Accused of Bullying at Work: Guide for Employers
Bullying at work involves behaviour that is intimidating, degrading, or humiliating, and it can take many forms, including verbal abuse, exclusion, or spreading rumours. Employers may face situations where an employee is accused of bullying, requiring careful handling to address the issue effectively while maintaining workplace fairness. Accusations of bullying can present risks for employers […]
Employment Status: Types, Rights & Legal Guidance
An individual’s employment status will determine their employment rights and their employer’s legal obligations towards them. There are three types of employment status: employees, workers and those who are self-employed. Of these groups, employees have the most rights and entitlements in comparison to workers and the self-employed. In reality, there is not always agreement between […]
Workplace Grievance Guide for Employers
A grievance is a formal concern or complaint raised by an employee about issues they experience in the workplace. Employees can raise a grievance at work because of a broad range of workplace problems where the employer’s actions, or those of a work colleague, are felt to have been unfair or unwarranted. These may relate […]
Malingering, Fake Illness & Disciplinaries
If an employee is genuinely sick or injured, they are entitled to take time off work to recover. If an employer suspects an employee of malingering, and that they may not be genuinely ill or as ill as they claim, the employer can take steps to deal with the concerns. Malingering, often referred to as […]
Reasonable Adjustments Examples for Employers
If an employee has a disability, an employer is required to make reasonable adjustments in the workplace to accommodate either their physical and/or mental health condition. This could include changes to policies or working practices, changes to the physical layout of the workplace, or the provision of extra equipment or support. In this article, we […]
Redundancy During Maternity Leave: Employer Guide
Redundancy is rarely straightforward, but the process presents additional if any of the affected employees are on maternity leave. The law recognises the vulnerable position of pregnant workers and those on maternity leave and affords them specific legal protections. This does not mean you cannot make workers redundant while on maternity, but employers have to […]
Bereavement Leave Guide for Employers
Bereavement leave is a period of absence granted to employees following the death of a loved one, enabling them to grieve and manage practical arrangements. The new Employment Rights Bill is set to introduce specific provisions for bereaved workers, but currently, as the law stands, it offers little clarity or certainty in relation to bereavement […]
Disciplinary Investigation: Guide for Employers
A disciplinary investigation is a process undertaken by employers to establish the facts surrounding an alleged misconduct or performance issue. It aims to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant disciplinary action against an employee. Conducting a fair and thorough investigation is a fundamental aspect of maintaining workplace standards and adhering to legal obligations. […]
Do Employers Have to Give a Job Reference?
Employers in the UK are not legally required to provide a reference for current or former employees unless there is a contractual obligation to do so. However, references are often requested by prospective employers as part of the recruitment process to confirm a candidate’s employment history, skills and suitability for a role. When an employer […]
Workplace Investigation Process UK: Key Steps
A workplace investigation is a formal process used by employers to examine allegations of misconduct, grievances, or disputes within an organisation. They play an important role in resolving disputes at work. If conducted properly, HR investigations can help to protect the interests of the organisation by identifying wrongdoings and to support the employer with fair, […]