Bulletin 2 of 2021 (March)
This bulletin highlights some topical subjects regarding workplace testing and whether employers can insist their employees are vaccinated. It also includes information relating to the increase to statutory rates from April 2021, including the National Minimum Wage...
Increase to National Minimum Wage from April 2021
Increase to National Minimum Wage from April 2021 The Government has accepted the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission as regards the National Living Wage (NLW) and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates. These will take effect from 1 April 2021. The NLW will...
Increases to Statutory Rates from April 2021
The Government has announced the new statutory pay rates to take effect from 4 April 2021. In summary: The rate of statutory maternity pay, statutory paternity pay and statutory shared parental pay, currently at £151.20 per week or 90% of the employee’s average weekly...
Can an employer insist their employees have the Covid-19 vaccine?
This is a hot topic within employment now and has made headlines on the BBC and other news channels. The speed of vaccine development and roll out has been remarkable. It is tempting to see it as a cure-all for the many difficulties this pandemic has created,...
New Compensation Limits applying from 6 April 2020
The limit on a ‘week’s pay’ and the various maximum employment tribunal awards will increase from 6 April 2020. The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2020 brings in the following changes: The maximum amount of a ‘week’s pay’ – used to calculate statutory...
March 2020 Budget Update for Employers
Statutory Sick Pay for Coronavirus (COVID-19) The government has confirmed that it will temporarily extend SSP to cover: individuals who are unable to work because they are following guidance published by Public Health England, NHS Scotland or Public Health Wales to...
Key changes to employment law coming in from 6 April 2020
New right to a written statement of terms from day 1 Current law Currently, employees who have been continuously employed for more than one month must be provided with a written statement of terms within two months of employment commencing. New law All new...
Should employers be doing anything about Coronavirus?
The continuing spread of coronavirus is concerning and will be unchartered territory for employers. The sharp fall in the markets shows the effect it is already having on the world economy and some UK businesses will already be feeling the impact on trade. But what...
Supreme Court rules for the employer
The UK Supreme Court has enhanced employers’ ability to enforce contractual clauses that restrict employees from leaving to work with competitors. Such clauses are often known as non-compete clauses. They can be vital to prevent key staff from damaging a business...