The workplace has changed dramatically in recent decades, and employees need to be more highly trained than ever before to keep up with the demands of their jobs. In addition to this, companies often highlight the skills and qualifications of their employees to show that they can offer a superior service. As a result, a wide […]
The risks of using CCTV footage as evidence in hearings
Many employers are unaware of the risks of using CCTV footage as evidence in disciplinary proceedings. After all, with the prevalence of closed-circuit television in our society, you would think that if a person is caught on camera doing something wrong and can be easily identified, such evidence could be used without question in a […]
New ACAS guidance on employee suspensions
The Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service (ACAS) recently published new advice on how to handle employee suspensions. Suspending an employee might be necessary during a disciplinary or grievance investigation, or for the purposes of safeguarding the health and safety of the individual concerned. Since this is a relatively common practice, most properly drafted employment contracts […]
Breaching the terms of a settlement agreement
An employer has a legal obligation to abide by the terms and conditions agreed with an employee as part of a settlement agreement. As a result, breaching the terms of the agreement on the part of an employer can have several significant implications, potentially paving the way for damages claims to be brought by the […]
Protection from violence and harassment in the workplace
Back in June 2019, the International Labour Organisation adopted a new Convention and Recommendation in respect of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace. This is the International Labour Convention Number 190. In March of this year, the UK Government also signed International Labour Convention Number 190, making them the eleventh country to do so. The […]
How to avoid gender pay discrimination
On International Women’s Day, the Minister for Women, Baroness Stedman-Scott, announced an equal pay transparency pilot scheme by publishing salaries on all job adverts. Studies have shown that not asking interviewees about their previous salary at the interview stage ensures that unequal pay between men and women does not become further entrenched when they start […]
When does workplace banter become harassment?
Discrimination legislation in the UK protects employees from “banter” which has the effect of violating their dignity or creating an intimidating, humiliating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment. Such conduct can amount to harassment if it is related to one of the protected characteristics listed below: – Age Disability Gender reassignment Marriage and civil partnership Pregnancy […]
Fire and rehire practices under further Government scrutiny
The practice commonly known as “fire and rehire”, involving the dismissal and re-engagement of employees on new terms has come under further adverse scrutiny. A Private Member’s Bill, seeking to discourage such practices, attracted attention in the media and ACAS published guidance for employers, at the request of the Government. What is the new UK […]
Working with Long COVID
It is nearly two years since the first COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom and for many people, working with Long COVID has become an unfortunate daily reality. What is Long COVID? Long COVID is the name given to a condition in which the effects of COVID-19 continue for a prolonged period. It can affect […]
When are post-termination restriction clauses unreasonable?
Post-termination restriction clauses can be controversial as there are often doubts as to their enforceability. There is currently a public consultation on proposals to reform post-termination non-competition clauses, which might prevent them from being enforced to any degree in the future. We eagerly await the Government’s response to this consultation. At present, post-termination restrictions are […]
How should employers deal with accusations of workplace bullying?
Allegations of workplace bullying are sadly all too common. Employers have a duty to take reasonable care of the health and safety of their staff and this includes those facing such allegations of bullying. These duties arise under common law, and health and safety legislation and are also an implied term of the employment contract. […]
What you need to know about protected conversations
What is a protected conversation? The Employment Rights Act 1996 provides legal protection which allows an employer, in certain circumstances, to approach employees to have a conversation regarding how their exit from the business might be managed. An employer may choose to take this approach to avoid going through a formal disciplinary or performance management […]
David Harris discusses the Government’s ‘work from home’ announcement on BBC Radio Berkshire with Phil Kennedy
Managing Partner David Harris discusses the Government’s recent ‘work from home’ announcement on the BBC Berkshire Drive Time show yesterday evening. Listen to the interview here: David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising employees and employers on employment law matters. He is a frequent […]
David Harris speaks on BBC Radio about employee rights during the petrol crisis
Managing Partner, David Harris, speaks to Andrew Peach on BBC Radio Berkshire about the rights of employees who are unable to perform their roles because of the current petrol crisis. David confirms that in most cases, it is the responsibility of employees to get to work by whatever means possible, but there are some exceptions. […]
What are the implications of remote working from overseas?
COVID-19 has made remote working the ‘new normal for many employees across the UK and some are even working remotely from other countries. At first, glance, working from abroad seems harmless. However, there are complicated issues that both employers and employees should seriously consider when it comes to working remotely from other nations. These include […]
How fair to employees is firing and rehiring?
