Analysing work stoppages for European employers
In football circles the term strike typically describes a shot at goal. This spring, however, the term grabbed headlines for different reasons. In May, players of La Liga — Spain’s topflight league, which includes superstars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo — went on strike as a result of a power struggle over who […]
HR tip: Loss of driving licence for sales staff
These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications. Question: "One of our sales representatives has been banned from driving for six months. Does this mean that we can dismiss him?" HR tip: Not automatically. First make sure that you have the […]
Ask the expert: Smoking and recruitment law
When recruiting, can an employer list 'non-smoker' as a desirable attribute? Esther Smith and Matthew Whelan advise. The question: I am currently updating the 'person specs' for some of our vacancies, and was just wondering whether we would be able to list 'non-smoker' under desirable attributes? I am a bit […]
Legislation update: Imposing religious views on others at work
In recent weeks there has been more than one story in the news regarding employees who express their religious views whilst at work. Richard White examines a recent case, in which an employee was dismissed for imposing his religious views on service users whilst carrying out his duties. Chondol v Liverpool City […]
Colborn’s Corner: Managing redundancies
Reports from the CIPD and many other commentators suggest that the growth of job losses will continue, indeed may speed up, in the new year. So Quentin Colborn asks, what will be the implications for HR teams? How well geared up are we to handle large-scale job losses? Plenty has been written […]
Ask the expert: Notification of job adverts during maternity
Is it a legal requirement to inform employees on maternity leave of any vacancies in the company? Esther Smith, partner at Thomas Eggar, and Martin Brewer, partner at Mills & Reeve, advise. The question: Do we legally have to inform employees on maternity leave of vacancies? Also, is there a […]
School’s out for summer: Flexibility for parents
Alice Cooper might not have been so chuffed about school being out for summer if he’d had to juggle his busy rock touring schedule with a couple of bored kids. Matt Henkes looks at how two top firms are providing their staff with the necessary flexibility. The excitement that once accompanied the […]
HR tip: Making notes in disciplinary hearings
These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications. Question:"In a disciplinary hearing I find it difficult to listen, think, and make notes, all at the same time. Any suggestions please?" HR tip:Don't do them all at the same time. Listen until […]
Resigned or dismissed? How the law sees it
When there is confusion as to whether an employee has resigned or been dismissed, how is it seen in the eyes of the law? Barrister Charles Price explains. It is often not clear whether an employee has resigned or was dismissed, and it has been held in law that where an employee is told […]
HR tip: Reducing company car standard
These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications. Question:"As part of a move to reduce operating costs, we intend to lower the standard of the cars that we provide for certain employees. Is this safe?" HR tip:That depends upon what is […]
Employer-induced sickness: Is dismissal still fair?
Can it ever be fair to dismiss an employee for sickness incapacity when the employer has caused, or at least contributed to, that ill health? The Court of Appeal says 'yes', as employers everywhere breathe a sigh of relief. Junaid Haroon explains. The case This is a rather sad case. Suzanne McAdie had worked […]
HR Tip: Employee resignation in a temper
These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications. Question: "An employee had a blazing row with his manager in the middle of the afternoon, told him he had had enough of his job, stormed out of the office and went home. […]
HR Tip: Issuing contracts of employment to employee with no contract on record
These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications. Question: "An employee who has been with us for several years is now demanding his contract of employment. We almost certainly issued one when he joined us but we have no record. How […]
Smoking away your salary. By Sarah Fletcher
Being practically perfect, a bit like Mary Poppins, I don't smoke. However, I lovingly accept my smoker friends. In fact, I don't even throw rubbish at them in the street. Unfortunately the Italian Association of Personnel Managers doesn't feel so benevolent and has asked its members to consider slashing smokers' salaries for their cigarette breaks. […]
HR Tip: Confidential witness statements from colleagues
These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications. Question: "We have been told by two of our employees that one of their colleagues committed a serious breach of our strict health and safety regulations, which put the safety, and perhaps even […]
Chasing sickness: Getting the return to work interview right
As businesses try to combat the damaging effects of rising rates of employee absenteeism, return to work interviews are taking a prominent place in the process. Training consultant Nik Kellingley explains how to make this work for your organisation. Does the rising tide of absenteeism threaten to wash away the humble British business? Probably not, […]
Moves To Close ‘Bank Holiday Loophole’
Employers who force workers to count bank holidays as part of their 20 days’ statutory paid leave could find their hands tied if government plans to close the loophole get the go-ahead. The DTI has launched a consultation on whether to increase the statutory 20 days’ paid leave to 28 days. Although employers would not […]
Absence/ Sickness/ Leave
Can anyone give me some guidelines (for Managers) their company uses for sickness/Absence and Leave. Angela Coleman
Employers Handbook: What it should contain
I am grateful once more to colleagues on sister-site BusinessZONE for the use of the contribution from Vicky Williams of Mazars Neville Russell. The article reminds me of that TV advert, you know, the one where the chap with tin of varnish in his hand says, "It does exactly what it says on the tin!" […]
New measures to help the disabled back into work
Minister for Disabled People, Margaret Hodge, and Social Security Minister, Hugh Bayley, announced on Monday that a national network of Job Brokers is being set up to offer people on Incapacity Benefits the support, guidance, and preparation they need to find paid work and move off benefit dependence. This New Deal will be delivered largely […]
