Practical Law

Working from home has taken centre stage over the last two years. In many industry sectors, it has been necessitated by the pandemic and the restrictions on interaction and travel. It has also evolved to become the preferred way of working for vast numbers of office workers.  It isn’t limited to office environments. In April … Continue reading Right to disconnect: should it happen in the UK? →

The UK labour market is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of workers, causing supply chain chaos and economic uncertainty. Recruitment for both permanent and temporary jobs is more challenging than it has even been for some industry sectors and the haulage industry is perhaps where this has been most clearly visible.  The Institute for Fiscal Studies … Continue reading How can employers best deal with the current skills shortage and recruitment and retention issues? →

There are few who have been unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Fewer still who wouldn’t wish to see our current restrictions lifted to enable a return to the freedom enjoyed before March 2020.  These constraints have resulted in rising unemployment, closures of businesses, damage to physical and mental health, illness and frustration among many.   The … Continue reading Can employees be prevented from attending work, or restricted in their duties, until they provide proof of vaccination and, if so, what are they entitled to be paid? →

“The fact that individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds are less likely to be in work, and when in work, are less likely to be fulfilling their potential is wrong and must change.” This is a powerful statement with which few would disagree. It is also consistent with other disadvantaged groups who, despite … Continue reading How can employers increase diversity in the workplace? →

The Treasury has reported that more than eight million UK workers have been furloughed since the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) was introduced in mid-March 2020. The self-employed equivalent scheme has seen more than two million applications for grants so far, which could mean a total of approximately one-third of the working population of the … Continue reading Is consultation on health and safety required before a return to work?  →

In most cases, a worker has no right to receive an employment reference when they leave their job. Whether this is adequate is up for debate.    “I am determined to make the UK the best place to work and grow a business  – including levelling the playing field between employees and employers.“  These words in late … Continue reading Is it time to reform employment references? →

The law governing holiday pay has been an evolving minefield over the last few years. As a continuously changing concept and a benefit that is of particular importance to all workers, the issue is invariably in focus.

The definition of mental health as “a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being” isn’t suggestive of a negative state. Yet the stigma surrounding it is one of weakness and indignity. Conversely, supporting those with physical impairments has for decades required employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to … Continue reading Mental health first aid at work →