Only 5% of Private Members’ Bills (legislation proposed by individual MPs, not the Government) ever become law. They’re not deemed particularly important and therefore receive less attention from the parliamentary lawyers who draft legislation. Hence, it was unsurprising that the MP for Anglesey (Ynys Mon), Virginia Crosbie’s ‘Tips Bill’ contained a fair few anomalies. When it received cross-party support and, ultimately, ‘adoption’ by the Government, one might have expected they’d be ironed out by the subsequent Code of Practice and non-statutory guidance. If only! So,…
On-target earnings (OTE) refer to the total potential salary an employee can earn, which includes their base salary and the maximum commission available. This payment structure is commonly used in sales roles to motivate performance and reward success. What is OTE? OTE stands for on-target earnings and is when commissions or bonus is part of an employees salary package. OTE is typically tied to performance, where hitting 100% of targets will result in the full salary being paid. In job advertisements, OTE is often displayed…
Have you ever considered how many of your employees might be juggling work and caring for a loved one? You’d be surprised – there are over 5 million working carers in the UK alone. That’s a significant portion of the workforce balancing the demands of their job with looking after someone at home. It’s time we shine a spotlight on this growing challenge and, more importantly, what businesses can do to offer better support. The truth is, being a carer and an employee can feel…
Whether it’s dealing with the loss of a loved one, a family member’s serious illness, or another major life event, compassionate leave offers the time for employees to take care of personal matters without worrying about their job. Here, we'll cover everything you need to know about compassionate leave in the UK, from how it works, to the rights and responsibilities for both employers and employees. What is compassionate leave? Compassionate leave (also referred to as bereavement or grievance leave) is a special kind of…
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 CEO's 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. A convenient zoom…
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…