HR Zone Members Newswire #154 – Toilet Breaks, Married Employees & Criminal Convictions
This HR Zone Members Newswire issue covers key workplace challenges including toilet break policies, managing married employees working together, maternity leave resignations, and flexible benefits strategies for employers.
Advantages of workplace flexibility mythical suggests survey
Research from The Work Foundation challenges the widespread belief that light labor regulation and weak unions drive employment success. The study shows that European countries like Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands achieve strong job markets while maintaining robust worker protections, suggesting that workplace flexibility alone isn’t the key to economic performance.
Sexual harassment still all too common says EOC
Sexual harassment remains prevalent in workplaces, with roughly one successful case brought to tribunal every week over the past five years, according to the Equal Opportunities Commission. The harassment makes up 22% of all tribunal cases, with average awards exceeding £14,000. Employers can defend claims by demonstrating they took reasonable steps to prevent harassment through clear policies, training, and enforcement.
HR Tip: Rates for overtime work
There is no statutory requirement for overtime pay rates in the UK. Employers can set their own overtime compensation, though national or trade agreements may specify rates. You’re free to pay whatever is necessary to encourage employees to work extra hours.
Book review: Why Should Anyone be Led by You? What it Takes to be an Authentic Leader
Goffee and Jones examine what makes leaders authentic and why followers crave it. Drawing on 20 years of research, this thoughtful book explores how leaders can reveal their humanity while maintaining credibility and creating meaningful performance.
How Did I Get Here? Dawn Jennings, HR Director, NHS Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology
Dawn Jennings, HR Director at NHS Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology, discusses how the NHS workforce excels through integrity and professionalism compared to the private sector, and explains how strategic HR practices and creative thinking help attract and retain talent in a competitive healthcare environment.
A match made in heaven: Top tips for perfect payroll outsourcing
Discover how to choose the right payroll outsourcing partner to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency. Learn key factors including provider experience, industry knowledge, scalability, and communication to ensure a successful long-term partnership.
Male nurse wins chaperoning case
A male nurse has won a sexual discrimination case against an NHS trust that required female chaperones for him during patient care, while female nurses were allowed to provide intimate care to male patients without supervision. The Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled that such gender-based chaperoning policies constitute unlawful direct discrimination, despite acknowledging patient safety concerns.
Equal pay – union in the dock
The GMB union has been found guilty of sex discrimination for inadequate representation in an equal pay case involving 150 women at Middlesbrough Borough Council. The tribunal ruled the union discriminated against members by pressuring them to accept a settlement rather than pursue legal action, with potential compensation exceeding £1 million. The GMB intends to appeal the decision.
TUC furious at pensions ‘smash and grab’ call
The TUC has condemned a proposal allowing employers to cut promised pension benefits, calling it a “smash and grab raid” equivalent to a retrospective pay cut. The National Association of Pension Funds’ chief executive suggested rolling back benefits due to rising costs, but unions vow to fight the proposal “tooth and nail” both politically and legally.
New disability discrimination code on the way
A new disability discrimination code incorporating provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act coming into force December 4 has been laid before parliament. The Disability Rights Commission plans to publish the updated code this summer, replacing the existing version and establishing new duties for public authorities, landlords, and private members clubs.
Workplace stress driving men to drink
A survey of over 2,000 men reveals workplace stress is prompting many to turn to alcohol for coping, with significant impacts on mental health, relationships, and physical wellbeing across high-pressure professions.
Tax on benefits – do we care?
HMRC’s increased taxation of employee benefits like car schemes is causing employers to question whether these perks are worth offering, potentially leading to their decline as companies seek simpler alternatives and employees prioritize higher wages instead.
Tips: Combating stress at work
Work-related stress affects over 53% of the workforce and costs employers millions annually. Managing director Amanda Pearce-Burton shares expert tips for reducing workplace stress, including ensuring job fit, prioritizing workloads, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Survey reveals women more likely to be off sick
A Labour Force survey by the Office of National Statistics found that 3.1% of women employees took sick leave compared to 2.4% of men in the previous week. The data also revealed regional variations, with outer London experiencing higher absence rates than other areas.
Email snooping could break privacy laws
Nearly 40% of UK firms monitor employee outbound emails, but legal experts warn this practice may violate privacy laws under the Human Rights Act if staff aren’t informed monitoring occurs.
Younger workers give thumbs up to flexible working
Over three-quarters of young workers consider flexible working options important when choosing employers, with improved work-life balance cited as the main benefit. The survey reveals that 43% of 18-to-29-year-olds would accept lower pay for remote work opportunities.
Porn downloads on the increase
Britain leads global porn download growth, with increasing access in workplace settings raising legal concerns for employers. Companies must establish clear internet policies and fair disciplinary procedures to address inappropriate material access during work hours.
Change fails to win hearts and minds
Research reveals that nearly two-thirds of employees resist or struggle to commit to organizational change, even after implementation. The main barriers include poor communication, lack of management support, and employees not understanding why personal change is necessary, according to a survey of over 600 change leaders.
Dress codes – all tied up?
A civil servant lost his claim that a collar-and-tie dress code was discriminatory, with a tribunal finding that employers can require professional standards for both men and women, even if the specific requirements differ between sexes.
