Social Media

Social Media

We frequently hear from employers and employees, about the use of social media in the work place. The concern, is often, whether comments made on social media breach a policy (if there is one), or is conduct which can be disciplined.Use/misuse of social media, either in or out of the workplace can b

Business transfers and TUPE

Business transfers and TUPE

It may be the case that your employer’s business, or part of it, is transferred to another business. Similarly, it may be that your employer takes over an existing business or part of it. In those circumstances, all or some employees may be transferred with the business. If this happens, you could b

Equality and diversity

Equality and diversity

Good employment practices should generally encourage employers to develop and embrace diversity in the workplace.But what does ‘diversity’ mean and what should employees expect from employers?The meaning of ‘diversity’ for these purposes is usually a reference to a workforce made up of individuals w

Gender recognition

Gender recognition

We are increasingly receiving requests for advice on matters concerning gender recognition, what it means and how individuals may be treated under the law if they are transgender or ‘trans’ as it is commonly referred to.Please note that whilst The Equality Act 2010 refers to someone changing their g

Settlement Agreements

Settlement Agreements

In some instances an employer and employee may agree to go their separate ways. This generally happens when the relationship has broken down and it is agreed the employee will leave and find alternative employment. In some circumstances, an employer may be concerned about future claims and offer the

Redundancy

Redundancy

Sometimes a business is not doing well or has to reorganise to meet the needs of its customers or clients. Other times, due to mergers and acquisitions, it is necessary to change the profile of the workforce to meet new commercial challenges. In each of these cases, the role you were employed to do

Grievance procedure at work

Grievance procedure at work

All employees have a right to be treated fairly in the workplace. Sometimes you may feel this is not happening and want to bring the matter to your employer’s attention.Very often you can raise a grievance informally through a conversation with your manager. If this does not resolve the issue, or if

Dismissal: Sickness & Capability

Dismissal: Sickness & Capability

Sometimes things at work don’t go well and there may be performance-related issues or concerns about your illness-related absence. If matters are not resolved, your employer may decide to terminate your contract by way of dismissal. This is generally referred to as a capability dismissal as it relat

Constructive Dismissal

Constructive Dismissal

Sometimes an employee’s relationship with their employer breaks down and cannot be repaired. We speak to many employees who feel this has happened to them and are wanting to know what they can do if the situation cannot be resolved. Some callers have heard the words ‘constructive dismissal’ and want

Disciplinary at work

Disciplinary at work

An employer-employee relationship is not always plain sailing and occasionally there are times when an employee may find themselves subject to disciplinary action.Employers and employees should try to resolve these matters within the workplace. Where this is not possible, your employer may consider

Email and Internet Policies

Email and Internet Policies

In a world which contains the ‘internet of things’ it is perhaps inevitable that a lot of business is conducted via the internet either website or email. As such employers generally have in place email and internet policies to provide a framework for conduct and usage.Here we look at what such a pol

Employment – Basic rights

Employment – Basic rights

This factsheet aims to clearly set out your basic statutory rights as an employee. It does not cover family-friendly statutory rights – these are explained in another factsheet: Employment Law – family-friendly rights.The statutory rights set out here relate to people classed as employees. Workers –

Employment Law – Family friendly rights

Employment Law – Family friendly rights

There are many family-friendly statutory rights available in the workplace. As an employee, it is important to understand what these are.This factsheet looks at rights relating to maternity and paternity leave and pay, shared parental leave and employment policies which can help give you flexibility

Misconduct at work

Misconduct at work

An employee needs to be aware of the type of behaviour which is unacceptable in the workplace. It is therefore usual for your employer to set out in your contract or staff handbook the types of behaviour which they consider to be misconduct and which they may take formal disciplinary action for.Defi