The House of Commons has voted in favour of a compulsory COVID-19 vaccine policy for care home staff or they face being dismissed. The vote (which was approved by 319 votes to 246) faced considerable backlash from many Tory MPs. However, it now means that by October, anyone who is working in a care home […]

Following England’s defeat in the European Championship final on Sunday, the news cycle has been dominated by the racist abuse players have received on social media. The most prominent case to hit the headlines is that of a Savills estate agent manager who tweeted racist abuse about players in the team. Although the employee in […]

The answer is ‘yes’ according to leaked emails obtained by BBC News from senior civil servants. These e-mails seem to indicate that furlough has always been available to employers with employees who needed to self-isolate. The guidance published by the government specifically states that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Scheme) is not intended for short-term […]

There has been a great deal of talk in the press recently about the legality of ‘no jab, no job’ recruitment. However, less attention has been paid to another issue, about which, employers could be forgiven for being confused. Namely, what can and cannot employers ask employees about their vaccination status? Pre-employment It’s not absolutely […]

From 1 July 2021, the amount the Government contributes towards unworked hours for workers under the Furlough Scheme has changed. Between 1 November 2020 and 30 June 2021, the Government contributed 80% for unworked hours (up to a maximum of £2,500 per month). From 1 July 2021, the Government’s contribution reduced from 80% to 70% […]

Matt Hancock, Minister for Health and Social Care, has announced that all adult social care staff working in care homes will be required to take the COVID-19 vaccine or face potential redeployment or dismissal. The regulations, which are yet to be approved by Parliament, will give care workers a 16-week window to get both jabs. […]

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has recently issued its long-awaited judgment in the matter of Maya Forstater v CGD Europe and Others. In this case the Claimant’s complaints related to the non-renewal of her contract, she contends, because of her tweeting critical comments relating to gender recognition from her personal Twitter account. She brought a […]

Pimlico Plumbers’ owner, Charlie Mullins, has introduced a new ‘no jab, no job’ hiring policy as part of his latest recruitment drive. The new policy requires all applicants to have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. Mullins has said he is even prepared to spend over £1,000,000 on vaccinations (if they become […]

In a recent Judgment, an Employment Tribunal (ET) has awarded a claimant (who was a worker contracted through an agency) holiday pay that accrued during their time on furlough. This case highlights potential unintended consequences of placing agency workers on furlough under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Scheme). In K Healy v Start People Limited, […]

On 17 May 2021, restrictions were eased across England. Pubs and restaurants can now serve customers inside (subject to the rule of six), cinemas and museums have re-opened, and the government announced that holidays abroad would now be permitted to certain countries. With many Brits keen to escape the vagaries of the British weather, this […]

If you are a UK employer, you have a responsibility to ensure that all your employees are legally allowed to work in the UK. This is normally done by conducting a manual or online check of the person’s ‘right to work’ documents, as stipulated by the Home Office. Illegal working can leave employees vulnerable to […]

On 26 April 2021 Channel 4 made an announcement regarding a potential ‘world first’ policy they have implemented for all employees to support them through the loss of a pregnancy. It appears that the policy will provide support in circumstances of miscarriage, stillbirth and abortion and will also apply to employees who plan to conceive […]