MSHB

Following the events of 2020 and in light of the hugely notable Black Lives Matter movement the UK Government recognised that action ought to be taken to address some significant disparities and injustices within the United Kingdom.  While the Government stated that they felt that there had been many advances in addressing these it was noted that more could be done.  With that in mind, the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities (the Commission) was formed with the goal of looking at ways to resolve racial and ethnic inequality within the United Kingdom.

Yesterday P&O Ferries took the decision to dismiss 800 members of their staff. While large scale dismissals may have been fairly common due to the pandemic the key difference here is that this decision came seemingly out of the blue.

Settlement Agreements are used in order to end an employment relationship on agreed terms. It is a legally binding document and can also be used to resolve ongoing workplace disputes. As a result of signing the agreement, the employee will be unable to make claims in the employment tribunal about any type of claim which is mentioned in the agreement. It can be a useful tool to use, on the back of instigating a “without prejudice” or “protected” conversation. It is not uncommon for Settlement Agreements to be proposed before the end of a financial year, it is therefore important for both employees and employers to understand the law on them and their application.

For many businesses, Christmas is the busiest time of year and many employers will require a short term increased workforce over the festive period. Seasonal or fixed term employees obtain the same rights in law as those who are permanent and working in a similar role. It is important for employers not to slip up and be aware of their legal responsibilities when it comes to temporary Christmas employees. In this blog we have highlighted some of the common employment law mistakes made by employers when hiring these types of staff.