What is vicarious liability? ‘Vicarious liability’ means that, usually, employers are responsible for discriminatory actions by their employees if they occur during employment. However, employees can also be personally responsible for discrimination. Claimants can bring certain discrimination claims against both their employer and the individual employees involved. Baldwin v Cleves School and others The Employment… [Read More]
5 holiday pay essentials in 2024
Holiday pay – the basics From January 1, 2024, statutory holiday (4 weeks of holiday pay each year) must be paid at ‘normal pay’ which should include: Statutory holiday vs. additional holiday Fixed pay vs. variable pay Irregular hours and part-year workers No pay in lieu, during employment Employees must take their holiday. As an… [Read More]
When is an employee ‘disabled’ under the Equality Act 2010?
Disability is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, which means that disabled people are legally protected from discrimination at work. What is the definition of disabled? Section 6 of the Equality Act 2010 defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability… [Read More]
Falling asleep on the job? A cautionary tale
It’s one thing to nod off for a few minutes during a training session (who hasn’t!). Chances are, nobody will notice, and the only consequence might be a bit of embarrassment. However, if your job involves driving or operating dangerous machinery, then it is a much more serious issue. But the consequences can be significant,… [Read More]
What ‘banter’ is reasonable in the workplace?
Employers are faced with an unenviable task when tackling ‘banter’ in the workplace. There is always a fine line between banter and potential bullying and harassment. Any notion of banning ‘banter’ altogether is unlikely to be sustainable, or well received, in practice. In-jokes and ‘friendly banter’ are, to an extent, human nature and an important… [Read More]
