Volunteers can be a valuable addition to the workplace – bringing flexibility, community engagement and cost-effective support. But if the relationship isn’t handled with care, you may open yourself up to unexpected legal liabilities. Here are some key points HR professionals need to keep in mind when engaging volunteers: 1. Volunteer, or employee? One of… [Read More]

Fair recruitment is more than best practice – it’s a legal requirement. While many employers are familiar with the principles of equality in the workplace, it’s easy to overlook how far discrimination law stretches, especially when it comes to external job applicants. Job applicants are protected under the Equality Act Under the Equality Act 2010,… [Read More]

It might seem obvious that falling asleep at work is a sackable offence. But a recent tribunal ruling reminds employers to look at the bigger picture before jumping to dismissal. Okoro v Bidvest Noonan (UK) Ltd In Okoro v Bidvest Noonan (UK) Ltd, Mr Okoro worked as a CCTV controller. He nodded off briefly while… [Read More]

A genuine redundancy and fair selection process aren’t enough on their own to carry out a fair redundancy dismissal. Employers also have a legal duty to explore alternative roles for affected employees. The key lesson here is that taking a half-hearted approach risks making the whole process unfair. Hendy Group v Kennedy That’s the clear… [Read More]

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees. These changes are meant to remove or reduce any disadvantage the employee faces due to their disability. Adjustments might include things like flexible working, special equipment, or changes to how tasks are done. But there’s a limit. Employers only have to make… [Read More]