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]
Supreme Court holds that UK trade union law is incompatible with Human Rights law
The Supreme Court was recently asked to consider whether s146 Trade Union & Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (TULRCA) protected striking workers from ‘detriment short of dismissal.” Why was the Supreme Court involved? An employee was suspended on basic pay (resulting in a loss of overtime pay) and given a written warning after she was… [Read More]
