Spirit HR News
ET constructive dismissal decision overturned
A 999 ambulance controller's claim of constructive unfair dismissal has been sent back to a Manchester Employment Tribunal for reconsideration following appeal against the original decision.
Date: 07/02/2012
Are you on safe ground to refuse overtime to your workers?
In a recent Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) case an employer's right to refuse overtime and Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR) were considered and found in the company's favour.
The case is Arriva London South Limited and Nicolaou. Mr Nicolaou had successfully claimed victiminsation following Arriva's refusal to grant overtime at Employment Tribunal (ET).
Date: 25/01/2012
Parental leave increases from three to four months
Parental Leave increases on 8 March 2012 from 3 to 4 months. Employers should ensure they are up to date with all the current family related legislation.
Date: 18/01/2012
Employment Tribunal Awards Increases February 2012
Certain employment tribunal awards increase in February 2012, including unfair dismissal, and a week's pay, adding to employer's costs.
Date: 18/01/2012
Introducing fees at employment tribunals – have your say
It has to be good news for business owners that the Ministry of Justice has opened up consultation to seek opinion about the proposed claim charging system for employees who wish to make a claim. These claims are currently funded by the taxpayer, whether genuine or not.
Date: 18/01/2012
UK Pension Reforms - 2012
UK employers will have to deal with major reforms to workplace pensions that will be implemented from October 2012. The reforms will affect all employers, irrespective of their size or type of business.
Date: 21/12/2011
Fees introduced for employees making Employment Tribunal claims
Workers with grievances will face a fee to make complaint to an Employment Tribunal (ET) from April 2013. Consultation starts November 2011 amid fears that it will exclude genuine poorer prospective claimants.
Date: 08/11/2011
Have serial claimants like this led to ET changes?
Small business owners are vulnerable to vexacious employment tribunal claims from people. A serial claimant was exposed in 2010. In 2011 the government started consultation to introduce fees for people to lodge claims from April 2013
Date: 08/11/2011
London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Games present a management challenge as employers should start planning for the impact on business. The recruiter Badenoch & Clark found that one in six people would consider taking a 'sickie' to watch the games
Date: 08/11/2011
Business Planning in quiet periods
Use quiet period in business, including Christmas, to plan for the coming 12 months at least. Align your business strategy to your employee's objectives to maximise on staff skills.
Date: 08/11/2011
Let's Party – it's Christmas, or should we?
The annual Christmas party is fraught with new danger since the new Equality Act came into for. Unacceptable behaviour, binge drinking, and venues that exclude some workers present a huge problem for employers.
Date: 08/11/2011
Is Facebook or Twitter good for your business?
Employers not clued up with social media could be falling victim to breaches in confidentiality and employee's inappropriate postings that identify colleagues.
Date: 08/11/2011
Employment Tribunals Service annual statistics 2010/2011
Employment Tribunals show a small decrease in claims for 2010/2011, however, the overall trend for increasing claims is still evident. Claims of Age discrimination have the highest percentage, however, claims under Part-Time workers regulations have trebled and those under the Working Time Directive continue to increase.
Date: 20/10/2011
Are you ready for the seasonal sickness hike?
Office of National Statistics reports on the annual sickness absence peak over the winter period. Spirit HR sets out Top Tips for managing absent employees.
Date: 20/10/2011
Increase to National Minimum pay rates from 1 October 2011
National Minimum pay rates increase in October 2011. Employers should make the uplift to pay on 1 October.
Date: 30/09/2011
Employee's sexuality revealed
Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality was found in the case of Grant v HM Land Registry following a number of discriminatory comments and acts by Grant's line manager.
Date: 30/09/2011
Unorthodox dismissal process or financially necessary business decision?
Following financial pressures and central government cuts Shropshire Council take a bold more to reduce staff costs. Unison, unable to agree to changes following consultation and negotiation with the council, may ballot on industrial action.
Date: 30/09/2011
Everyone's talking Pension Reform
The new pension reforms need careful attention by all employers.
Date: 07/09/2011
The Bribary Act 2010 comes into force
The Bribery Act 2010 will test company's policies and processes for ensuring transparacy and and fair play in business-dealings.
Date: 06/07/2011
Limit on Discrimination Claims
The Court of Appeal has put a limit on discrimination claims after considering joint appeals by respondent and appellant in Wardle V Credit Agricole
Date: 06/07/2011
The Fit Note – has your businesses benefited?
Has the new Fit Note really led to increased attedance at work with employees who would otherwise be off sick attending work sooner and carrying out some work?
Date: 06/07/2011
Hot HR Question re: when an employee walks out
How to handle an employee walking out of work can be challenging. Bosses must understand the full reasons why and ensure they address any internal business issues before just sending out a P45 in anger.
Date: 06/07/2011
Agency Worker changes 2011
The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills has launched guidance on the Agency Workers Regulations 2010.
Date: 25/05/2011
Employer's can have their say on proposed employment law changes
The Department for Business Innovation and Skills has launched a new consultation with regard to changes to Flexible parental leave, Flexible Working, Working Time regulations, Equal Pay
Date: 25/05/2011
Hot HR Question re: Additional Paternity Leave
New employment rights for fathers commence in April 2011 giving up to 26 weeks additional paternity leave that can be transferred from the child's mother. Employer's must understand the qualifying criteria to establish eligibility.
Date: 25/05/2011
It's a matter of policy - obvious ways they could save you money ...
Processes that save money and pay for a business. Processes put into place a flow of actions and provides checks that should reduce potentially costly errors.
Date: 21/04/2011
Hot HR Question re: dealing with possible alcohol problems
From time to time employee's have problems and may turn to alcohol or other substances as a coping mechanism. Finding a way to address these problems, that affect performance at work and colleagues can be challenging, but is possible and necessary.
