Proposed changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will introduce entitlement from the first day of sickness, with the lower earnings threshold removed. The changes are part of the Employment Rights Bill, currently progressing through parliament.…
Employment rights changes on the horizon
The Employment Rights Bill working its way through parliament will have serious implications for employers once finally enacted. Along with the loss of options for offering more flexible working arrangements, the changes are likely to…
New carer’s leave in effect
Employers need to be aware that since 6 April 2024, employees are entitled to take a week’s unpaid leave each year if they need to fulfil caring responsibilities for a dependant. An important consideration is…
Employment Law: Request flexible working rights from day one
From 6 April, employees now have the right to request flexible working from their first day at work. However, the right is still only to make a request and employers are under no obligation to…
Another lesson learned in equal pay
Having already paid out over £1 billion in equal pay claims, and now facing claims for further millions, Birmingham City Council’s financial crisis is a stark reminder of why it is so important to get…
Planes, trains and automobiles – managing employees’ transport challenges
With strikes and cancellations affecting trains, the underground and flights, employers need to decide how they are going to treat employees who cannot get into work or are stuck overseas. Commuting Although inconvenient, there is…
Off-payroll mistakes now penalised
The private sector off-payroll working rules have been in place since April 2021, but for the first 12 months businesses have benefitted from HMRC’s relaxed stance on penalties. HMRC will now, however, penalise mistakes made…
Temporary changes to sickness absence rules…………
The government has introduced temporary sickness absence rules, effective 10 December 2021 until January 26th 2022. The new rules provide an exemption the provision of proof of sickness until 28 days of being off work.…
‘No jab, no job?’ and other workplace challenges
Now that more employees have been returning to the workplace, employers face several potentially challenging issues. Vaccination is one of the most problematic – businesses may wish to insist on employees being vaccinated, but there…
Managing the end of furlough
After playing a crucial part in managing the impact of Covid-19, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is set to end on 30 September. Although some business sectors, such as hospitality, are currently seeing severe…