Our monthly employment podcasts are your chance to get the latest insights for employers and HR professionals, direct from our legal experts.
We'll cover the latest employment news that matters to you, so you can stay legally compliant, avoid disputes, and manage your staff effectively.
Episode 33: Criminal allegations, convictions and unfair dismissal
There’s been a lot of talk in the press recently about what an employer can legally do to terminate an employee’s contract of employment where they have been charged with, or have pleaded guilty to, a criminal offence.
This has come to the fore following the UK riots, with the PM saying that the perpetrators will feel the “full force of the law.” With many of these likely to hold jobs, what rights do their employers have when it comes to terminating their employment? And what about the impact on workers worried that their workplaces will be targeted or their commute will be unsafe?
Listen as we discuss:
- What employers should consider if they have a staff member who has been charged with a criminal offence
- How to avoid an unfair dismissal claim
- What frustrated contracts are and how they can work in this instance.
Listen to episode 33 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 32: The New Duty to Prevent Sexual Harassment
Are you aware of the new duty that employers have to prevent their staff from sexual harassment in the workplace?
On 26 October, the new duty comes into force which requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassments and any who are in breach of duty may have to pay additional compensation of up to 25%.
Our latest employment podcast covers:
- The new draft guidance
- What reasonable steps must be taken
- What powers the Equality and Human Rights commission have.
Listen to episode 32 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 31: Changing terms and conditions: Do you know your rights?
Do you know your rights when faced with changing terms and conditions?
Last year the government launched a new statutory code of practice which stated it was going to raise compensation by up to 25%. However, following the suspension of Parliament in the lead up to the General Election this hasn’t been put in place.
In our latest employment podcast, our experts discuss:
- Why business change their terms and conditions
- How an employer should implement this
- How the next government can impact this.
Listen to episode 31 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 30: Workers’ rights under a Labour government
With the latest announcement of an upcoming general election in July, what might life look like for your employees under a Labour Government?
Labour has said that it will publish an Employment Bill within its first 100 days in government.
Hear from our employment law experts in our podcast who map out what this might mean for businesses.
They discuss:
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Employment reforms under a Labour government
- The discussion to end qualifying periods for basic rights, including unfair dismissal, sick pay and parental leave.
- The right to work flexibly.
- Extending statutory maternity and paternity leave.
- Update of trade union legislation.
- Extending time to bring claims in an Employment tribunal.
- Banning 0 hours contracts.
Listen to episode 30 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 29: Redundancies – The Tricky Bits
Do you know your rights when faced with redundancy?
Following recent headlines of job losses at Ted Baker and The Metro Bank, it's important to know whether you're being treated fairly during a redundancy process. Our experts provide essential advice on what you should expect, and what you can do if you feel you've been treated unfairly.
Our experts discuss:
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Settlement agreements and voluntary redundancies.
- What happens if a fixed term contract isn’t renewed?
- Whether employers can introduce subjective criteria.
- What do employers have to consider about employee circumstances?
- Are pregnant employees exempt from redundancy?
Listen to episode 29 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 28: Flexible working: How can you get it right?
What are the benefits of flexible working, and what do employers have to consider?
Our latest employment podcast discusses everything you need to know about flexible working and how your teams can do it effectively.
They discuss:
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What does flexible working mean?
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Recent data around flexible working.
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Can an employee request to work flexibly?
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The importance of trust.
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The value of flexible working for an organisation.
Listen to episode 28 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 27: Spending a Penny: Toilets and the Workplace
Can an employer ask women to use the men’s bathroom or an accessible toilet if they don’t have dedicated female facilities?
In our latest employment podcast, experts Joanne Moseley and Elaine Huttley discuss the legal position about providing staff toilets in the workplace, and the issues surrounding toilet breaks.
They discuss:
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A recent case involving a female employee who worked on a site with no female toilet facilities.
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The law about facilities at work.
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Impacts on pregnant and menopausal employees.
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Can employers turn down requests from employees to go to the toilet?
Listen to episode 27 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 26: Employment law: What’s coming up in 2024?
With the government trying to legislate for more inclusive working practices, there’s plenty of change expected to employment law this year.
In our latest podcast, employment experts Jo Moseley and Elaine Huttley break down all you need to know to plan for the next twelve months.
They discuss:
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The most significant changes taking place this year.
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Legislation for more inclusive work practices.
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Carers leave.
