In our recent employment bulletin we flagged that we expected to see changes in the law around third party harassment (for example how your staff are treated by visitors). Recent amendments to the ‘Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill’ meant that we weren’t expecting the changes to come into force anytime soon. Two … Read more …
Managing holiday entitlement, sickness absence, and other leave can be a complex business. It can also prove costly when employers get it wrong. Acas (an independent public body whose role includes helping to improve workplace relationships) have improved their online resources to help employers to do this well. New and updated resources include a useful … Read more …
After 26 weeks’ employment, employees have the right to request flexible working, for example asking to change their working days, hours or place of work. Parliament has just passed the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023. When it comes into force (which could be no later than August 2024) it will make various changes to … Read more …
The right of access, commonly referred to as a Subject Access Request, or SAR, gives individuals the right to request a copy of their personal data from organisations. Last month the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) published new guidance for employers on responding to SARs. The new guidance is published in question and answer format, referring … Read more …
Until now protective security at UK venues has been entirely voluntary. ‘Martyn’s Law’ will change this, bringing in legal requirements for many venues – including churches – to ensure public safety on their premises. Background Following the Manchester Arena bombing attack in 2017, Martyn’s Law aims at preventing such acts of terrorism. While clearly having … Read more …
“And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:28 (ESV) Stress and anxiety were well known to the writers of our Bible, and we can thankfully gain comfort and wisdom from its words on the subject. Characteristically, Jesus invited “all who labour … Read more …
It looks like 2023 could see some significant changes in Employment Law. Areas where we expect to see developments include: Changes to the law around requests for flexible working New rights to types of leave, including – a right to carer’s leave for employees who have a dependant with a long term care need – … Read more …
From 1 April 2023, the National Living Wage (NLW) and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates will increase. All workers, except those who are genuinely self-employed, are entitled to receive the NLW or the NMW, as appropriate to their age or circumstances. It is important therefore to ensure that the wages you pay your employees … Read more …
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone… (2 Timothy 2:24a, NIVUK) NB: The article below focuses on employment law issues around bullying and harassment in a workplace context. Employment law will only be an issue for organisations with employees, and bullying and harassment are of course areas of … Read more …
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Not all churches or Christian organisations have a formal review system in place for employees. Often it is felt that matters can be raised as and when they come to light without a formal meeting on … Read more …
