Employment Updates

New leave rights for parents as to how they use maternity and paternity leave.

The government is proposing to change the law so that employed mothers will be able to transfer all or part of the last 26 weeks of maternity leave to the father. To the extent that this "additional paternity leave" is taken during the mother's 39 week maternity pay period, it would be paid at the same rate as SMP, currently £123.06.

A consultation on draft regulations is to be launched soon. Subject to consultation and parliamentary procedure, the Government intends that the law be in force by April 2010 and have effect for parents of children due on or after 3rd April 2011. More information 

Equality Policy

In a social or work context diversity means "difference and variation among people".

Although not required by law at the moment, it is highly recommended that companies should have in place an equality policy. This will identify unacceptable behaviour and shows your employees and customers that you are serious about fairness in the work place.

It is illegal to discriminate against people at work on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Discrimination claims have no length of service requirement, in fact a candidate that was not successful during the recruitmewnt process can make a claim and subject to being able to provide evidence as to probable discrimination the burden of proof then lies with the potential employer. In addition to this discrimination cases have no limit to the compensation awarded. To minimise this risk an equality policy with workplace diversity management is essential.

All  employees expect to be treated fairly and considerately  The company should attain a work force that is representative of the communities from which it is drawn. An equality policy states your values on equality and diversity and how they will be put into practice.

In order for an equality policy to be effective, it must have the support of everyone in the organisation and be an integral part of the business strategy.

Our team can monitor and advise on diversity for your business and highlight risk or opportunities within your organisation.

Stand out from the crowd

NEW BUSINESS STARTER PACK

Only £50.00 + VAT

Contains the HR documents you need the most when starting a new business & keeps you in line with employment legislation. Includes a Contract of Employment, Company Handbook and a Job Description Template.

Click here

DISCIPLINARY, GRIEVANCE & APPEAL PACK

Only £25.00 + VAT

Contains all of the templates required from meeting invite to outcome letters. All documents are in accordance with current employment legislation and cover employee statutory rights where required.

Click here