Insights & News

Parental bereavement leave

Inbrief

As of 6 April 2020, working parents who lose a child under the age of 18 or have a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy have the right to take two weeks’ paid bereavement leave. This Inbrief summarises the rights introduced for both leave and pay, the notice requirements and the practical implications for employers.

Court of Appeal lifts restriction on employers responding to industrial action

The Court of Appeal has ruled that UK legislation does not prevent employers from taking steps falling short of dismissal in response to industrial action. The UK may be in breach of its international commitments over trade union rights, but it is for Parliament and not the courts to address this sensitive issue.

Gender pay gap reporting 2021: our analysis of the latest results

Employers had until 4 April 2022 to publish their gender pay gap statistics relating to 5 April 2021. Now that the results are in, we’ve taken a look at what they reveal.

10 things we’ve learned from the new Covid guidance

1 April marked another milestone in the loosening of Covid restrictions. Universal free testing has now ended, and the new guidance sees Covid being treated in (almost) the same way as other respiratory illness.

How to mitigate the risk of employment claims about working during Covid-19 – a table

Our table for employers sets out the practical steps to take in order to reduce the scope for claims from employees arising out of working during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Whistleblowing

Inbrief

Workers who “blow the whistle” on their employers have the right not to be dismissed or otherwise penalised as a result.

Coronavirus vaccination - FAQs for employers

On 21 February the government launched its “Living with Covid” strategy”. As a result of this, many of the Covid measures in England have changed significantly with implications for employers wishing to adopt a particular stance on vaccination.

Paid parental bereavement leave introduced in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Assembly has finalised the legislation implementing an entitlement to two weeks' paid bereavement leave for working parents who lose a child under the age of 18. The new right will come into force with effect from 6 April 2022.

What challenges could the metaverse bring to the workplace?: Linda Hynes comments for Silicon Republic

The metaverse is a virtual world, that uses augmented and virtual reality (VR), where people can meet and interact with one another. For many employers, the first experience of it may come from using VR tools to holding conferences and events.

Toni Lorenzo and Alistair Hayes provide practical observations on the High Court's decision in Nissan Motor’s case for the Solicitors Journal

Background: Ravinder Passi was previously employed as Nissan’s Global General Counsel based in Japan. His employment was terminated in November 2020. Mr Passi brought two Employment Tribunal claims, including allegations of whistleblowing, detriment and victimisation (one during – and one following the end of – his employment). On providing his disclosure in connection with these claims, Nissan realised Mr Passi had removed and retained hundreds of highly confidential and privileged documents.

Employment law changes in April 2022

It’s that time of the year when employment law changes traditionally take effect. There is little legislative change this April, but we expect new guidance on living with Covid to be published and the usual limits and statutory payments will increase.

Proposed updates to Irish whistleblowing legislation

The Irish Government has published an updated version of the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2022 (the Bill), which will amend current Irish whistleblowing legislation to strengthen the protection for whistleblowers in Ireland.

Irish government announces details of an automatic enrolment pension system for the private sector in Ireland

The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has announced details of the ‘design principles’ for the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System for Ireland. The design principles will form the basis of the draft legislation and the necessary operations to be put in place by government and employers.

War in Ukraine - the impact on the employment relationship

Around the world people are deeply shocked and saddened about the escalating war in Ukraine. Many employers are increasingly concerned about the wellbeing of their employees, particularly those from Ukraine or other Eastern European countries, and are considering how to best support refugees. Employers with operations in Russia are also dealing with the impact of the sanctions.

Domestic abuse leave introduced in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Assembly has passed legislation that will entitle victims of domestic abuse to 10 days’ paid leave each leave year. The law was passed in the Assembly’s final week of sitting before the forthcoming Assembly elections in May. The commencement date of the new right remains to be confirmed.

Lewis Silkin announces two promotions to the partnership for 2022

Press Release

Lewis Silkin has today announced the promotion of two individuals to Partner, representing the firm’s market-leading Employment and Immigration practices.

New priorities: refocussing on harassment

Prevention of harassment in the workplace was a hot topic before the pandemic hit, and a combination of new developments, different working arrangements and changed employee expectations make this a key area of focus.

Coronavirus: absences from work and entitlement to pay

The Coronavirus situation may lead to workplace absences for a variety of reasons. This is our summary of legal rights to pay and suggested best practices for different types of absence.

Unfair dismissal: tribunal in UK awards over £1.5 million and orders re-engagement of UK employee in Hong Kong

Case Study

In unfair dismissal claims, whilst orders for re-employment are rare, they can be very lucrative for claimants. In particular those who are high earners stand to benefit considerably as the maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal (currently £89,493) does not apply which can lead to very large pay-outs as in the case of Jones v JP Morgan Securities plc.