Matt’s Employment Law Update

This episode looks at the campaign by the Right to Disconnect UK to provide employees in the UK with the right to disconnect from work when outside of their normal working hours.  We look at the legislative changes that the campaign is proposing as well as the current rights given to employees in France, Italy and the Philippines.  The Irish government is also currently consulting on this topic and has published helpful guidance which is available from www.workplacerelations.ieAnd of course, if you need any help in implementing any 'disconnect' policy or system for your organisation, then do get in touch!  Just email us at matthew.huggett@carbonlawpartners.com

Back in 2019 the government published a consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace, largely in response to the #metoo movement and widespread criticism of the current level of protection for employees and workers in the workplace.  Now, some 2 years later the government has finally published its response to this consultation.  This podcast looks at what changes may be made to legislation in the coming months and years - specifically the positive duty that will be placed on employers to take steps to prevent harassment.We still await the outcome of another consultation about the use of confidentiality clauses in settlement agreement in relation to sexual harassment.

The focus of this episode is on the recent decision in the Employment Tribunal in the case of Taylor v Jaguar Land Rover.  We look at whether the Claimant is effectively protected from discrimination because she identified as gender fluid by section 7 of the Equality Act 2010 which requires an individual to be "undergoing a process" of gender reassignment.  We go on to discuss the key take-aways from this case and how many employers need to 'up their game' in respect of gender identity in the workplace.  To read the full decision: EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS (publishing.service.gov.uk)

This episode provides a summary of the EU Settlement Scheme and the new points based immigration scheme.  We also provide an update on the latest changes to Immigration following publication by the Home Office on the 4 March 2021 of a "Statement of Changes".  The changes made include the introduction of a new graduate route, a global talent scheme and changes to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) including a "vent chick sexer".  Yes, you read that correctly, a vent chick sexer.  

This episode looks at the recent publication of a government report and open letter to employers calling on them to provide greater support to victims of domestic abuse in the workplace.  This comes shortly after recent guidance has been published by the CIPD and EHRC and also as the Domestic Abuse Bill 2019-2021 progresses through Parliament.  What steps do employers need to take now and in the future to provide a safe workplace for their employees and to avoid the cost of lost productivity and increased absence?

This episode looks at the specific issue of whether employers can force their employees to have the COVID-19 vaccine.  We assess and explain the discrimination and unfair dismissal risks.

Welcome to the first episode of Matt's Employment Law and HR Update.  This episode provides and update on:Updated furlough guidance as at 5 January 2021Consultation on proposed major reform of post-termination restrictive covenantsICO guidance on Brexit and recruitment algorithmsLatest gender pay guidance and statisticsThe 'cost-plus' rule in discrimination cases (Heskett v Secretary of State for Justice)Constructive dismissal and what employees don't need to tell you when they leave (Chemcem Scotland v Ure)Will interim relief be coming to discrimination cases (Steer v Stormsure)Disability and recurring conditions (Sillivant v Bury Street Capital)