Performance appraisals should drive growth, motivation and development – not open your business to legal claims. With the increase in hybrid working, many employers are finding their traditional appraisal processes increasingly vulnerable under legal scrutiny. What can go wrong? From a legal perspective, appraisals are more than just feedback – they’re evidence. If a dismissal… [Read More]

Baby loss is a deeply sensitive issue, where your response as an employer can have a lasting impact. While understanding the legal framework is essential, HR professionals should recognise that providing  practical, compassionate support to employees is just as important. Legal parameters for the loss of a baby Employee rights following baby loss depend largely… [Read More]

Paid annual leave is a fundamental employment right in the UK, protected by the Working Time Regulations 1998. What is your responsibility as an employer? Workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday each year. Importantly, the law places responsibility on employers not only to acknowledge this entitlement, but also to promote its use. Simply… [Read More]

The Acas Code of Practice is clear – misconduct investigations should begin without delay. Slow handling can seriously undermine the fairness of a disciplinary process and expose employers to legal risk. O’Brien v Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust In the case O’Brien v Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Ms O’Brien was… [Read More]

A recent Court of Appeal decision confirms that whistleblowers can, in some circumstances, bring claims not only against their employer, but also against individual managers or colleagues involved in their dismissal. Whistleblowing claims – the basics Whistleblowers have two main types of legal protection under the Employment Rights Act 1996: Detriment claims work for employees… [Read More]