Employment

Managing work related stress

“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 …

What does 2023 hold for Employment Law?

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 …

National Minimum Wage 2023: changes that may affect you

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 …

stop hand up to screen

Bullying and harassment responsibilities for trustees

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 …

2 women conducting an appraisal

Staff appraisals – more than a box-ticking exercise?

“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 …

Woman sitting on suitcase in airport

Supreme Court decision on holiday pay

Some employees and workers have contracts that cover the whole holiday year, but they are only required to work part of the year. For example, someone who has a zero hours contract may end up working and be paid for just a few weeks over the year, or someone may be engaged long term in … Read more …

First Day In Office. Black Woman Trainee Sitting At Desk At Workplace

Taking on staff for the first time

“The Lord God put the man in the garden of Eden to care for it and work it.” Genesis 2:15 (NCV) This article is aimed at churches and other organisations who are engaging staff for the first time. It sets out the key basic areas you need to be on top of when engaging someone … Read more …

COVID test

An end to the Statutory Sick Pay COVID-19 amendment

As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government amended the rules relating to Statutory Sick Pay, so that individuals who were self-isolating or shielding were automatically deemed to be incapable of work and therefore entitled to receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). The 3 “waiting days” before someone would be eligible for SSP … Read more …

carers leave

Caring for the carers – a new statutory right for unpaid carers

The government has published its response to the 2020 consultation on carer’s leave, confirming its intention to introduce a new statutory right for unpaid carers to take up to one week (five working days) of unpaid leave per year when Parliamentary time allows. The right will apply in England, Wales and Scotland. Caring for the … Read more …

person working at home desk

The highs and lows of homeworking

The last couple of years has seen a huge increase in the number of staff working from home. For some, it has been a blessing; flexibility, no commute, no distractions. For others, it has been a headache: managing the employment relationship at a distance, monitoring productivity, learning how to use Zoom, and balancing working from … Read more …