Employment Law Updates

One question often asked by employers at this time of year is whether they are obliged to pay its employees a Christmas bonus if they have done so in earlier years. Are employers legally obliged to pay their staff a Christmas bonus? Each case is different – In the first instance, employers should check the […]

Christmas party season is almost in full swing and with it comes the likelihood of a workplace claim as the result of inappropriate conduct. At Employment Law Services (ELS), we strongly advise that employers are aware of their legal obligations to their employees. Inviting your staff In the first instance, it should not be made […]

At present, the weekly rate of statutory maternity pay is £140.98 or 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings whichever is lower. This is set to increase from April 2018 to £145.18. In addition, on the 1st April 2018, the rates of statutory paternity pay and shared parental pay will increase from £140.98 to £145.18 or […]

Last week was anti bullying week and it serves as a reminder for employers to consider the growing concern of cyber-bullying in the workplace. Cyber-bullying is defined as “the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature” and can be treated much the same as […]

As an employer, it pays to be fully prepared for whatever weather this winter may throw at you – whether its wind, rain, storms or snow and ice. Winter in the UK often brings its own set of workplace problems. Severe weather conditions can result in staff absence due to travel disruption and seasonal commemorations […]

In October 2016, the Employment Tribunal ruled that two drivers who were employed as gig-economy workers by Uber should have been classed as ‘workers’ under the Employment Rights Act 1996. This landmark ruling confirmed that the firm were then obliged to pay its drivers the national minimum wage, sick pay and holiday pay.  This ruling has […]

The aftermath of the Weinstein scandal has placed the spotlight on sexual harassment reporting yet again. Often, victims of sexual harassment are hesitant to report such incidents as they fear it will back fire or no-one will believe such an allegation. It is crucial that businesses have clear guidelines to prevent this from occurring and […]

Recent headlines which saw Sainsburys announce they would be cutting 2,000 jobs, BAE Systems almost the same and Vauxhall 400, has highlighted the importance of businesses having the correct HR and legal resources to ensure organisations are following a fair and proper process. Smaller companies rarely have inhouse resources to assist with similar problems, thus, making small […]