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New protection for new parents facing redundancy.
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New changes to flexible working.
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Changes to tribunals to prevent harassment in the workplace.
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What do employers need to do to prepare?
Listen to episode 26 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 25: Swearing in the workplace.
What are your thoughts on swearing in the workplace? Do you think we’ve become more tolerant of it as a society?
In our latest employment podcast, our experts Joanne Moseley and Elaine Huttley discuss the legal context around swearing in the workplace and potential discrimination issues, alongside practical tips for employers.
They discuss:
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The law surrounding expletives in the workplace.
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When is it appropriate to use expletives?
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Are there potential discriminative issues?
- Can an employer fire someone for swearing?
Listen to episode 25 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 24: Relationships in the workplace
In a 2020 YouGov survey, how many people said they’d met their current partner at work? Should employers implement policies to regulate relationships in the workplace or ban them altogether?
From the legal issues of workplace relationships to what you should include in a policy, and practical advice on how to deal with relationships between managers and the people they supervise, our employment experts Joanne Moseley and Glenn Hayes cover everything you need to know.
They discuss:
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Can employers ban employee relationships?
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What do employers need to consider when employees enter relationships?
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What are the legal issues?
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Can you strike a fair balance between business interests and the rights for staff to choose their relationships?
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How can employees remain professional?
Listen to episode 24 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 23: Everything you need to know about performance management.
What are the general principles of performance management?
In our latest employment law podcast, our experts Jo Moseley and Glenn Hayes cover performance management, what reasonableness looks like in the context of unfair dismissal claims, why you need to make adjustments to the process if an employee is disabled, and more.
They discuss:
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General principles when managing employee’s performance.
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Can employer’s short-cut the process when dismissing an employee?
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Advice for employers after their employees drop performance.
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What adjustments do you need to make when an employee is disabled
Listen to episode 23 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 22: Maternity discrimination in the workplace
In 2016, the government published a report with the Equality and Human Rights Commission which revealed that 11% of mothers had lost their jobs because they'd been dismissed by their employers or been treated so unfairly that they felt they had to leave.
Maternity discrimination in the workplace is still an issue. In our latest podcast, our employment experts provide practical examples of recent cases and explain the laws in place to support women.
They discuss:
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Issues around treatment of bonuses.
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What rights does the employee have when they’ve told their employer they’re pregnant.
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New regulations which will give an employee protection when they’ve announced they’re pregnant.
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Can an employer dismiss an employee after maternity leave?
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Adjustment periods for employees after returning from maternity leave.
Listen to episode 22 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 21: The latest on the Worker Protection Bill changes
Last time, we discussed the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act) Bill, which was making its way through the House of Lords. But there's been some significant changes over the last couple of weeks.
Join Jo and Glenn as they address these and outline what you need to do to prepare.
They discuss:
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The third-party harassment provisions, and the impact on free speech.
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What a Labour government would do to change provisions.
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The “all reasonable steps” defence, and the removal of “all.”
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The different between larger and smaller employers and what they can do to help their employees.
Listen to episode 21 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 20: Protecting your employees from third-party harassment
Before 2008, there was no specific legislation which protected employees from third-party harassment. But the law in this area has changed significantly over the last 10 years.
Our employment experts cover claims employees can bring, what the new Worker Protection Bill says about third party harassment, and more.
They discuss:
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The changes in the law over the last 10 years.
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The three-strike rule.
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The private members bill.
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How difficult is it for employees to bring successful claims?
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Indirect discrimination claims.
Listen to episode 20 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 19: Stamping out sexual harassment in the workplace
A number of high-profile sexual harassment cases have hit the headlines
over recent weeks.
In our latest employment law podcast, our experts Joanne Moseley and Glenn
Hayes cover the concerning number of sexual harassment cases, the
legislation currently going through Parliament, the cost of employers not
taking action, and more.
They discuss:
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The increase of claims that involve ‘banter’.
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‘Me too’ and the workplace.
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Are the cases concentrated in specific sectors?
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Recent high-profile cases.
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How do you deal with complaints?
Listen to episode 19 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 18: How can employers deal with complaints where there is a
conflict of equally lawful views?
To celebrate Pride Month, our host Joanne Moseley sat down with Partner,
Charlotte Rees-John and Senior Associate and co-chair of our IMEqual
network group, Chris Hurlston.