Date: 21/04/2011
It's a matter of policy - the importance of email and internet policy
Gosden V Lifeline Project Ltd reinforces the importance of internet and email policies for employers in order that they can take action when employees misuse or behave inappropriately online.
Date: 21/04/2011
Hot HR Question re: abolition of default retirement age
The removal of the default retirement age leaves employers needing to find a way to manage employees fairly and equally on the grounds of individual performance, whatever their age.
Date: 21/04/2011
Spirit HR Top Tips - Dealing with Poor Performance
Poorly performing employees cost businesses year on year in their failing to undertake their work at an acceptable standard, in causing low moral among colleagues performing well in their jobs, and in...
Date: 17/02/2011
Spirit HR Top Tips - Setting Objectives
An effective objective setting processes for employees is an efficient tool for businesses to ensure all employees understand the business direction, are working on what the business needs, understand...
Date: 17/02/2011
Spirit HR Top Tips – Sickness Absence
Managing sickness absence can be difficult for managers when they are unsure how to address the problem, unsure what the law is and what employee rights are. Often bosses are so pleased the employee ...
Date: 17/02/2011
Hot HR Question re: Christmas Party
Christmas parties can be a worry for employers wanting to reward employees at the end of a tough year since the risk of some claim increases. Spirit HR suggests companies think about alternatives tha...
Date: 17/02/2011
Hot HR Question re: sickness absence
Managing an employees frequent sickness absence within the bounds of employment law, and avoiding a potentially costly employment tribunal case that could include unfair dismissal or disability discri...
Date: 17/02/2011
Unfair Dismissal Qualifying Period
The Government seems to be considering a change to the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims made to employment tribunal. While at Act of Parliament is not required to make the change, consul..
Date: 17/02/2011
Hot HR Question re: discipline
An Employment Appeal Tribunal has confirmed the important of correctly wording allegations to employees when carrying out discipline processes. Any sanction, including dismissal, could be unfair....
Date: 17/02/2011
Christmas party harassment
A recent Employment Appeal Tribunal case (Nixon v Ross) found harassment and discrimination by an employer following gossip after a Christmas party. This finding comes under the new Equality Act 2010...
Date: 17/02/2011
Rise in employment tribunal claims
Employment tribunal claims are on the rise, which means that employers need to be very aware of how to handle employees. The new Equality Act, introduced in October 2010, provides a raft of protectio...
Date: 17/02/2011
Government Consults on Changes to Retirement Age
The Government is in consultation amid plans to axe the default UK retirement age of 65 years. The plans are to introduce new retirement practices in October 2011...
Date: 17/02/2011
Spirit HR advises on The Equality Act 2010
The new, long awaited Equality Act 2010 comes into force this year. The Act harmonises and streamlines 9 major equality laws and a multitude of smaller laws...
Date: 17/02/2011
Employees £78,000 Award for Harassment Claim
Reports of a successful claim by an employee of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination from a case heard in Manchester a few months ago should make employers sit up and take notice where they ...
Date: 17/02/2011
Employee Rights to ask for time off to study
Requests in relation to study or training As of 6 April 2010, employees in companies with more than 250 staff have a legal right to make a request to take time off work to study or for train. This ...
Date: 17/02/2011
Spirit HR reports on National Minimum Wage 2010
National Minimum Wage, wage rise 2010, 2 per cent pay rise, apprenticeship wage rates all set for october 2010...
Date: 17/02/2011
Spirit HR Top Tips - How to Manage Conflict
Workplaces are a breeding ground for conflict. Business owners and managers need to be able to deal with conflict in the workplace swiftly but professionally to prevent negative outcomes....
Date: 17/02/2011
Spirit HR Top Tips - Difficult Employees
Top tips in how to deal with difficult employees who may be performing in their role, but have challenging behaviours, some of which may leave the business at risk....
Date: 17/02/2011
Spirit HR Top Tips - Resistance to Change
Businesses need to change to continue to stay competitive in tough market conditions. How should managers and business owners deal with resistance to change from employees?...
Date: 17/02/2011
Injury to Feelings Awards - advice to Tribunals
Advice has been given to Employment Tribunals to observe bands when considering injury to feelings awards in discrimination claims....
Date: 17/02/2011
Fit Notes arrive April 2010
The well known system of GPs signing an employee as being ‘sick’ and unable to work is to end in April 2010. This reform will now require GPs to also assess and consider whether their patient is ...
Date: 17/02/2011
Tribunal decision affects Constructive Dismissals
Employers will be delighted to hear that an Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has handed down a decision related to Constructive Dismissal claims made by employees. ...
Date: 17/02/2011
Discrimination – 7 Top Tips to Avoid a Claim
Discrimination protection for employees covers gender, marriage or civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity leave, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic backgroun...
Date: 17/02/2011
Spirit HR Business focussed HR survey - Summer 09
Spirit HR run a series of polls to survey direct from business owners the affects of HR issues on thier business....
Date: 17/02/2011
A dyslexic police forced to resign
Mike reported on www.personneltoday.co.uk "A dyslexic police officer who was branded "lazy" has won £25,000 compensation after being forced to resign because of his disability.Owe...
Date: 17/02/2011
Acas is consulting on a more detailed non-statutor
Acas is consulting on a more detailed non-statutory guidance on handling discipline and grievance in the workplace. The guidance is to support the Code (issued for consultation in May 2008) and ...
Date: 17/02/2011
The CBI issued a news release
The CBI issued a news release claiming "The average UK office worker spends an hour and a half a week of work time surfing the web for personal use, at a cost to the economy of £10.6bn a ye...
Date: 17/02/2011