Worker Protection Bill – update on third party harassment

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 …

Hot drink next to a bed

Holiday, sickness, and other leave: updated Acas guidance and tools.

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 …

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Legislation passed amending flexible working rights

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 …

Padlock and SIM cards on keyboard

New guidance for employers on Subject Access Requests

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 …

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 …