Our experts cover LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace, the lessons you can take
from conflicting beliefs cases, our IMEqual network group, and more.
They discuss:
- Conflicting beliefs amongst staff.
- What Pride means to our guests.
- What are protected characteristics, and when does the protection
apply?
- The changes in cases.
- Has there been an improvement in attitudes towards LGBTQ+
individuals?
- Recent cases which have been brought to tribunal.
Listen to episode 18 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 17: Post Brexit changes to employment law
What changes to employment law has the government announced? And how will
they impact employers?
In our latest podcast, our employment experts Joanne Moseley and Glenn
Hayes cover the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, Working Time
Regulations, rolled up holiday pay, TUPE, and more.
They discuss:
- What the government wants to do, and how will it impact employers?
- Changes to current laws.
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Issues around holiday pay.
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Are there sanctions for not taking leave?
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The 48-hour working week.
Listen to episode 17 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 16: What are the employment issues related to social media?
In our latest podcast, our experts discuss the controversy over Gary
Lineker’s tweet, and the legal issues employers should consider before
taking action against a member of staff who says something they don’t agree
with on social media.
They cover:
- Legal issues employers must consider before taking action.
- What extent can employers take action?
- Does it matter when employees use social media during work hours?
- Do you need a social media policy?
- Can employee use of social media cause reputational damage?
Listen to episode 16 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 15: What counts as a resignation?
If an employee says they intend to resign in the near future, does that
count as a resignation? Is a resignation effective if it’s given verbally?
In our latest episode, host Jo Moseley and employment expert Glenn Hayes
cover the legal principles around resigning and some of the mistakes
employers make.
They discuss:
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Legal principles around resignation.
- What happens if an employee resigns during investigation for
misconduct?
- Can an employee withdraw a resignation?
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Can behaviour indicate a resignation?
Listen to episode 15 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 14: Everything you need to know about the four-day working week
What do we mean when we talk about the four-day working week trial? How
many hours do employees on the trial work compared to their normal hours?
And do they receive the same pay?
In our latest episode, our host Joanne Moseley is joined by a guest
colleague, Elaine Huttley to cover the positive benefits of the four-day
working week, the legal issues employers need to consider before starting a
trial, and more.
They discuss:
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Recent trials with the four-day work week.
- Different approaches to the four-day work week pattern.
- The importance of supporting employee’s health and wellbeing.
- Which sectors will it work well for?
Listen to episode 14 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 13: Problematic new starters and probation periods
How can you make sure you’re hiring a good fit for the job? Why is it
important to get the contract right?
In our latest episode, our experts cover probationary periods, giving
notice to dismiss an employee, changing work arrangements, and more.
They discuss:
- Employment issues that begin at the start of a working
relationship.
- The advantages, legally, of a probationary period.
- Common threads of why an employment relationship can turn sour
quickly.
- Discriminatory elements.
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Clauses in probationary periods.
Listen to episode 13 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 12: Main risks for employers when writing a job advert
What’s the main risk for employers when deciding what to say in a job
advert? Why do they need to be careful about the overall impression it
gives?
In our latest episode, our employment experts look at the legal issues that
could arise from job adverts, alongside some practical examples from recent
cases.
They discuss:
- Discriminatory language used in adverts.
- A good practice checklist.
- What language to use on a job advert.
- What employers need to consider, e.g. risk assessments.
Listen to episode 12 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 11: Hidden disabilities in the workplace
According to the NHS, 1-in-5 of the UK population are disabled and 80% of
these people have a hidden disability.
How are employers expected to know an employee has a disability if they
haven't disclosed it due to fears of discrimination? And what are their
legal responsibilities? Our employment experts answer these questions, and
more, in this latest episode.
They discuss:
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The equality act.
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What are reasonable adjustments?
- Can employers avoid liability if they’re unaware their employee has
a disability?
- Reasons why an employee should disclose their disability.
Listen to episode 11 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 10: What should employers consider when managing ill-health?
What issues do employers have to consider when managing ill-health,
particularly long-term conditions?
In our latest podcast, our employment experts cover the legal definition of
disability, reasonable adjustments, sick pay, long-COVID, and more.
They discuss:
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The impact of COVID working conditions.
- Strike action in the public sector due to burnout and stress.
- What is meant by substantial and long-term illness?
- Can you make adjustments to help employees get back to work?
- Severity of managing long-COVID.
