June 26, 2020
The recent outrageous killing of George Floyd in the United States has, quite rightly, brought the issues of racial discrimination to the forefront of everyone’s minds. We may be a long way from the United States, but we are also a long way from having racial equality and ethnic diversity in our workplaces. So, what…
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On 1 July, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is replaced by a new scheme that offers more flexibility. To take advantage of this flexible scheme, employers must meet certain eligibility criteria. If you’re confused by the new scheme and you’re not sure if you’re eligible to use it, keep reading! We’ll explain the new job…
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On 29 May, the Chancellor announced changes to the Job Retention Scheme. This includes more flexibility and a requirement for employers to contribute to furlough workers’ wage costs. Read on for helpful answers to FAQs regarding the new Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Q: What is the new COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme? On 1 July…
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June 24, 2020
Are many of your employees still working from home? If yes, you’re perhaps considering how best to effectively manage the process of performance management during this challenging time. The key performance management tools are still applicable, but they need to be adapted to fit the new working environment. Done well, this will help maximise productivity…
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In the urgency of the COVID-19 lockdown, many employers implemented homeworking provisions on the hoof. This frequently meant only cursory consideration of key provisions more normally considered in detail. No risk assessments or consideration of ergonomics; a kitchen chair, table and laptop would do. Failing to consider the potential impact on contractual terms and conditions…
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June 19, 2020
The Test and Trace scheme has been introduced as part of a long-term strategy for the management of COVID-19 outbreaks. As it will be with us for the foreseeable future and may contribute significantly to absences in your workplace, it is worth giving some thought to how it will fit into your absence management policy.…
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June 8, 2020
On Friday 20 March 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out a package of temporary measures to support UK businesses through this period of disruption caused by the COVID-19 / Coronavirus outbreak. One of those packages announced was the Job Retention Scheme, which is a scheme to support employees during the pandemic. This document sets out…
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May 27, 2020
As the COVID-19 lockdown eases, we will slowly return to the workplace. To ensure safety, will employers be changing employee start and finish times? The Government has published guidance on safe working and returning to a range of different types of work. The guidelines are not legal obligations but constitute non-statutory advice for employers. One…
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May 22, 2020
Since the introduction of gender pay gap reporting, you’d hope men and woman doing comparable jobs would be paid the same. But in reality, is pay based on gender? In a recent discrimination case heard by an employment tribunal, a female journalist working for the BBC and presenting a news programme, was paid £440 per episode. Meanwhile,…
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May 19, 2020
The 18 – 24 May 2020 is Mental Health Awareness Week. This year, faced with the ramifications of a global health crisis, it’s more important than ever to look after the mental health of your employees. Inspired by the tremendous acts of kindest we have seen throughout communities across the country, kindness is the chosen…
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May 5, 2020
You’ve heard the clichés of the day, right? We’re in ‘uncharted waters’ during this ‘unprecedented time’ and there will be a ‘new normal’ once it’s over. Like all the best clichés, of course, they’re based on a fundamental truth: the scale of the quarantine, its duration and the global uncertainties around the immediate future. These…
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Thankfully, the signs suggest the UK has passed the peak of COVID-19. Now, thoughts are moving to getting businesses up and running again. This includes returning workers and employees from furlough leave. As you’re aware, the minimum furlough period is three weeks (it can be longer if needed). The Scheme is set to run until…
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