It goes without saying that the unparalleled impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has placed enormous financial pressure on countless companies throughout the UK. Faced with these challenges, a large number of employers have changed the terms and conditions of their employees’ contracts, possibly in an effort to benefit from the furlough scheme or to keep […]
Implementing a work from home policy for employees
It is likely that the Covid-19 pandemic will permanently alter the way we do business, with many companies opting to implement a work from home policy that will continue beyond the pandemic.
David P Harris discusses the rights of UK employees to work from home on BBC Radio Berkshire with Phil Kennedy
Listen to the interview here: If you are an employee needing legal advice about your right to work from home during the lockdown, call us on 0118 914 5622 or complete our Contact Us Form to arrange a confidential call back from a qualified solicitor without charge. David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised […]
Can employers dismiss employees who refuse the COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine will soon be available to the entire UK population but not everyone wants to be vaccinated. Employers should consider very carefully how they will approach a vaccination policy for their employees. The COVID-19 vaccination programme in the UK is now well underway. With the vaccine being offered first to the most vulnerable […]
Could employers dismiss employees fairly based on reputational risk?
Earlier this month, in K v L, the Employment Appeal Tribunal found that a school was not entitled to dismiss K, a teacher of 20 years, on grounds of reputation risk after K was charged but not prosecuted for possessing indecent images of children. The Employment Appeal Tribunal’s view that it would not have been […]
COVID-19: UK Government guidance on business operations and working from home
With the end of the national lockdown and the introduction of the tier system that started on 2 December 2020, the UK Government has reiterated that employees in England who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter. [In Scotland employees should only go to work if it is essential for them […]
David Harris discusses Furlough leave on BBC Radio Berkshire with Phil Kennedy
David Harris, Managing Partner at DPH Legal was interviewed by Phil Kennedy on BBC Radio Berkshire. Discussing what is Furlough leave, whether can you work during furlough leave and many more important questions. You can listen to the interview here: David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of […]
David Harris discusses employment rights on BBC Berkshire Radio
David Harris, Managing Partner at DPH Legal was interviewed by Andrew Peach of BBC Radio Berkshire about the latest updates to workers’ rights after the recent government announcements. You can listen to the interview here: David Philip HarrisDavid Philip Harris is a recognised employment solicitor with over 10 years of experience in advising […]
Covid 19 – Coronavirus and home working
Given the ever-increasing number of cases in the UK and recent announcements by the Government, Employers should now be thinking about whether they need to take any steps to facilitate home working, and encouraging employees to ensure that they have the correct set-up at home to be able to work there if required to do […]
The impact of Coronavirus on wages
Businesses are having to consider how to reduce their wage costs as the coronavirus pandemic starts to have an impact on business and the wider economy. This article sets out what Employers can do when faced with a downturn in business. Employers may be able to take advantage of contractual lay-off and short-time working provisions, […]
Coronavirus – advice for employers
As the likelihood of more cases of Coronavirus in the UK increases, ACAS has published advice for employers on dealing with the situation. The guidance covers how to deal with employees who have the virus and those who do not want to come to work because they are worried about catching it. In summary, ACAS […]
Traits of A Successful Health And Safety Manager
If you are considering becoming a health and safety manager, you will likely be interested to learn more about the health and safety laws and some of the different traits of an effective health and safety manager. Knowing what kind of traits you should possess can really make it easier to be a much more […]
The Importance of Health & Safety Legislation In The UK
Workplace safety is highly significant for all employers and staff members who desire a protected work environment. Health and safety are crucial factors for all industries to not only promote staff wellness but also as a moral responsibility to protect the employee. Nowadays, health and safety regulations are essential for the efficient operation of companies. […]
Health And Safety Courses
When you are looking to sign up for a health and safety course, you want to take steps toward finding the best option to consider. There are plenty of things that you will want to identify when you are shopping around for the best health and safety courses. Below, we will discuss a lot of […]
Working Continuously Without A Break – What Are The Laws?
The law states that an employer is required to provide a minimum of a 1 – 20-minute rest break to any employee who works for more than six hours a day. However, the employer is not required to pay for rest breaks. Need some clarity on the laws regarding employee breaks? Contact our employment law […]
Benefits Of A Four Day Work Week
A four-day work week is where the five working days schedule is compacted into a four-day module by adding two extra hours of compensation on each of the days. So, instead of working eight to nine hours a day, employees work ten to eleven hours a day for four days. It is worth noting that […]
Health And Safety Laws UK
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers, as far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure health and safety at the workplace. Under the act, employers are obliged to ensure that any potential work-related risks to health and safety are eliminated or controlled. Employers with more than five employees are required to draw […]