Developments In Employment Law And Changes Expected In April 2018

03 March 2018 Employment advice

There have been some significant cases in employment law recently, with further developments expected this year as several ongoing cases work their way through the appeals system. There are also increases to pay rates and new rules on tax and national insurance contributions due to come into effect in April. Gillian Reid, employment law specialist at Ware & Kay Solicitors in York, Wetherby & Malton summarises some of the recent cases of note concerning the gig economy and entitlement to paid holiday and provides an overview of the expected April changes. Gig economy Cases affecting the rights of individuals working in the gig economy hit the headlines in 2017, as individuals described as self-employed sought to argue the right to be recognised as workers with entitlement to certain employment rights, including paid holiday. These cases…

How To Reduce Sickness Absence At Work

10 February 2018 Employment advice

The average British worker takes 4.4 days' sickness absence every year and minor illnesses such as coughs and colds are often cited as the reason. However, more days are lost on average to more serious complaints such as back, neck and muscle pain. High levels of sickness absence can lead to reduced production, low staff morale, increased costs and poor customer service. For small employers in particular this can be very disruptive. Gillian Reid employment law solicitor at Ware & Kay in York, Wetherby & Malton advises what steps you can take to reduce sickness absence within your organisation. Sickness absence policy You should have a sickness absence policy in place so that employees understand what is expected of them. It should set out your arrangements for sick pay and for reporting and managing sickness…

What You Need To Know About Employing Foreign Nationals Or Helping A Foreign National To Set Up Business In The Uk

02 January 2018 Employment advice

Many businesses rely on foreign nationals to fill skills shortages in the UK and to help get new ventures off the ground. However, recent measures aimed at reducing net migration may make this more complicated going forward. For businesses reliant on foreign workers, the time has come to consider if the costs of recruiting outside of the UK outweigh the benefits. Gillian Reid, employment lawyer at Ware & Kay Solicitors in York, Wetherby & Malton looks at the rules on employing foreign nationals, obtaining a business visa and setting up a business in the UK. She also looks at how to challenge decisions refusing foreign nationals entry to the UK or permission to remain. Employing foreign nationals You can employ many categories of non-UK nationals without special permission. These include those with indefinite leave to…

Making Your Wishes Clear In 2018

25 December 2017 Wills and estates

For many of us, the start of a New Year is an opportunity to remember the events of the previous year and to consider plans for the future. Whilst it probably wouldn't be the first thing you think of, it may also be a good time to think about making a Will for the first time or reviewing an existing Will. Some of the reasons you may want to think about your Will are: To avoid the intestacy rules (which provide for certain relatives to benefit when someone dies without a Will) - for example, to benefit an unmarried partner To make sure your personal belongings go to the people you choose To appoint guardians for minor children To leave a gift to a charity Inheritance tax planning If you already have…

Challenges Of The Festive Season An Employer`s Guide

09 November 2017 Employment advice

Goodwill may be in short supply when you start to receive a flurry of holiday requests for the Christmas and New Year period or if winter travel disruption leaves you short staffed. The Christmas party could also end in more than just a hangover if clashes between co-workers result in claims of assault, if unwanted attention leads to allegations of sexual harassment or posts on social media damage your reputation. Gillian Reid, employment law specialist at Ware & Kay Solicitors in York, Wetherby & Malton explains how planning ahead for the festive period can help to reduce any risks to your business. Holiday requests Some employers take a first come, first served approach to holiday requests for the festive period, but this may not be seen as the fairest approach, particularly if you also have…

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