Amanda Sanders (UK)

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UK: Changes in employment law current rates and limits – April 2023

April marks the annual increase in the limits (maximum and minimum) applying to certain awards of Employment Tribunals and other amounts payable under employment legislation. Employers should ensure that they are aware of these changes and make adjustments where appropriate. Maximum Compensation Limits From 6 April 2023, there will be increases to the maximum compensation … Continue reading

CMA Advice on how to avoid anti-competitive behaviour

On 9 February the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) published a short guidance note for employers on how to avoid anti-competitive behaviour. The aim of the guide is to boost compliance with the rules regarding anti-competitive behaviour and to remind employers of their legal obligations.  The CMA points out that anti-competitive agreements can negatively impact … Continue reading

Employment Law – What to expect in 2023

Last year saw little legislative changes in the UK with regard to employment law.  However, there may be changes of interest for employment lawyers over the coming year.   This blog post looks at what changes employers can expect in relation to employment law this year and what steps they should be taking to prepare for … Continue reading

Employment law – Government backing of Private Members Bills

In the Queen’s speech in December 2019 the Government announced its intention to bring about changes to employment laws in a new Employment Bill.  These changes included provisions relating to carers leave, extension of protection for employees on maternity leave, rights regarding tips and gratuities, the right to request a more predictable and stable contract … Continue reading

Can an employer settle future statutory claims in a settlement agreement?

Employees may have claims against their employer that can arise during the recruitment process, the employment or on termination.  In this case, the parties may enter into a formal settlement agreement to settle most statutory employment claims.  In order for any such agreement to be binding it must satisfy certain conditions.  The extent of these … Continue reading

UK Government to reform or revoke retained EU law

On 22 September 2022, the UK Government introduced the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill, pursuant to which all EU law introduced into the UK legal system following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union on 31 January 2020 (Retained EU Law) must be reviewed and either replaced with new domestic legislation or automatically … Continue reading

Part Year workers holiday not pro-rated

The UK Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed the appeal in the case of Harpur Trust v Brazel which considered the holiday entitlement of those workers who are on permanent contracts but only work for part of the year (part year workers). The claimant was a part-time music teacher who worked variable number of hours during … Continue reading

Philosophical and religious beliefs: Balancing the issues

Two recent employment cases regarding “gender critical” beliefs have highlighted the difficulties in this area and whether such beliefs are capable of protection under the Equality Act 2010. Religion or belief is one of the nine protected characteristics covered by the Equality Act 2010.  The Act prohibits direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation in … Continue reading

The Employment proposals in the Queen’s Speech: Absence of the Employment Bill

On 10 May at the State Opening of Parliament, the legislative intention of the Government for the next parliamentary session was set out in the Queen’s Speech.  Despite the speech containing proposals for 38 new laws, the long awaited Employment Bill was omitted. The Employment  Bill, which was first proposed in 2019, was intended to … Continue reading

UK: New guidance for employers on living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19.

On April 1st, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued guidance for employers on living safely and reducing the spread of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 to replace the previous ‘Working Safely Guidance’ after the relaxing of COVID-19 measures in the UK. The guidance outlines ways employers can aim to reduce the spread of respiratory … Continue reading

Steps for Employers after the ending of COVID-19 restrictions

On 21 February 2022, the UK Government announced its plan to end remaining COVID-19 restrictions in England.  These include, from 24 February, the removal of the legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test;  and the requirement to wear face-coverings in public spaces and on public transport; and, from 1 April, the withdrawal of free … Continue reading

The right of substitution in worker status cases.

The UK Court of Appeal has delivered its judgement in another case looking at the issue of employment status regarding those working in the gig economy. In the UK there are three levels of employment status: Self-employed, worker and employee.  Determining employment status is important for understanding the employment rights to which an individual is … Continue reading

UK Government Consultation on Flexible Working

On 23 September 2021, the UK Government launched a consultation on flexible working arrangements.  The consultation considers reforms to the existing flexible working regulations and is seeking views on proposals to ensure that the framework supports flexible working in all its forms. The consultation considers five areas for review: Making the right to request flexible … Continue reading

Disciplinary actions and dismissals

Paul Griffin, Amanda Sanders and Joanna MacKenzie consider how to handle disciplinary and dismissal matters, and the additional requirements that employers should consider in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the future workplace. This article was originally published in PLC Magazine The PDF is available: Disciplinary actions and dismissals PDF… Continue reading

The National Minimum Wage and care workers who sleep in: Supreme Court decision

The Supreme Court handed down its decision in the joined cases of Royal Mencap Society v Tomlinson-Blake and Shannon v Rampersad and another (T/A Clifton House Residential Home) which concern an employee’s right to the national minimum wage for periods of time when they are required to remain at home on their shift and/or residential … Continue reading
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