Protections from reduncancy for new mothers will become legislation

A bill that will prevent women from being laid off from the time they inform their employers that they are expecting until 18 months after giving birth has passed the House of Lords' third reading and has now been given the Royal Assent. Previously, if an employee was on maternity leave, shared parental leave, or adoption leave, an employer was required to give them a suitable replacement vacancy if one was available. These rights will be extended to expectant mothers and new parents returning to the workforce after a qualifying leave under the Pregnancy and Maternity Discrimination Bill, which was…

To deal with labour shortages, a third of leaders have hired remote-only employees

According to a survey, nearly a third (29%) of company executives say they have only hired remote workers in reaction to labour shortages and rising support for new working arrangements. The Center for Growth at Boston Consulting Group has published its first business study, 'State of UK Business 2023: Squeezed but still standing', which demonstrated that while some businesses are urging employees to spend nearly all of their time in the office, this idea does not "chime with" the opinions of the business leaders surveyed, with only 8% of them believing the shift to remote working had a negative impact…

2,600 UK employees to benefit from implementation of four-day work week

In a UK-first, 2,600 employees at 100 different British companies will move to a four-day work week while still earning the same wage. Atom Bank and Awin (who each have around 450 staff members) are two of the bigger companies signing up for a four-day week. Adam Ross, Chief Executive of Awin, has commented on the move, saying, "Over the course of the last year and a half, we have not only seen a tremendous increase in employee wellness and wellbeing, but concurrently, our customer service and relations, as well as talent relations and retention also have benefited.' The four-day…

Have you been made redundant? What to do next

Going through redundancy is a stressful time. You may be facing uncertainty about your future professional life. However, one thing you can be certain about is that here at Owen White & Catlin, we will fight your corner.  If you are being made redundant, you have the right to be treated fairly and involved in the process. Your employer must follow a fair redundancy process and satisfy certain statutory requirements. If you feel as though these things have not been done, you may be able to challenge your redundancy and even claim compensation.  Contact us free today to discuss your…

Increase in claims after employment tribunal fees ruled unlawful

  There has been a sharp rise in the number of employment tribunal cases since the Supreme Court ruled in July that the fees charged to bring claims were unlawful. Figures released by the Courts and Tribunal Service show that claims rose by 64% between July and September. The National User Group of Employment Tribunals say the number of claims has doubled in some areas. Meanwhile, a survey by the CBI found that 90% of businesses think the removal of fees will lead to a rise in vexatious claims that have no merit. The fees were introduced in 2013, with…

Dyson granted injunction to stop engineer working for rival

  The Dyson group has been granted an injunction preventing one of its top engineers working for a rival company for 12 months. The case involved Dyson’s research and development company, Dyson Technology Ltd, which is developing the company’s electric car. It employed engineer Pierre Pellerey, who has a background in research related to electric cars, to work on the project. His contract contained post-employment restrictions, including a 12-month "Restricted Period," preventing him being "engaged, concerned or interested in any Restricted Business". Mr Pellerey then obtained a position with another company, Tesla, which specialises in electric car design. Dyson took…

Black driver was unfairly dismissed due to his race

An Employment Tribunal has ruled that a black lorry driver who was sacked by a haulage company was discriminated against because of his race. Driver Charles Christopher Barnes was employed by Robinsons of Worcester Aggregates Ltd. He was dismissed after he was involved in a “minor road traffic collision” – despite having a clean disciplinary record. The company said he was guilty of gross misconduct after what they described as a “careless and reckless manoeuvre”. Mr Barnes took legal action, claiming race discrimination. He said that as the only black driver employed by Robinsons, he had been treated worse…

Poundland employee “unfairly dismissed” after giving away stock

  An employment tribunal has ruled that a Poundland employee was unfairly dismissed after giving away over £300 worth of products to customers. The employee, Mr Zia, joined the company in June 2013 and worked his way up to assistant manager of the Southall store. As a senior member of the shop team, Mr Zia had the authority to give away free items to smooth over complaints and to encourage customers to spend more money. Mr Zia gave away more than £300 worth of products over a five-month period. His manager gave away only one pound’s worth of stock, and…