The case of L v K makes clear that, where there is insufficient evidence to conclude that an employee is guilty of criminal conduct, an employer may still be able to rely on “some other substantial reason” to fairly dismiss.  However, it will be important to be clear as to the proposed reason for dismissal, both … Read more

The European Court of Justice has ruled that employers may be able to justify a ban on all visible forms of expression of belief in some circumstances.  A ban will not be directly discriminatory on the grounds of a particular belief provided it is applied generally and without differentiation (notwithstanding that those employees whose beliefs … Read more

Self-isolation exemption In light of the so-called ‘pingdemic’, the Government has recently introduced a limited exemption from self-isolation rules for critical services staff identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive. The exemption is limited to specific types of employers, only permits named fully-vaccinated workers to undertake critical work and subject to testing, … Read more

Sexual harassment in the workplace The Government has just published a  response to its 2019 consultation on possible measures to address sexual harassment in the workplace.  This confirms that it will: introduce a positive duty on employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment in the workplace,  the scope of which would be clarified … Read more

The FCA, PRA and Bank of England (the regulators) have published a discussion paper (DP21/2) which aims to kick-start discussion on how the financial services sector, with the help of the regulators, can “accelerate the pace of meaningful change” in improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) within financial services firms. The policy options being considered in … Read more

The new “Working Safely” guidance to apply from Step 4 of the Government”s Roadmap on Monday 19 July has been published here.  There is a general overview plus six sector-specific guides. The overview highlights the key point that businesses still have a legal duty to manage risks, in particular to carry out a health and … Read more

Below are links to our recent blog posts on employment law developments over the last few months, covering discrimination, whistleblowing, working time, worker status and other topics.  Please do get in touch with your usual HSF contact if you would like to discuss the impact of any of these developments for your business. Read more

Yesterday evening the Prime Minister confirmed that Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap will go ahead on Monday 19 July.  The legal rules on social distancing, social contact and face coverings and the instruction to work from home where possible will be lifted from that date, but the Government “expects and recommends a gradual return” … Read more