Why Should Employers Have An Adverse Weather And Travel Disruption Policy

As the UK transport network often grinds to a halt during periods of snow, it is essential for employers to put in place clear procedures, aimed at those who commute to the workplace, so that employees know what is expected of them and so as to avoid confusion. Such a policy can also cover situations where there is industrial action affecting the transport networks or in the event of major incidents covering health and public safety. The policy should clearly set out what is expected of the employee in terms of seeking alternative routes or means of transport, allowing extra time to travel, and regularly checking for weather updates with the intention of attending the workplace if at all possible. Issues such as whether to permit late starts and early finishes and whether employees are…

The Staff Christmas Party What Employers Need To Know

The staff Christmas party: what employers need to know:- Sexual harassment, assault and religious discrimination claims are often rife in the workplace, following the festive celebrations. Employers are likely to remain liable for any actions taken by their employees at work-related social events (including those taking place outside the office) even where the acts are without their knowledge or approval. Employers will have a defence if they took "all reasonable steps" to prevent the act or anything similar of that description before it occurred. Employers should therefore have a policy setting out the boundaries of acceptable standards of acceptable behaviour in clear terms, including examples of unacceptable behaviour and potential disciplinary sanctions. Case law shows that employers may be perceived as condoning behaviour where they provide a free-flowing supply of alcohol, given that incidents…

Can Employees Receive Christmas Presents Tax Free

Employees are entitled to receive 'trivial' benefits from their employer such as seasonal gifts tax free. There is no monetary limit set for gifts but HMRC suggests that larger employees should agree an upper limit each year with their tax office. HMRC guidance includes the following items as trivial: a turkey (but not a hamper), a box of chocolates, one or two bottles of ordinary wine (but not a case). Gifts to staff are tax deductible in the employer's accounts as staff welfare payments, whether trivial or not. Published: November 2014 Contact us: For further advice on your employment issues contact Gillian Reid on 01904 716050 or Gillian.Reid@warekay.co.uk.

Should A Suspended Employee Be Permitted To Attend An Office Christmas Party

There is no obligation to allow suspended employees to attend work-related functions. In fact doing so could be seen as inconsistent with the decision to suspend the employee in the first place. Employers should make it clear to employees that during the suspension period, they are not to report to work or contact colleagues or clients.  This should preclude them from attending functions as the guest of another colleague, for example. Employers should always be satisfied that they have reasonable grounds for suspension from the outset, so as to avoid breaching the implied term of mutual trust and confidence. Published: November 2014 Contact us: For further advice on your employment issues contact Gillian Reid on 01904 716050 or Gillian.Reid@warekay.co.uk.