Navigating employment law changes in 2024

Welcome to our breakdown of the significant employment law changes coming into effect in 2024. As businesses brace for new and updated regulations, it’s essential to equip yourself with the knowledge and foresight necessary to navigate these changes effectively […]

Government consultation response: non-compete clauses to be limited to 3 months

The Government has announced plans to limit the length of non-compete clauses in employment contracts, in its response to a 2020 consultation on their reform. The 2020 consultation Non-compete clauses are one of several types of post-termination restrictions (“PTR”s) that businesses may include in an employment contract, which restrict an employee’s ability to work for […]

ChatGPT for employers: helpful or harmful?

Where better to start than with the subject itself… I headed to the ChatGPT website and gave it the prompt: ChatGPT benefits and negatives for employers. Within seconds, I had seven pros and seven cons. The benefits included cost-effectiveness, 24/7 availability and increased efficiency. The pitfalls included initial development costs, limited understanding and a lack […]

Ensuring a smooth start: the top 5 pitfalls in new employee onboarding

Hiring a new employee is a significant investment for any company. It comes with the anticipation of fresh perspectives, skills, and energy that can potentially steer the organisation towards success. However, even with the best intentions, many organisations inadvertently make mistakes during the onboarding process that can impact the new hire’s productivity and overall morale. […]

Unlimited annual leave – key considerations for employers

Since the Covid pandemic, it has been widely reported that employees have been leaving the workplace or changing jobs. A Microsoft survey of more than 30,000 workers globally found that 41% were considering resignation or changing profession altogether. Economists have coined this the “Great Resignation” reflecting a shift in employee priorities and raised awareness of […]

Court of Appeal confirms 12 month non-compete clause may be enforceable after wording severed

In a recent Court of Appeal case (Alan James Boydell v (1) NZP Limited; (2) Alice (Luxembourg) Midco S.A.R.L) the Court confirmed that words in the original contract could be regarded as severed, leaving a 12 month non-compete provision enforceable on the ex-employee. Key facts Dr Boydell held a very senior marketing and sales role […]

Should employers introduce ‘divorce leave’?

There are many significant life events – the good, the bad and the ugly.  But have you thought how, as an employer, you could play a part in supporting employees through some of them? Many organisations go beyond the legal requirement of offering maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave. Some offer days off in the […]

Unfair dismissal – new compensation increases take effect

Clients frequently ask us about the potential financial awards that employees can receive if they are successful in unfair dismissal claims. Providing a specific answer to this question can be challenging without knowing the details of the claim. The compensation awarded by an Employment Tribunal depends on various factors, including the legal categories of the […]

Increased redundancy protections for pregnant employees and those on maternity & paternity leave

In 2015, new research by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (“EHRC”) found that around 54,000 new mothers may be forced out of their jobs in Britain each year – many by reason of redundancy. This shocking statistic prompted a government review into the protections for employees on maternity, shared parental and adoption leave (“MSPA […]