Insights & News

Whistleblowing in Northern Ireland

Inbrief

07 September 2021

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

Employment Tribunal rulings on Covid-19 issues – what can we learn?

02 September 2021

The pandemic required many employers to make difficult decisions in unprecedented and rapidly evolving circumstances, giving rise to concerns this would lead to a deluge of Employment Tribunal claims. We look at some of the early cases to see what lessons can be learnt when planning for a return to work.

How to structure employee remuneration packages after Covid-19?

01 September 2021

A principal concern for employers has always been finding the best way to retain and incentivise key staff. In the wake of Covid-19, with employers facing skills shortages, that concern has increased not only for key staff but also the wider workforce. With many businesses dealing with escalating costs and cash flow difficulties, how can employers ensure that their remuneration packages are competitive?

Return to the workplace: Employee concerns on returning to the workplace

01 September 2021

In this video Charlotte Morgan sets out important considerations for employers should they have staff unwilling to return to the workplace.

Return to the workplace: Covid-19 testing

01 September 2021

In this video Charlotte Morgan covers the key things companies should bear in mind when considering workplace testing.

Northern Irish employment law overview: Adam Brett writes for Practical Law

Press

01 September 2021

Adam Brett’s practice note for Practical Law provides a detailed overview of employment law in Northern Ireland, highlighting key areas in which it differs from England and Wales.

Employer of Record – a global staffing solution?

26 August 2021

Businesses are increasingly engaging the services of a third-party organisation with responsibility for employing and paying staff and dealing with tax, social security and other such matters. This article looks at reasons for using this option, legal considerations and potential pitfalls.

Return to the workplace: Covid secure workplaces

23 August 2021

In this video Charlotte Morgan discusses what advertising agencies and other organisations should keep in mind during their re-opening plans.

Vaccination policies – data privacy concerns for employers in Hong Kong

17 August 2021

With over half of Hong Kong’s population having received a first vaccine dose, employers may be keen to monitor which of their employees have been vaccinated.

Protected and without prejudice conversations

Inbrief

13 August 2021

Employers may want to have “off the record” conversations with employees, especially in relation to a potential ending of employment. It is important to remember that “off the record” is not a legal term.

How much of their ‘whole selves’ should staff bring to work? Tarun Tawakley and Emily Atkinson write for People Management

Press

13 August 2021

Tarun Tawakley and Emily Atkinson discuss the fine balance of employee opinions on various societal and political issues, which could be offensive to some.

Lewis Silkin’s employment team shortlisted in Law Society Awards

12 August 2021

Lewis Silkin has been shortlisted in the Excellence in Practice Promotion category for its guidance on the furlough scheme.

National disability strategy launched

05 August 2021

The government has published its promised national disability strategy setting out various steps it will take to remove barriers faced by disabled people in their lives. This article looks at the main work-related measures.

15 Lewis Silkin employment lawyers listed in Who's Who Legal 2021

Press

05 August 2021

Lewis Silkin is pleased to announce that 17 lawyers across our employment and immigration team are listed in this year’s edition of Who’s Who Legal 2021.

Law firms Lewis Silkin and Jones Cassidy Brett join forces in Northern Ireland

Press

04 August 2021

BELFAST-based employment law firm Jones Cassidy Brett is joining forces with London-based commercial law specialist Lewis Silkin to establish a new employment law offering in Northern Ireland.

Lewis Silkin and Jones Cassidy Brett join forces in Northern Ireland

Press Release

02 August 2021

Lewis Silkin LLP and specialist Belfast-based employment law firm Jones Cassidy Brett (JCB) have joined forces to establish a new employment law offering in Northern Ireland, providing clients with seamless access to best-in-class employment law advice and wider complementary workplace, people and HR services across the UK and Ireland.

New duties to prevent sexual harassment – but not yet

29 July 2021

The government has committed to introducing a new proactive duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment, alongside considering new laws which would make employers liable if third parties harass their employees and possibly extending the time limit in which to bring discrimination claims. It is likely to be some time, however, before any changes are put into effect.

Employer loses discrimination claim after trying to reduce gender pay gap

28 July 2021

An Employment Tribunal decision involving an ad agency has highlighted the dangers for employers of taking an overly aggressive approach to reducing gender pay gaps. It also provides a reminder that all discrimination is unlawful, even where the victims are from a historically privileged group.

The right to disconnect – should employers act now?

27 July 2021

As the holiday season gets underway, most of us feel the need for a break. But should people have the right to disconnect? In the final of our three-part series of articles exploring topical holiday issues, we explore the mounting pressure on government and employers to require us to switch off.