Will it Pay to Ensure Diversity Flourishes in your Organisation?

Although some (misguided in my view) would have us believe that Winston Churchill was racist, his quote from a time when the world was significantly more discriminatory still holds true. ‘Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common… Celebrate it every day’. These words are as relevant and powerful today as theyContinue reading “Will it Pay to Ensure Diversity Flourishes in your Organisation?”

What is the difference between Equal Pay and the Gender Pay Gap?

The BBC has been in the news several times in recent years for failing to follow the requirements regarding equal pay, resulting in claims against them from female presenters and other employees. The recent judgement in their favour, and the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act of 1970 makes it a fitting subject forContinue reading “What is the difference between Equal Pay and the Gender Pay Gap?”

Why are we hard wired to discriminate against others?

Direct Discrimination Very few people I have met would be deliberately, or consciously, racist or discriminate in any way. That would be ‘direct’ discrimination e.g. not employing someone because they are black, or may have babies etc. Indirect Discrimination Often it is ‘indirect’ discrimination that causes problems for employers. It occurs when you apply aContinue reading “Why are we hard wired to discriminate against others?”

Are Employers Responsible for the Irresponsible Acts of their Staff?

Whilst reading up on the outcome of the recent Chell v Tarmac Cement and Lime Ltd case I decided that vicarious liability may be an interesting topic for this week’s blog. As you may be aware, generally employers are vicariously liable for the acts of their employees whilst at work, but it is not a givenContinue reading “Are Employers Responsible for the Irresponsible Acts of their Staff?”

What are the main legal claims brought against employers in relation to redundancies?

Various types of claims can be brought against employers if they do not follow a fair and reasonable redundancy process. In this blog post I will explain the main ones companies need to be aware of, including compensation levels where a Tribunal finds in an employee’s favour. In addition to any awards made by aContinue reading “What are the main legal claims brought against employers in relation to redundancies?”

Managing Holidays During Coronavirus Restrictions

With half term approaching, my blog this week answers four important questions regarding managing employee holidays, including any subsequent self-isolation, during the various restrictions that have been imposed due to coronavirus.  Where do companies stand legally regarding pay and time off for employees who are required to self-isolate after returning from a holiday abroad? IContinue reading “Managing Holidays During Coronavirus Restrictions”

Is Collective Consultation needed for a small business?

Following a recent online event run by the Federation of Small Businesses several small business owners asked me about redundancy consultation. The prospect of Collective Consultation lasting 30 or 45 days was quite daunting and costly to them in their situation of needing to reduce staff numbers quickly, often to secure their company’s survival duringContinue reading “Is Collective Consultation needed for a small business?”

Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace

My recent blog posts have focused on issues connected to our newly available ‘Practical Guide to Making Redundancies’ but this week is National Inclusion Week and, along with so much press coverage about some shocking events this year around the world linked to diversity and inclusion it seems a fitting subject for today’s post.  InContinue reading “Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace”

Redundancy and Furloughed Employees

Unfortunately but understandably most of the conversations we’re having with companies at present are around reducing costs, especially staff costs through redundancies. The vast majority of these companies have used the furlough scheme to support them through this incredibly difficult period. Whereas I am sure the government will reflect on whether certain aspects during theContinue reading “Redundancy and Furloughed Employees”

8 Steps to Making Redundancies

Introduction According to CIPD, redundancy occurs when: The employer has ceased, or intends to cease, continuing the business, or The requirements for employees to perform work of a specific type, or to conduct it at the location in which they are employed, has ceased or diminished, or are expected to do so. When making redundanciesContinue reading “8 Steps to Making Redundancies”