Change in the employment law sphere rarely slows down – even in the face of Brexit. We are now only six months away from a host of employment law reforms, most of which are scheduled to come into force on 6 April 2020. Below we outline the reforms and the preparatory steps for employers.
In the era of #MeToo, employers are under increasing pressure to stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace. Faced with a more knowledgeable and vocal workforce, employers must ensure that the workplace culture does not encourage or tolerate inappropriate conduct.
A recent decision of the Employment Tribunal has significantly expanded whistleblowing protection in the UK. In Bilsbrough v Berry Marketing Services Ltd the Employment Tribunal ruled that whistleblowing protection extends to those who are perceived or believed to be preparing to blow the whistle but have not yet done so.
To date, an eclectic range of beliefs have acquired protection from discrimination at work, from beliefs in climate change, Scottish nationalism and the ability of mediums to communicate with the dead, to beliefs against lying, fox hunting and hare coursing. Therefore, one could be forgiven for thinking that a belief in vegetarianism would easily acquire protection.
Leading specialist employment law firm, BDBF, adds three further employment lawyer hires bringing their headcount to 6 partners and 10 associates.
The number of men taking time off work when their baby is born is falling. Despite the government’s attempts to encourage fathers to increase the time they spend caring for their children, it seems many men do not take advantage of their statutory right to paternity leave.