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It’s a jungle out there: Biophilic design in the workplace
29 September 2023
As the summer draws to an end and we contemplate the darker, winter months ahead cloistered within our workplaces, many might yearn for the connection with nature and the outdoors they’ve enjoyed over their holidays and sunny weekends. Biophilic office design is one way we can achieve a re-connection with nature: a design principle that places nature at its centre and focuses on bringing the outside indoors.
How can employers support older employees in reskilling and returning to the workplace?
07 December 2023
With an ageing population and a resurgence of over-50s returning to the office, employers are increasingly needing to rethink recruitment and retention strategies in response. This article explores ways employers can support older workers in the workplace, without falling foul of age discrimination legislation.
White Paper consultation response: regulating AI in the workplace
20 February 2024
In March 2023 the government published its White Paper on AI regulation. In less than a year, development in the field has been rapid, with regulators and legislators chasing to keep up. The government has now published its response to the consultation on the White Paper. We focus on what this tells us about future regulation for the use of AI in the workplace.
Ramadan and the workplace
06 March 2024
During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, practising Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset for a period of 30 days. This InBrief looks at considerations for employers during Ramadan and how they can support their staff.
In-House Employment Lawyers Coffee Break: Episode 5 - Controversial beliefs in the workplace and statutory guidance on fire and rehire
08 March 2024
Listen here for the latest developments and essential practical takeaways (short enough to fit into a 10-minute coffee break!). Lawyers from our IHELC team will discuss key developments in employment law with our usual pragmatism and insight, a touch of humour and a sharp focus on the in-house lawyer’s perspective.
Northern Ireland: New guidance on eliminating workplace sexual harassment
04 April 2024
The Labour Relations Agency and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions have published new guidance on eliminating sexual harassment from the workplace, containing detailed recommendations on steps employers should consider taking to prevent and deal with such behaviour.
Workplace Relations Commission publishes Annual Report – what are the key takeaways?
30 May 2024
Each year, the Workplace Relations Commission (‘WRC), the body responsible for adjudicating on employment law disputes in Ireland, publishes a report on the previous year’s activities. This report always makes for interesting reading for employers and identifies some of the key trends developing in employment law matters before the WRC. In this article, Linda Hynes, Partner with Lewis Silkin Ireland, highlights the key takeaways and interesting points for employers.
Don’t allow AI to erode workplace trust, Síobhra Rush comments for the Law Society Gazette
25 June 2024
The EU AI Act has been adopted by the Council of the EU. In this article, Síobhra Rush highlights the Act’s key compliance obligations, the application of which will be staggered over the next two years, and how employers should prepare.
The Balancing Exercise: Navigating Tensions in a Diverse Workplace
28 June 2024
In the first episode of our new podcast series for HR professionals, Anna Bond and Lucy Hendley explore the complexities of upholding company culture while navigating the tensions that arise within a diverse community. They explore the legal landscape surrounding the expression of beliefs in the workplace and offer practical strategies for employers to manage these challenges effectively, ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment.
Neurodiversity in the workplace: thinking differently about thinking differently
08 October 2024
Anna Bond and Jen Kingsmill, along with guests Professor Amanda Kirby and Mel Francis from Do-IT Solutions, delve into the topic of neurodiversity in the workplace.
A glitch in time – European Court rules on travelling as ‘working time’
11 September 2015
The European Court of Justice (“ECJ”) has ruled that, for workers with no fixed or habitual place of work, travelling time to and from the first and last customer appointments of the day should count as “working time” for the purposes of the EU Working Time Directive (“WTD”).
Ignorance isn't bliss... especially with illegal working
16 March 2017
If you’re considering restructuring the service company which employs most of your staff, and that company holds your sponsorship licence, you may need to apply for a new sponsor licence and transfer your sponsored migrants accordingly.
Illegal working penalties released; name, shame and make them pay
25 September 2017
The ONS has released the illegal working civil penalties data for the first quarter of 2017. The revenue raised was £5,900,000, prior to any adjustment following objections to the penalties. Given the population difference, it is not surprising that London and the South East had the highest number of penalties applied and illegal workers found but there were still large numbers issues in the Midlands and North West as well.
Preventing illegal working: employers able to rely on online right to work checks from 28 January 2019
14 December 2018
In some circumstances employers will be able to use the Home Office Right to Work Checking Service available on GOV.UK from 28 January 2019 to obtain a statutory excuse against payment of a civil penalty for employing an illegal worker, without having also to check the individual’s physical documents.
Jumping on the bandwagon – New Irish law introduced to provide security and predictability of working hours for employees on insecure contracts and those working variable hours
23 January 2019
The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins signed the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 (“the Act”) into law last month on Christmas Day, although it is not due to come into force until the first week of March. This gives employers some time to consider the changes the Act will implement, time to update working practices, policies and contracts, and time to “jump on the bandwagon” (pun intended – see below).
What are the key changes to the FA's regulations on working with intermediaries?
19 June 2019
The FA has announced some changes to the FA’s Regulations on Working with Intermediaries (“the FA Regulations”). The changes have been expected and follow a consultation process with key stakeholders such as intermediaries themselves.
Agile working – the legal alarm bells that should be ringing
16 September 2019
The days of a stuffy office environment are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Over the years, a move has been made away from cellular offices to the more popular open plan set up – however, for many companies, especially those in creative industries, open plan offices are no longer enough. This is a key issue for tenants in office premises as they consider what to do with the space they are in.
Recording working time in Europe: a risk heatmap
14 November 2019
Employers across Europe are facing the challenge of responding to a recent European Court of Justice (“ECJ”) ruling on time-recording obligations. We’ve drawn up a heatmap to show, at a glance, the differing levels of risk across the European Union.
Coronavirus and working from home temporarily – what responsibilities do employers have?
18 March 2020
To cope with the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and adhere to the government’s guidance on social distancing, many employees have started to work from home. This article explains the employer’s health and safety responsibilities towards this new group of temporary homeworkers.
Back to work – advice on working from home set to change on 1 August
20 July 2020
The Prime Minister wants more staff to go back to their workplace, but his big announcement is only likely to bring about a small shift.