Ms. S. Acheson, employed by Avon Fire and Rescue Service, was found to have been subjected to direct sex discrimination, harassment on the grounds of sex and sexual orientation, victimisation, and unfair dismissal. Background After a successful career as a rugby player for England, Ms. Acheson joined the Avon Fire and Rescue Service and trained as a firefighter. Throughout her career, she faced persistent derogatory and offensive comments. The acts of discrimination referenced in the tribunal hearing included: Being offered a promotion in return for…
‘Just drop a line to the big dog and get it signed off.’ Sweat puddles. What’s the CEOs name? What’s my name? Where am I? If you’ve been caught short in the name game, then this one is for you. Visibility and clarity come as standard with our brand-new organisational chart. Bye-bye company confusion Forget bumpy onboarding and company confusion, dive headfirst into workforce visibility. With our new org chart, a couple of clicks and you’ll see everyone in their rightful place. For the hard…
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and acknowledgment the contributions and history of black people. In the UK, it began in 1987, inspired by its American counterpart, to shed light on black achievements, resilience, and the rich cultural heritage that often gets overlooked. Celebrations for BHM month in the UK take on many forms. Communities often organise events such as educational workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions to highlight the contributions of black people throughout history. Schools and universities might host lectures, film screenings,…
Dangerously exposed to sexual harassment claims? Pulling out static policies will no longer cut the mustard (if it ever really did!) What's changing? Imagine. You’re the HR manager of an esteemed Insta-friendly hospitality brand. Party season is in full flow, and you’ve just heard about complaints of sexual advances made toward front-of-house staff going unheeded. How confident are you that everything which should be in order, is in order? Looming legislative changes will soon require employers to prevent workplace sexual harassment. If you haven’t grappled…
With the Labour Party planning to introduce a day-one right to protection from unfair dismissal for all employees, this move may heighten the significance of having a probation period in place. Under current UK legislation, employees with less than two years of service cannot make an unfair dismissal claim to a tribunal. This allows employers to streamline the dismissal process for new recruits who are not meeting performance standards. However, it is anticipated that this new legislation might exclude dismissals within the probationary period, though…
As businesses move forward in a post-pandemic world, many are reconsidering remote and hybrid working arrangements and even contemplating a full return to the workplace. However, bringing employees back isn’t as simple as sending an email – it requires careful attention to legal obligations and employee rights. Let’s dive into how to navigate the legal landscape when asking employees to return to the workplace. Understanding the legal foundation Before you ask your employees to return in-person, it’s important to understand the legal framework surrounding workplace…
Onboarding is a broad term that captures many of the critical moments from the moment when your new candidate accepts their job offer from your business. Onboarding is the process that ensures your new starters are ready for whatever comes at them, whether they’re based at home or in the office. But if your new starter joined your business virtually, and you’re planning on moving back to the office, or your employee has just returned from a long period of absence you should you consider…
Carefully determining objectives and setting company-wide goals can make the difference between success and floundering failure. Every company will have different objectives, and there is no one-size-fits-all option, but a great strategy can be universal. Executing goals consistently is a serious challenge for organisations, and cascading goals help organisations to establish common goals at every level of their hierarchy. This is so everyone can work towards the same goal in different ways, and individual actions can take your organisation one step closer to its vision.…
Is navigating the ever-changing types of leave available to parents giving you a case of baby brain? Fear not. We’ve pulled together our ultimate paternity leave FAQs especially for employers and HR professionals. What is paternity leave? Paternity leave is an optional leave of absence that partners may take to bond with their new child. It’s essential that you, as a business, know your responsibilities. Although the word ‘paternity’ itself refers to men, Statutory Paternity Leave and Pay is available to eligible employees regardless of…
In a landmark tribunal ruling, Gary Rooney, a former director at X’s European headquarters, was awarded a record-breaking €550,000 (roughly £470,000) for unfair dismissal. The case, rooted in the drastic cultural shift following Elon Musk's takeover, underscores the complexities and risks businesses face when implementing abrupt changes in workplace culture. With the rise of Musk’s “hardcore” work ethic, Rooney’s dismissal has sparked significant legal and ethical debates, highlighting the importance of fair employment practices during times of change. The facts The case revolves around an…
