Stale equality training will not provide employers with a defence to discrimination claims

In the case of Allay (UK) Limited v Gehlen, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has recently reinforced the importance of up-to-date equality training for employees. Without it, employers may struggle to successfully demonstrate that they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace and will, therefore, be potentially liable for …

Stale equality training will not provide employers with a defence to discrimination claims Read More »

Brexit: Trade deal implications for UK Employment Law

The most immediate impact for employers of the expiry of the Brexit transition period is the end of freedom of movement which has significant implications for maintenance of an international workforce, business travel, international secondments and transnational recruitment between the UK and the EU.   Our previous Be Aware on the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement …

Brexit: Trade deal implications for UK Employment Law Read More »

Coronavirus: 2021 – Key information for employers as 2021 begins

January 2021: The start of a new year; a year which was hoped by so many to be the start of a return to business as normal. However, in recent weeks, it had become increasingly clear that the coronavirus pandemic would continue to have a significant impact on employers for many months to come. This …

Coronavirus: 2021 – Key information for employers as 2021 begins Read More »

End of the Brexit transition period and the UK/EU Trade Agreement

At 11 pm on 31 December, the Brexit transition period will finish and this will mark the end of freedom of movement between the United Kingdom and European Union. For EU nationals already resident in the UK, they can continue to live and work in the UK; however they must make an application under the …

End of the Brexit transition period and the UK/EU Trade Agreement Read More »

CJRS extended to end of April 2021 with no change to employer contribution levels

In a surprise announcement on 17 December the Government made a further extension to the CJRS furlough scheme, extending it to the end of April 2021 and retaining the level of support at 80% of wages. The announcement comes on the same day that large parts of the country moved from Tier 2 to Tier …

CJRS extended to end of April 2021 with no change to employer contribution levels Read More »

Government consultation on non-compete covenants and exclusivity provisions

The Government has today published two consultation papers looking at reforming the use by employers of exclusivity provisions and non-compete clauses in employment contracts.   The  new measures are being proposed as part of the Government’s commitment to “build back better” after the COVID-19 pandemic and aim to allow workers greater freedom to find new or …

Government consultation on non-compete covenants and exclusivity provisions Read More »

Coronavirus: Tiers, travel and Christmas bubbles – the latest COVID-19 developments impacting on employers

On 23 November 2020, the Prime Minster announced that England’s second national lockdown would come to an end on 2 December 2020 and that, on this date, England would revert to a revised and strengthened tier system of local restrictions, allowing many businesses to reopen. End of second national lockdown Whilst the 2 December 2020 …

Coronavirus: Tiers, travel and Christmas bubbles – the latest COVID-19 developments impacting on employers Read More »

Coronavirus: Updated guidance for employers on the extended CJRS impacts on notices of termination

Update: On 13 November the Government published updated guidance, together with the Treasury Direction implementing the extended scheme.  Both the guidance and the Direction make it clear that for claim periods starting on or after 1 December 2020 employers cannot claim for any days on or after 1 December 2020 during which the furloughed employee …

Coronavirus: Updated guidance for employers on the extended CJRS impacts on notices of termination Read More »

Coronavirus: CJRS extended until end March 2021

The Chancellor has today announced to the House of Commons that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will be extended until the end of March 2021, with employers only required to contribute NICs and employer pensions contributions during this time.  However, there will be a review in January 2021 to see if the economic position has …

Coronavirus: CJRS extended until end March 2021 Read More »

UK government releases immigration Statement of Changes

With only a matter of weeks to go until the Brexit transition period comes to an end, the UK government has now released its Statement of Changes to the UK Immigration Rules. The update formalises the previous government proposals set out in its July 2020 policy paper. The statement is the most voluminous Statement of …

UK government releases immigration Statement of Changes Read More »

Coronavirus: New developments impact on employers as 3-tier restrictions announced

UPDATE: 13 October 2020. Following the publication of further guidance yesterday evening and this morning, we have updated our article below. Following the much-trailed publicity over the weekend, the Prime Minister has now announced that the 3-tier measures set out in the table below will be introduced in England on Wednesday 14 October 2020.  It …

Coronavirus: New developments impact on employers as 3-tier restrictions announced Read More »

Coronavirus Job Retention Bonus: Government guidance published

The Government has today issued detailed guidance on the Job Retention Bonus scheme and what employers need to do to make a claim.  It has also issued Examples of employer deciding which employees will meet the minimum income threshold for the Job Retention Bonus, as well as a Treasury Direction setting out the legal framework …

Coronavirus Job Retention Bonus: Government guidance published Read More »