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 …
“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 …
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 …
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 …
“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 …
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 …
