These pages give you access to the latest valuable legal information regarding commercial law. For a full list of legal briefings issued by all our departments visit News and Events.

New Penalties for Employing Illegal Workers

From 29 February 2008 two new offences came into force under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Read more.

Workers Caring for Sick Relatives - Implications to Holiday Entitlement

Q: I took two days off to care for my sick aunt. Should that come out of my holiday entitlement? A: Not necessarily. Under statute law employees are entitled to unpaid emergency leave to take care of a dependent. Read more.

Workplace Bullying and Harrassment

"The cost of turning a blind eye to workplace bullying and harrassment ", an article reproduced with permission from Business Talk Magazine, Issue 10. Read more.

Smoking Ban - A Guide for Employers

From 1 July 2007, smoking is illegal in nearly all enclosed public spaces. A failure to comply with the new law carries the risk of a fine. Read more.

New employee compensation limits

On 1 February 2007, new legislation increased the statutory compensation limits for among other things, claims of redundancy and unfair dismissal. Read more.

Employers’ Office Party Survival Guide

As Christmas draws nearer, there will be much anticipation in the office over the Christmas party. A large number of employers find themselves with harassment claims on their hands each year in the aftermath of this event. However, with a bit of forward thinking and preparation, they can much reduce their exposure to claims and ensure that they are able to relax with the other partygoers! Read more.

Staff Problems During the World Cup Season

There is no escaping the fact that World Cup season is nearly upon us. Most employers will already know that it kicks off in Germany this June. Whilst football fans will be pleased by the start of this major sporting event, employers will no doubt be wary of this potential distraction and will be bracing themselves for a dip in productivity. Read more.

Pensions A-Day

On 6 April 2006 the new pensions tax regime takes effect. This will have a significant impact upon the administration of pensions for senior executives and other high earners. It also entails some dangers for unwary employers. Read more.

Do your voluntees have employment law rights?

Charities should take care over their arrangements with their volunteers if they want to avoid employment tribunal claims. Read more.

Managing Staff Sickies

According to the Office of National Statistics, the average cost of sickness absence to UK employers is £434 per employee, with short-term sickness accounting for 80% of absences. When “sickies” become part of the workplace culture it can have a huge impact on staff morale and work productivity. Read more.

Employer References: frequently asked questions

We answer frequently asked questions about the law regarding the giving of employee references and the potential liability for employers who get it wrong. Read more.

Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (TUPE)

The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (TUPE) provides that any employee engaged in an undertaking (ie, in loose terms, a business entity) immediately before a transfer of that undertaking will be transferred with the business to the buyer on their existing terms of employment. Read more.

Civil Partnership Act 2004

As you may have heard in the press, the Civil Partnership Act 2004 came in to force on 5 December 2005. This provides that same sex couples can obtain legal recognition of their relationship by forming a civil partnership. In registering their relationship with the local Council, they may enjoy the same legal rights afforded to married couples, in respect of matters such as inheritance, property occupation and pensions. Read more.

Age Discrimination

New draft Age Discrimination Regulations were published on 15 July amid much speculation as regards the potential cost to UK businesses. The Regulations apply in respect of all workers and job applicants and they prohibit direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the grounds of age. The Regulations also specify the legal position as regards service-related benefits, compulsory retirement and occupational pensions. This will entail huge changes in most business employment practices. We strongly recommend that all businesses start to review their practices now to ensure that they are compliant by next year. Read more.

Unfair Dismissal – Qualifying Period

Remember – the one year qualifying period for claims of unfair dismissal does not apply in all circumstances. For example, if an employee is dismissed on medical grounds in compliance with any law, regulation or code of practice providing for the health and safety at work, then the qualifying period for a claim is one month’s service. In other circumstances no qualifying period is necessary. Follow the link for a full list of the exceptions to the qualifying period of one year. Read more.

Disability Discrimination Act 2005

Before the end of this year significant changes will be made to existing disability discrimination law, introduced by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. Importantly, the definition of what constitutes a disability will be expanded. Also, a number of sector-specific provisions will be introduced. Follow the link to find out what the changes are and how they may affect you. Read more.

Quick Reference Guide.

A guide containing useful information such as current National Minimum Wage, maternity pay entitlements, sick pay entitlements and compensation limits. Read more.