December 2019/January 2020 #206 – Law Journals

Discrimination: Is a ban on classism at work on the cards?

Mark Lafferty examines the feasibility of implementing the Labour Party’s pledge to introduce a new law to tackle class inequality ‘The TUC report suggests that “class” could be added as a new tenth protected characteristic to prohibit direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, victimisation and harassment on this ground.’The Labour Party manifesto includes a pledge to create …

Continue reading "Discrimination: Is a ban on classism at work on the cards?"

This post is only available to members.

Staff procedures: Create or update a drugs, alcohol and smoking policy

Briony Richards continues our series with a look at the issues to consider when drafting a policy to manage drug and alcohol misuse, smoking and vaping at work ‘When faced with an employee who may be abusing drink or drugs, it can be difficult for managers to decide whether to follow the organisation’s disciplinary policy …

Continue reading "Staff procedures: Create or update a drugs, alcohol and smoking policy"

This post is only available to members.

Legal news: Employment update

Jo Broadbent rounds up recent case law and developments affecting employers and their advisers ‘Neither the Race Directive nor other EU Equality Directives require member states to make an employer liable if it has failed to prevent foreseeable harassment of employees by a third party, unless its own conduct is related to race.’ No Equality …

Continue reading "Legal news: Employment update"

This post is only available to members.

2019 election: Déjà vu all over again

Richard Kenyon summarises the promises that the main political parties have been making on workers’ rights ‘The political parties recognise the pulling power of a simple message and are falling over themselves to offer increases to the hourly national minimum wage rate.’ For those of us with a superstitious disposition, Friday the 13th is an …

Continue reading "2019 election: Déjà vu all over again"

This post is only available to members.

Legal reform: New year, new law: what can you expect to see in 2020?

Verity Saxon sets out the changes to employment law that she expects will come into force next year ‘Employers will have to provide the majority of employment particulars in a single document on or before the start of employment.’ A new year always brings about change, so with 2020 just around the corner, what changes …

Continue reading "Legal reform: New year, new law: what can you expect to see in 2020?"

This post is only available to members.

Employee monitoring: New guidance on when covert surveillance breaches privacy

The European Court of Human Rights has set out how to assess whether a covert investigation into suspected misconduct is proportionate. Christopher Hitchins and Emma Phillpot report ‘In practice, it’s key to notify employees of any potential monitoring, perhaps via an employee privacy policy or contract of employment.’ Article 8(1) of the European Convention on …

Continue reading "Employee monitoring: New guidance on when covert surveillance breaches privacy"

This post is only available to members.

Employee health: What employers need to know about the menopause in the workplace

Åsa Waring explores the legal and business case for supporting workers who are going through the menopause ‘The new Acas guidance aims to provide advice for both workers and employers on how to manage the impact of the menopause in the workplace and on what the legal risks may be for employers if they fail …

Continue reading "Employee health: What employers need to know about the menopause in the workplace"

This post is only available to members.