Category: Employment
December 2016
The Christmas Party - An Employer's Liability
Author: Matthew Kilgannon
Background
Christmas parties can be a hot bed issues for business owners and HR. With Christmas parties in full swing, the High Court has recently delivered a decision that provides a timely reminder of the extent of your liability at such events.
June 2016
Brexit Impact on Employment Law
Author: Emily Kidd
As we begin the journey to move forward from the vote to leave the EU, we consider the implications for employment law of Brexit.
June 2016
Employer's disciplinary investigation was not an invasion of privacy
Author: Daniella Magennis
In the case of Garamukanwa v Solent NHS Trust, the Employment Appeal Tribunal considered whether it was a breach of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) for employers to use personal material stored on an employee’s mobile phone in disciplinary investigations against that same employee where such content has an effect on work-related matters.
April 2016
Suspension of Childcare Vouchers During Maternity Leave
Author: Daniella Magennis
INTRODUCTION
Many employers offer employees childcare vouchers under a salary sacrifice scheme. This allows employees to benefit from tax and national insurance savings.
April 2016
Recruiting and Retaining Transgender Staff
Author: Daniella Magennis
On 26 November 2015, the Government Equalities Office issued guidance for employers on recruiting and retaining transgender employees. This new advice has been produced in collaboration with the UK’s leading inclusion and diversity experts, Inclusive Employers, who work with employers to achieve an inclusive culture in the workplace. Correspondingly, the recently published guide offers useful practical suggestions and ideas on how employers can implement new strategies in the running of their organisation to afford more consideration to transgender employee needs; thereby creating an ethos that engenders dignity to all workers, allows every member of staff to feel included and complies with the law.
March 2016
How To Restrict The Activities of Former Employees
Author: Matthew Kilgannon
We often advise clients regarding the enforceability, or otherwise, of clauses seeking to limit the activities of former employees. Most people are of the view that such clauses cannot be enforced, but, if properly drafted; such post-termination restrictions can be enforceable.
March 2016
Budget Update and Other Employment Law Changes 2016
Author: Emily Kidd
As we digest the effect of today’s budget on our lives, I set out below a summary of the implications for employers.
February 2016
How Effective Are Your Contracts of Employment?
At Downs, we regularly review and draft Service Agreements for Directors and contracts of employment (whether for full-time staff, part-time staff, fixed term appointments, home workers, zero hours etc). Doing so enables us to highlight some important areas for you to consider.
February 2016
Social Media Misconduct – Relying on Stale Information
Author: Keith Potter
It is frequently said that an employer ought to act promptly when made aware of information which may involve a breach of a disciplinary rule, particularly in cases where the possible penalty is dismissal.
February 2016
Dismissals and Inconsistency of Treatment
Author: Keith Potter
From time to time employers are faced with cases in which two or more employees have taken part in an instance of misconduct, often one involving violent or threatening behaviour. The employer may take the view that the conduct of one of the participants was more reprehensible than that of the other(s). Is the employer entitled to differentiate between the employees as regards the disciplinary sanctions that it imposes?
