What are the rules surrounding menopause in the workplace?
The menopause has always been a sensitive subject. However, thanks to a few high-profile mentions and a recent government enquiry, it is now something that is starting to be better addressed by employers and the law. Impact of the menopause… Read on
Knowing your rights to take time off work for family reasons
Occasionally you may need to attend to a family situation, regardless of whether it is planned or an emergency. When that happens, it can be helpful and important to know your rights in relation to taking time off work. Taking… Read on
Can I work while on maternity leave?
Your statutory maternity leave entitlements Statutory maternity leave is 52 weeks. This is divided into: Ordinary Maternity Leave: covers the first 26 weeks Additional Maternity Leave: covers the last 26 weeks. You do not have to take the… Read on
Can my employer force me back to work if I can work from home?
While some people do not like to work from home and are keen to get back to their workplace, others may be anxious about an in-person return – either because of Covid or other reasons such as poor mental health.… Read on
Women on boards: FTSE companies face sanctions for lack of progress
One in five of the UK’s biggest companies are failing to increase diversity on their boards of directors at a quick enough pace, according to the Investment Association (the trade body which represents UK investment managers). Out of 350 companies… Read on
Statutory payments to increase from April 2019
The annual increase of certain benefits in England, Wales and Scotland is due to take effect from early next month. Benefits generally rise in line with inflation. This year, the key changes are: statutory sick pay will increase from £92.05… Read on
Part-time worker was treated less favourably than full-timer by British Airways
The Court of Appeal recently ruled that a part-time member of BA’s cabin crew was treated less favourably than her full-time equivalent by being paid only 50% of full-pay for working 53.5 % of her comparator’s hours. Facts In the… Read on
ECJ rules foster parents are not workers
The European Court has ruled that work performed by foster parents under contracts with a pubic authority does not fall within the scope of the Working Time Directive (WTD). Consequently, foster parents are not entitled to paid rest periods or… Read on
Gender diversity in the boardroom: FTSE 350 companies need to do more
An independent review aimed at increasing the number of women in board positions at FTSE 350 companies has published its latest report which reveals that these companies need to do more to meet the target of women holding 33% of… Read on
Parental bereavement law not expected until 2020
There is currently no legal requirement for employers to provide paid time off for parents whose child has died. The government previously pledged to introduce a new entitlement for parental bereavement leave and pay and, in September 2018, the Parental… Read on
Government to consult on greater parental pay transparency
The government has announced that it will consult on requiring employers with more than 250 staff to publish their parental leave and pay policies, so job applicants can make informed decisions about whether they can combine the role with caring… Read on
Paternity rights: government confirms it won’t make changes
The government has responded to recommendations made by a parliamentary committee earlier this year on how to improve take up of paternity rights by fathers, which are currently low. For example, recently published research on the gender pay gap found… Read on
Shared parental leave: dad not entitled to enhanced pay rules EAT
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has dismissed a claim of sex discrimination from a father who claimed his employer should pay him the same enhanced pay as a female employee on maternity leave when he took shared parental leave. In… Read on