Feature Articles

With a General Election set for 12 December 2019, Ben McCarthy, employment law writer at Croner-i, outlines previous confirmed developments to the law going forward, alongside the implications for future changes from a Conservative or Labour victory.

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences that an individual can endure, with bereavement leave regarded as an integral part of the grieving process. Permitting leave in this situation can be well received by a workforce, but employers should always consider the implications of doing so. In this article, Ben McCarthy, employment law writer at Croner-i, considers how employers may implement bereavement leave.

Working parents are afforded certain rights under employment law and employers need to ensure they are aware of them. Not only can failure in this area result in costly discrimination claims, it can also mean the difference between a low or a high retention rate. Ben McCarthy, employment law writer at Croner-i, outlines points that employers can consider when aiming to be family-friendly employers.

While a disabled employee can present numerous challenges for an employer, appropriately managing this situation can help to avoid discrimination claims, as well as maintaining and prolonging the employment relationship. Ben McCarthy, employment law writer at Croner-i, explores several points that employers should consider when managing employee disability.

One of the most common annual leave queries which arises is whether an employer can cancel an employee’s approved annual leave. Cancelling an employee’s approved annual leave could result in constructive dismissal claims, so employers are advised to tread carefully.

Stoptober, the Government’s 28-day national stop smoking challenge, officially kicked off on 1 October 2019. Vicky Powell looks at all the good reasons why employers should help workers kick the smoking habit and the best strategies to achieve this.

With the World Health Organisation officially recognising burnout as an “occupational phenomenon”, the focus on the workplace risk of burnout is higher than ever — leading to employers considering how to manage this problem.

With the Government recently announcing its plan to support a better work-life balance, including increased flexi-time or remote working (Government offers helping hand to balance work and life), permitting employees to change their hours is becoming increasingly popular with modern day employers. Although employers do not have to allow flexible working, they must be aware of the legal obligations upon them when processing these requests.

Stuart Chamberlain, author and senior employment consultant at Croner-i, provides an update on the implications of a “no-deal” Brexit for immigration and employment law.

Unlike Japan, the UK does not record how many suicides are work-related. But we should, says Andrew Christodoulou, who argues that work-related suicide is a significant issue that needs to be addressed when managing employee health and welfare.