UK: refusal of flexible work request made while on leave could give rise to indirect discrimination claim even if revoked prior to the employee’s return to work

21 February, 2023
Employers should ensure they give careful consideration to flexible working requests made during maternity or other long-term leave, as a recent EAT decision highlights that an indirect discrimination claim could succeed (and potentially give rise to an award for injury to feelings) even if the refusal of a request is overturned before the employee returns … Read more

UK legislation update: Government supports various Private Members’ Bills; national minimum wage increase from April 2023

22 November, 2022
The Government recently announced its support in second readings of a number of Private Members’ Bills proposing reforms originally slated for the elusive Employment Bill.  Most provide for the detail of the changes to be made by regulation and are therefore light on detail, but they do increase the likelihood of proposals actually coming into … Read more

The Third Wheel Podcast Series: ESG in Australia Episode 21 – The role of challenge, discomfort and humility in positive workplace cultures with Professor Brock Bastian

29 September, 2022
By Nerida Jessup and Drew Pearson  In this episode, our Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety team take the wheel, with Nerida Jessup and Drew Pearson hosting special guest, Professor Brock Bastian, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne. They build upon an earlier episode and the concept that good work is good for people, by delving into some of the … Read more

UK: pandemic-related leave policy was not discriminatory

15 September, 2022
Employers who put in place advantageous leave policies for those needing to shield or look after children during the pandemic lockdowns will not be liable for discrimination claims just because the policy could have been even more favourable. In Cowie v Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, employees were offered a new type of discretionary paid leave … Read more

Global Employment Risk: An interactive guide

01 September, 2022
Since the onset of the pandemic, our global employment team has been monitoring the level and changing nature of risks around the world.  Whilst some trends have accelerated i.e. whistleblowing regulations, there are some new and important developments that pose significant employment risks. We have mapped these across the major financial centers using an interactive … Read more

UK: summer update on employment law reform proposals

28 July, 2022
Those expecting the usual crop of government consultations on employment law reform to be rushed out before the summer recess will be disappointed this year; most of the ‘to do’ list (here) remains untouched, with just a few exceptions: The Government has finally published its response to the 2018 employment status consultation (which formed part … Read more

Employment Espresso Pods: Endometriosis Awareness Month

30 March, 2022
In this podcast Employment Partner, Tim Leaver and Associate, Sian Greenley discuss the impact of endometriosis on the workforce to mark endometriosis awareness month. Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects around 1 in 10 individuals assigned female at birth. This podcast raises awareness of the potential impact this condition can have on the workforce … Read more