From April 2017 companies with more than 250 employees will need to start collecting data on their employees and establish a “baseline pay gap figure”, then carry out the same exercise in April 2018 before publishing the same.  The purpose is to identify what is driving the difference in the figures reported for male and…

The Uber tribunal verdict which was handed down in October 2016 has far-reaching implications when it comes to the future of the gig economy.  Uber has appealed the verdict, which ruled that the terms and conditions of the arrangement two drivers had with the company meant that they should be classified as workers rather than…

Employers await the implementation date for new balloting requirements under the Trade Union Act 2016.  Under the rules, a successful vote for strike action will require a 50% minimum turnout and a majority vote in favour of industrial action.  Industrial action in important public services will require a strike vote of 40% of all eligible…

In a bid to increase apprenticeship funding large employers (i.e. those with an annual payroll of more than £3 million) will be required to pay a 0.5% levy on their total pay bill with effect from 6 April 2017.  This figure will be reduced by a ‘levy allowance’ of £15,000 per year, however, meaning that…

As of April 2017 employers sponsoring foreign workers with a tier 2 visa will be required to pay an immigration skills charge of £1,000 per worker (with a lesser charge of £364 applicable for small employers and charities) in addition to current fees for visa applications. Immigration Minister, Robert Goodwill, has also indicated that a…

On 11 February 2015 a report called ‘culture change in the NHS’ has been published on progress made through the health system since the Francis Inquiry. The new report also sets out further measures for improvements to the NHS’s culture and includes plans to protect people who speak up about poor care. ‘Whistleblowing in the…

In the recent case of Sefton Borough Council v Wainwright, Mrs Wainwright was on maternity leave and was identified as being at risk of redundancy. Mrs Wainwright and a male colleague were given the opportunity to apply for a new role, and the role was ultimately offered to her male colleague. The question for the…

Following the press coverage last week you may already know of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) decision that ruled workers, as part of their holiday pay entitlement, are also entitled to receive payments in respect of overtime.   The case is seen as a victory for employees if they are working and being paid for…