Employees no longer need their fit notes to be certified by a GP, with nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacies and physiotherapists now also being allowed to certify them in a bid to reduce the current pressures the NHS is under. This is a positive step in…
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26 Jul Banter in the workplace: How a ‘bit of fun’ could result in a claim
Did you hear the one about the…? Just kidding. In this article, we will look at banter. Banter can be defined as ‘the playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks’ or ‘friendly remarks and jokes’. There is a line of argument that banter, when defined…
28 Jun Can a mere administrative error create a claim for constructive unfair dismissal?
In a recent case before the Employment Appeal Tribunal, Craig v Abellio Ltd [2022] EAT 43, the Claimant, a bus driver, brought a case of constructive unfair dismissal where he relied on a course of conduct by his employer culminating in one final act causing…
28 Jun Racist comments leading to a payout
The tale we are about to tell is really quite odd and so we thought it sensible to give you, the reader, a polite warning. To quote the classic line from Jurassic Park: “hold on to your butts”. Background Anita Jarzyna joined Hypnos Limited in…
28 Jun COVID-19 cases on the rise: A reminder of how to handle refusals to attend work
What legal rights do employees have to refuse to attend work? The area of law in question here is s100 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 – and especially s100(1) (d): in circumstances of danger which the employee reasonably believed to be serious and imminent…
28 Jun Adjusting goes both ways: HRT shortages what should employers do?
With many people having to adjust to the side effects of disruptions to their HRT treatments caused by the current shortages in HRT supplies, employers should also be thinking about their obligations to consider adjustments too. These shortages are predicted to last into the rest…
30 May Requirement to guarantee working late: indirect discrimination?
Does an employer’s need for an employee (who is a mother with childcaring responsibilities) to guarantee her availability for a late shift amount to indirect sex discrimination? Indirect discrimination: the problem and the definition In general, the answer to the above question is, probably, yes….
25 May Bank Holidays – employers do’s and don’ts
There is no statutory right to time off on a Bank Holiday The minimum legal obligation is to permit, and encourage, workers to take 5.6 weeks (pro-rated for part-time staff) holiday a year – that’s 28 days per annum. When that is taken, and what…
25 May Bookings Open: Face-to-face training for managers & HR managers this June
This June, the employment law experts at BRIDGE are delivering specialist training in York specifically for management teams, directors, and HR managers, covering the essential aspects of the employee lifecycle from recruitment to disciplinary action. Over the two days of face-to-face training, we’ll provide you…
25 May Top 10 tips for handling grievances
Grievances come in many shapes and sizes and range from simple issues to complex multi-grievances. Some are a single concise page that eloquently articulates the individual’s grievances, others are meandering works of ‘war and peace’ that frazzle the brain, meaning you need to try desperately…