Employment Law Reform: Unlucky for some (or all): 13 predictions for 2013

Ed Bowyer and Helena Davies look ahead to what the new year holds for employers and their advisers In October 2012 the government published draft regulations on directors’ reporting which will require quoted companies to produce a strategic review as part of their annual report.For those trying to keep up to speed with legislative developments …
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Flexible Working: Increasing choice for parents

Jemima Coleman and David Smail consider the key findings of the government’s response to its ‘Modern Workplaces’ consultation and highlight potential practical difficulties The flexible working proposals may benefit business by enabling better retention of experienced and skilled female talent in the workplace. On 13 November 2012, the government published its long-awaited response to its …
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Confidential Information: Trends and tactics for today’s employer

Restrictions in employment contracts are failing to keep pace with the rise of social media and ‘bring your own device’, warns Adam Hartley A key aspect of lawful monitoring is to ensure that employees are aware of the methods and extent of the monitoring.Confidential information is often one of the most valuable but overlooked business …
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Costs Awards: A review of recent case law

Charles Wynn-Evans reports on some recent decisions on costs awards in the employment tribunal Under Rule 41(2), the tribunal is entitled, when deciding how to exercise its discretion to make a costs order, to take into account the relevant party’s ability to pay. The employment tribunal has the power to make a variety of orders …
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Criminal Sanctions: Uncivil liability

David Ashmore reviews areas of employment law where an employer faces criminal liability for non-compliance with its legal obligations Besides the risk of criminal liability, an employer who flouts the requirement to pay the national minimum wage also risks being named and shamed by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. It is rare for …
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Discrimination: UK must change law on political beliefs

The European Court of Human Rights has held that the UK must protect employees from dismissal on grounds of political affiliation or beliefs, write Liam Kerr and Abbie McCreath If political affiliation was a protected characteristic and Mr Redfearn’s dismissal was because of his philosophical belief or political affiliation, it would not be possible for …
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