Listen to episode 10 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 9: Government rejects key menopause reforms
Our employment experts discuss the Women and Equalities Committee's
suggestions for helping menopausal women thrive at work, which were
recently rejected by the government.
What recommendations were put forward by the committee? And why did the
government reject them?
In the podcast they discuss:
- Suggestions made by the women and equalities committee.
- High profile campaigns by celebrities such as Davina McCall.
- The roadmap to gender equality.
- Duties on employers to provide reasonable adjustments.
Listen to episode 9 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 8: Conducting workplace investigations
What investigations does an employer have to undertake when they suspect
someone of misconduct, or someone has raised a grievance? And who should
carry out the investigation?
In our latest episode, our experts cover investigations, standard of proof,
how employers can establish facts in situations where it’s one person’s
word against another, and more.
They discuss:
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Where employers can go wrong.
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Standard of proof employers have to meet.
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Employment tribunals.
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Recent cases of investigations in the workplace.
Listen to episode 8 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 7: The right to request flexible working from day one
Do you know when the right to ask to work flexibly first came into force?
In our latest episode, our experts look at how legislation around flexible
working has transformed since 2003, focusing on the four key changes the
government has recently announced.
They discuss:
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Flexible work legislation.
- The disappearance of the 26-week continuous service right.
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Potential impact on retirement ages.
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Misrepresentation of what’s going to change.
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Does working flexibly pose a detriment to the client?
Listen to episode 7 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 6: Can you refuse to employ someone with visible tattoos?
Can employers refuse to recruit someone because they have visible tattoos
or piercings?
In this podcast, our employment experts explore attitudes towards tattoos,
piercings, and hairstyles and how these have changed overtime. They also
discuss the protection the Equality Act 2010 provides against
discrimination.
They cover:
- Legal claims when employers refuse to recruit people for the way
they look.
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Conscious and unconscious impressions.
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Examples of businesses relaxing their views.
- Customer facing roles and their attitudes with tattoos.
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Dress codes in businesses.
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Unfair dismissal claims.
Listen to episode 6 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 5: Added protection against redundancy for new parents and
pregnant women
The new Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Bill
started life as a Private Members' Bill, but it's now being backed by the
government and is likely to become law. Will this actually happen and how
will this protect new parents?
Our experts discuss the proposed changes, the criticisms, when the bill
will come into force, and more.
They cover:
- Increasing interest rates and their link to redundancy.
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Private members bills.
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Different frameworks to consider.
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At what point do pregnant employees have protection?
Listen to episode 5 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 4: What is quiet quitting and what does it mean for your
business?
In this episode, our employment law experts Glenn Hayes and Jo Moseley
discuss the meaning of quiet quitting and how widespread this issue is.
They also explore the different ways employers can keep their staff
motivated.
They cover:
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Is it generational?
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Is it centred on particular types of work?
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Unionized workplaces.
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Can you achieve a balance?
Listen to episode 4 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 3: What legal issues do you need to be aware of before
suspending an employee?
With Acas releasing new guidance on suspending employees, what legal issues
do you need to be aware of before suspending someone?
In our latest episode, we look at how employers should go about dismissing
an employee, how long they should be suspended for, and if they should be
paid.
Our experts discuss:
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The five new points from Acas.
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The impact of suspension.
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Employers right to suspension.
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Are there any rules with timescales?
Listen to episode 3 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 2: Could new government bill fundamentally change employment
law?
In our latest podcasts, our experts cover the sweeping changes being made
to employment law through the government’s new Retained EU Law (Revocation
and Reform) Bill. From the difficulty recruiting good candidates to holiday
pay, we shed light on the potential impacts of getting rid of all EU law by
the end of 2023.
We also discuss the cost-of-living pressures and whether this is likely to
impact National Minimum Wage rates.
They cover:
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Repealing EU legislation.
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What steps should the government take?
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What legislation needs to be introduced?
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Reducing employee benefits.
Listen to episode 2 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
Episode 1: Everything you need to know about holiday pay
How do you work out holiday pay for people who don't work for the whole
year? Can you use the 12.07% figure to calculate holiday entitlement?
With the latest Supreme Court ruling, holiday pay has dominated
discussions. We explain what this means for you.
Our experts discuss:
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Employee rights to 5.6 weeks holiday as a minimum.
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Can an employer pro-rata holiday?
Listen to episode 1 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Captivate.FM
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