Employment Law Newsletter – Autumn 2021
A warm welcome to Blake Morgan’s Autumn newsletter, keeping you informed of the latest developments in Employment, Pensions and Immigration Law.
After 18 months, the furlough scheme has now ended. According to ONS, there were still 800,000 people on the scheme when it ended on 30 September 2021. Many of those will have returned to work as normal while others may have returned on changed terms and conditions or even lost their jobs. For details of what employers’ options are now that furlough is no more please see our article the end of the furlough scheme: What next for employers?
There have been a number of Employment Tribunal decisions relating to health and safety dismissals arising out of the pandemic which we covered in previous newsletters. We have now had the first decision relating to a claim for detriment for raising protected disclosures and where an award for injury to feelings was made. For more details click here. Whistleblowing will be one of the topics discussed at our next Employment webinar on 11 November, see below for more information.
Regarding news about our team, I am delighted to inform you about our impressive ranking in the prestigious Legal 500 Directory. Each year, the Legal 500 reviews and benchmarks the strength of law firms and their lawyers based on extensive research and feedback from clients. Our Employment and Pensions teams achieved Tier 1 rankings with many of our lawyers recognised individually.
Articles
A complete list of the articles is set out below:
The end of the furlough scheme: What next for employers?
After over 18 months, the furlough scheme has now ended, with final amendments to be submitted to HMRC by 28 October. What have businesses done already to bring back furloughed employees, and what options are available to those who cannot yet (or at all) fully support their return to work?
First Employment Tribunal decision on pandemic-related protected disclosures claim
It is no surprise that many pandemic-related Employment Tribunal claims have been brought over the past 18 months. We have now had the first decision relating to a claim for detriment for raising protected disclosures (whistleblowing). The decision is particularly interesting because an award of £12,500 was made for injury to feelings.
Government proposals for Carer’s Leave
Carers will have a new right to one week’s unpaid leave under Government plans, which went under the radar for some when the Flexible Working Consultation was published. What are the plans and will they actually help carers?
Where do businesses find themselves following NI and dividend tax increases?
Tax Partner Cathy Bryant considers the effect for employers of the rise in National Insurance Contributions, the forthcoming Health and Social Care Levy, and the rise in dividend tax.
Flexible Working Rights – delving into the consultation
The Government’s recent Consultation on a proposed “day one” Right to Request Flexible Working also had two other Responses to previous Consultations on publishing family friendly/flexible working policies and job adverts tucked away in the detail. We consider these and the Consultation proposals.
Right to work checks update
Our Immigration team considers two recent developments in relation to right to work checks, which will be welcomed by employers and late applicants to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Managing employees holidaying abroad and self-isolating
With school half-terms upon us and further relaxation of travel rules, many will still be planning to get abroad for time in the sun or even a winter holiday. How can employers manage those who may have to quarantine on their return for various reasons?
Latest developments: compulsory vaccinations for anyone working in care homes in England
Since our Summer newsletter there have been some very important developments on this issue, particularly as to how workers evidence that they have either had the COVID vaccinations or are medically exempt – despite official guidance still not being finalised.
Menopause: What employers need to know
With Menopause Day on 18 October, there was added interest in this important topic. With Employment Tribunal claims arising out of the menopause increasing year on year it is important that employers understand the impact of menopause on working life and the potential legal claims if the appropriate steps are not taken.
Does the “new normal” mean a new dress code?
As many employees have been returning to the office for the first time this Autumn, organisations may be thinking about how they adapt dress codes to reflect the new hybrid working habits.
Employment Webinar
Our final Employment Law webinar of 2021 will take place on 11 November and we will be looking back at key developments from 2021, looking ahead to 2022 and discussing the challenging issues raised by whistleblowing claims. Our invitation to the webinar will be sent shortly and I do hope you can join us.
I hope you will find all the articles above informative and helpful, and if you would like any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch with your usual Blake Morgan contact.
Tags: coronavirus, Coronavirus employers, newsletter
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