What is a Settlement Agreement?
A Settlement Agreement is a confidential document that will prevent an employee from pursuing their employment rights, in return for a financial settlement. Why have I never heard of a Settlement Agreement? A Settlement Agreement is confidential and cannot openly be discussed, nor generally the circumstances leading up to it. It is for this reason […]
How should holiday be requested?
As the holiday season approaches, what should be a happy time of the year can fast become a nightmare when it comes to arranging time away from work. What problems can arise when requesting holiday? Disputes and arguments amongst colleagues can become fairly commonplace when employees are looking to book the same time off for […]
King Charles III Coronation bank holiday employment rights
This year marks the coronation of King Charles III and this will mean an additional bank holiday to mark the occasion. When is the additional bank holiday? The bank holiday will fall on Monday 8th May 2023 resulting in a longer weekend to enable celebrations to take place. Who is entitled to the day off? […]
Platinum Jubilee 2022
This year marks the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Government has introduced an additional bank holiday to celebrate the occasion. When is the additional bank holiday? The spring bank holiday would usually fall at the end of May, however, this has been moved to 2nd June with an extra bank holiday on 3rd June 2022, […]
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week will take place between 9th to 15th May 2022 with the official theme of “loneliness”. According to Mind, at least 1 in 6 workers experience mental health problems such as anxiety, low mood and depression. How is this relevant in the workplace? Problems associated with mental health can arise for a […]
Stress Awareness Month
Many employees have experienced some form of stress, anxiety or depressive disorder as a result of their workplace situation. What is Stress Awareness Month? Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 in order to raise awareness of both the causes and cures for what is considered to be a modern stress epidemic. […]
Limit increases for employment tribunal awards
There are limits which are applied to certain awards which are made by the Employment Tribunals. What are the key changes? The key change is the increase in the amount of the compensatory award for an unfair dismissal claim which rises from £89,493 to £93,878. The maximum amount of “a week’s pay” for the purpose […]
Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to close
The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (“the Scheme”) is due to close for Covid-19 related absences from 17th March 2022 and there will be a window until 24th March 2022 to submit any final claims or to amend claims already submitted. Why was the Scheme introduced? The Scheme was originally introduced in the UK shortly […]
New rules applying to ill health absence
An employee is permitted to take time away from work to recover if they become ill. However, an employee must adhere to any absence reporting procedures in place and ensure that their absence is supported either by self-certification or a Statement of Fitness for Work (otherwise termed a “fit note” or “sick note”). For ease […]
World Menopause Day and the workplace
World Menopause Day will take place on 18th October 2021 with the purpose of raising awareness of the menopause and the support options available. Most affected individuals will generally go through the menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, although this can vary. For those individuals experiencing symptoms, it can be a very difficult […]