibilities for employee eye care. The bulletin also highlights upcoming changes in minimum wage rates, the importance of early consultation in redundancy cases, and the challenges of enforcing dress codes for remote workers. These insights benefit both employers and employees.
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November 2023
Recent employment law highlights include an unfair dismissal case due to a racially offensive term, emphasizing context consideration. Part-time workers in the UK enjoy rights ensuring equal treatment. Indirect sex discrimination was identified in variable working pattern introductions, though potentially justifiable. Discrimination can occur without a protected characteristic, including perceived discrimination, victimization, and association-based discrimination. Guidance on using anonymized statements in disciplinary investigations is available. The government responded to paternity leave and pay reform proposals. Various forms of disability discrimination are outlined. TUC is forming an AI task force to address regulatory gaps. Dismissal effectiveness is tied to communication, even if in error. Covert employee monitoring can lead to legal issues. Stay updated on these developments.
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October 2023
Stay updated with recent legal changes impacting employers and employees in the UK. Discover the Supreme Court’s new ruling on holiday pay claims, the government’s response to parental leave reforms, insights on consensual termination, and key considerations for workplace dress codes. Additionally, explore essential aspects of right to work checks, implications of app usage on personal devices, Tesco’s new flexible working initiative, and increasing penalties for hiring illegal workers.
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September 2023
What not to do if you are proposing to dismiss an employee | Government announces flexible working changes | Acas publishes updated guidance on sickness absence | An introduction to payment in lieu of notice | Working in hot weather | Ofsted inspector who touched a pupil was unfairly dismissed | Maya Forstater awarded over £100,000 following remedy hearing in gender critical belief discrimination case | Importance of following due process despite very serious allegations against claimant
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July 2023
Automatic unfair dismissal | Statutory minimum notice: an introduction | Neonatal Leave and Protection from Redundancy Bills get Royal Assent | Working in hot weather | Harassment – you cannot be harassed if you were not aware of the conduct in question | The right to be accompanied | BSI introduces a new standard on menopause and menstruation at work | Key facts about redundancies
Professional | Practical | Personal – Employment Law Advice
The Hunter Law way
Helping employers
Hunter Law takes a contemporary and practical approach to delivering the right results for corporate clients. All clients are different. There's no 'off the shelf' formulaic … Read More ...
Helping Employees
Parting company with an employer and a job is often a simple case of wanting to move on, and take the next step in your career. But sometimes it is more challenging.... If you … Read More ...
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About Hunter Law
The Team Jenna Hunter - Director Jenna Hunter, founder of Hunter Law began her legal career with law firm Kingsford Stacey Blackwell dealing with civil litigation. After … Read More ...
Fees and costs
Hunter Law's fee structure is based on being competitive, affordable and flexible. Where possible, the firm is happy to quote a fixed fee, and also provide an annual retainer … Read More ...
What Clients Say
Corporate Clients Jenna has acted for Lipscomb Cars for a number of years and I have always found her approach to be very supportive and pragmatic. Her advice and understanding … Read More ...