Many would like to think that sexual harassment in the workplace was a thing of the past, something our progressive modern world has left behind – like boozy lunches, typing pools and overflowing desktop ashtrays. But if the recent sexual harassment allegations around presidential-nominee Donald Trump's past conduct serve any purpose, it's that they remind us that sexual harassment is an issue women in all types roles face in the workplace. Now, findings from a recent TUC survey bear out the stark reality of sexual…
Effective absence management is a year-round consideration for employers, but it can be a particular problem during periods of miserable weather. While it's never fun to think of winter during the height of summer, sensible employers know they need to plan ahead for the darker seasons. Yes winter is coming, and it could be even colder and snowier than usual. Advanced weather models are predicting months of heavy snowfall, with conditions expected to mirror those of winter 2009/10 – the so-called “the Big Freeze”, when…
Research by the Equality and Human Rights Commission to be published September 2016 has found that employees with poor mental health earn up to 42% less than their colleagues. Put another way, for every one pound earned by a male worker without a mental health condition, a colleague who suffers phobias or panic attacks earns 58 pence. The findings have prompted claims of discrimination in the workplace against people with mental health problems, with the commission calling them a “hidden disgrace” and the Men’s Health…
A recent European Court of Justice (ECJ) case has examined the issue of religious clothing in the workplace, but those looking for a definitive ruling in this sensitive area may be disappointed. The ECJ’s decision in Samira Achbita v G4S Secure Solutions, delivered in June 2016, goes some way to clarifying the position. Ultimately, however, the ruling suggests employers should consider whether their own policies discriminate. Religious clothing – background to the case Ms. Achbita worked for Belgian-based G4S Secure Solutions who operated a policy…
Reported hate crime has risen 42% since our vote for BREXIT, presenting employers with perhaps their first tangible HR challenge since the historic decision to leave. The vote split the UK’s population in half, with 52 per cent of voters backing BREXIT and 48 per cent voting to remain. And in a frightening reaction to the vote, anti-Polish cards have been handed out in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, and a sharp rise in the number of people being told to ‘go back home’ – with chants such…
Employment Status Types can be complicated in the modern working environment. And they can cost business a lot of money too – HMRC collected £737m last year alone from non-compliance, predominantly from SMEs. So how do you protect your business? Tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition, and yawn, and stretch, and try to come to life… The opening lyrics there from Dolly Parton’s 1980 smash hit '9 to 5' and, like this picture, a reminder of…
Sporting tournaments engage the nation in a rare sense of communal endeavour, with football – the country's most-supported sport - generating the most interest. Bunting will be hung, songs will be sung. And while this is a (mostly) regular occurrence for England, this summer will see three of the four home nations competing, meaning 92% of Brits (sorry Scotland) will have skin in the game. This is the first time since 1986 that three of the home nations will be appearing together at a major…
Everyone knows that a good reputation can take a lifetime to build, and a second to destroy. A good reputation will help to attract new business, and will also mean that the best people in the industry will want to work for your company. However, a case of discrimination in the workplace could not only cost you thousands of pounds in claims, but could also tarnish the reputation that your company has worked so hard to build up. What should employers be aware of? Not…
When conflicts occur in the workplace it is crucial that you manage them swiftly and appropriately. Whether as a result of an argument, a person taking offence on how instructions are given or even personality clashes, an unsettled workforce will bring productivity, and workplace moral, crashing down. Why should employers have mediators? It is crucial to diffuse a situation before it escalates into a more serious matter. Remember, early intervention will save you both time and money. Mediation in the work place can be an…
We live in an age where image is everything. With the advent of social and professional networking sites, it has become more important than ever for candidates to present their best side to potential employers. So how can candidates survive being discriminated against just by the way they look online and how can employers make sure they are getting the right candidates? According to recent LinkedIn research 98% of professionals do not want to see photographs on CVs or Resumes in the UK and USA.…
