Employer vicarious liability | When is harassment ‘in the course of employment’?
BLOG Written on 24 September 2025 As an employer, you can be held vicariously liable for the discriminatory actions of your staff. But how far does liability stretch? Does it only cover what happens during working hours and on work premises, or could a business still be responsible for misconduct that occurs elsewhere? In this […]
Goodbye to gagging orders? | How amendments to the Employment Rights Bill could end NDA misuse
BLOG Written by Jane Hallas on 7 August 2025 Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) – legal contracts used to prevent the sharing of certain information with others – can serve a valid purpose. In a workplace setting, they are used to protect trade secrets, safeguard client data, and avoid reputational damage. In the employment law context, NDAs […]
Do ADHD and autism qualify as a disability? | Understanding the Equality Act 2010 and new case law
BLOG Written on 14 July 2025 When an employee discloses that they have ADHD or autism, many employers find themselves asking: Is this classed as a disability? The answer matters – not just in principle, but in law. Under the Equality Act 2010, employees are protected from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation if they meet the […]
What should be in an employee handbook?
BLOG Written on 26 February 2025 All employers strive for a highly productive workforce with low staff turnover. An employee handbook, also known as a staff handbook, is key to achieving this. It outlines workplace rules, standards, and procedures, providing clear guidance for employees. While not legally required, a well-structured employee handbook helps create a […]
Proving the problem | How to evidence poor employee behaviour
Dismissing employees for ‘offensive’ beliefs | What can we learn from the Forstater decision?
BLOG Written by Lesley Rennie on 19 July 2022 The controversial Forstater case came to a climax this month (subject to a hearing to decide what damages should be awarded and any appeal that may be forthcoming), and for employers, it offers some clarity as to how Tribunals might deal with matters involving employees with […]
Menopause at work | An employer’s guide
BLOG Written by Lorna Gemmell on 30 June 2022 According to the British Menopause Society, 45% of women feel that menopausal symptoms have a negative impact on their work. What’s more, 47% who needed to take a day off said they wouldn’t tell their employer the real reason. Clearly, the issue of menopause remains somewhat […]
A war of words | Managing employees’ political views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict
BLOG Written by Lesley Rennie on 13 April 2022 The war in Ukraine, and the daily news reports of fatalities, continues to spark conversation in the workplace. All employees, regardless of their nationality and any direct connection to the conflict, will have their own views, and some may be keen to share these with their […]
How to manage workplace romances | Problems, policies and possible legal risks
BLOG Written on 14 February 2022 What’s the recipe for managing romantic relationships between colleagues? A teaspoon of common sense, a dash of respecting privacy, and a generous helping of looking out for your business interests. Are romantic relationships between colleagues a cause for concern? It’s natural for employers to feel uneasy when two employees begin […]
Discrimination | Can menopause be classed as a disability?
BLOG Written by Laura Cheng on 1 November 2021 Hormone surges caused by menopause can have a significant effect on women’s physical and mental health. From insomnia and hot flushes to anxiety and depression, all aspects of life can be impacted, and that of course includes work. With the conversation having opened back up during […]