Questions and Answers

I am aware of the need to install health and safety signs in certain circumstances. But is there any guidance on what size the signs should be?

I run a small accountancy business with a couple of part-time employees. We produce very little waste — mostly paper, plus a small amount of food waste from our lunches. Do we really need to sign up for a trade waste collection? I have recently read of someone being prosecuted for putting out trade waste for the domestic collection.

My organisation needs to cut back on its staff. I see that one of the employees “at risk” from redundancy is away on maternity leave. Can I make her redundant? And, if so, how can I avoid any unpleasant and expensive legal consequences?

I run a small to medium-sized business and I am faced with a need to downsize — probably making five or six employees redundant. How can I ensure that the process is fair and that I am not subsequently hauled up before an employment tribunal?

There has been considerable case law in recent years on what additional elements should be included in the calculation of holiday pay. Can you confirm the present position, please?

How should I calculate the paid holiday entitlement for a casual worker?

Our Director wishes to have a more holistic approach to our fire safety management arrangements so that they include asset protection and business continuity matters. Are there any benefits to such an approach?

I understand that a recent case decided that the protection offered by the TUPE Regulations to employees can also apply to workers. Can you confirm this and explain the implications of the decision?

It appears that a number of my staff are not keen to move to a new employer under a forthcoming TUPE transfer. What advice should I give to them?

Part of my business is to be sold and transferred to a new employer in three months’ time. The transferee (the new employer) has asked me to make redundant some of the employees who are to be transferred before the time of the transfer. How should I respond?