Many parents rely on schools being open to allow them to go to work. So, what happens when schools unexpectedly close during term time, as will be the case for many schools in Northern Ireland on 21st February and on various other dates in GB when teachers go on strike? With no way of knowing… Continue Reading »
An employer has a duty to make reasonable adjustments for employees (and applicants for employment) with a disability. In this article we look at this duty in more detail and highlight a few key considerations for employers. The first thing to consider is the definition of “disability”. The law defines a disabled person as someone… Continue Reading »
We have been getting a few queries about whether employers have to give employees an extra day off due to the extra bank holiday this year for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Generally speaking, unless an employee’s contract provides for them to be given all bank holidays as leave, there is no entitlement to an extra… Continue Reading »
The significant rise in National Minimum Wage (NMW) in the UK coming into effect in April 2022 will affect any employer who engages workers at, or close to, minimum wage levels. Employers will be wise to consider in advance which employees will be affected, both those who will need to have their pay increased due… Continue Reading »
The government has introduced two changes to the Statutory Sick Pay scheme in the last few days. Firstly, last Friday 17th December, it was announced that, to assist GP surgeries roll out the vaccine booster, that employees could self-certify for absences up to 28 days, rather than the usual 7 days. Only if an absence… Continue Reading »
After the work Christmas party was ruled out last year (with Downing Street apparently a possible exception), many organisations are again venturing out for a Christmas meal and social event. Clearly with covid still with us, this year’s work Christmas party will likely not be quite the same as other years with many organisations choosing… Continue Reading »
October 2021 has been designated as “World Menopause Awareness month” by the International Menopause Society (IMS), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), with the aim of raising awareness of the issue and support options. We are therefore taking the opportunity to highlight related issues that may occur in the workplace. It is becoming… Continue Reading »
It was recently reported that a female former employee successfully claimed sexual harassment against the Bank of Ireland. In this article, we consider what employers can learn from the case. The Tribunal found that, despite an independent report instigated by the Bank finding that the incidents complained of were not serious, the Claimant had in… Continue Reading »
For those operating in the Republic of Ireland we have a brief update on changes in the jurisdiction. The section on “Right to Disconnect” may be of interest to readers operating in NI and GB as this is something that is on the agenda and gathering momentum in these jurisdictions. The Republic of Ireland updates… Continue Reading »
If an employer pays employees more than statutory maternity pay when on maternity leave, does this mean that the employer is also obliged to enhance pay for other types of family leave? In this article, we look at some of the other types of family leave and advise on what employers should consider regarding each… Continue Reading »