A recent decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal has held that awards of personal injury and injury to feelings relating to a tortious act (such as a failure to make reasonable adjustments in a disability discrimination claim) that pre-dates the termination of employment are not taxable and,... read more

In recent times we have seen the rapid growth of social media, from websites like MySpace and Facebook to LinkedIn and Twitter. From an employment perspective, some employers will ban access to such sites entirely, whilst others will encourage it, each for their own reasons.  Facebook... read more

It has recently been reported that the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on the government to produce clear guidance on drug-testing in the workplace.   In their report the TUC have submitted that rather than resort to drug-testing, employers should spend their time developing a... read more

We are now facing the UK’s first hung parliament in 36 years and the future still remains very uncertain.  No party has enough seats to govern alone effectively and the widely predicted back-room negotiations continue.  According to news reports, meetings have taken place between... read more

The forthcoming general election is set to be one of the most contested electoral battles in recent history.  Opinion polls, which are currently showing a huge leap in support for the Liberal Democrats, have only served to increase speculation that the election may return a hung parliament... read more

The Icelandic volcano has left tens of thousands of Britons stranded abroad, as a result many employees have failed to turn up for work – leaving bosses with a dilemma!  With flights across Europe still grounded, should they be forced to pay staff who are stuck abroad? There is no case... read more

It has recently been reported that the Home Office has agreed to limit the information passed on to employers, as a result of the new Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS), following concerns raised by Sunita Mason, the Government’s new watchdog on criminal records. The VBS introduces stronger... read more

It has been reported that draft legislation has been passed by a committee of the European Parliament, which extends maternity leave across Europe from 14 weeks to 20 weeks on full pay. In the UK women get 52 weeks statutory maternity leave (26 weeks Ordinary Maternity Leave and 26 Additional... read more

This week (1st to 5th February 2010) is National Apprenticeship Week.The week, which is organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), aims to celebrate the talents and skills of apprentices and recognise their employers. The Government aims to increase the number of apprenticeships... read more

Plans to change paternity leave entitlement were unveiled by Gordon Brown last year and this week the government has announced proposals to increase paternity leave from two weeks to six months. The plans could come into force from April next year and will allow mothers to transfer... read more