The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) posits the following definition of the ‘gig economy’: “one that involves the exchange of labour for money between individuals or companies via digital platforms that actively facilitate matching between providers and customers, on a short-term payment by task basis”. We can argue about the appropriate use of ‘digital platforms’ as at first it may appear to be too restrictive a term, but it gives a good indication of the 21st-Century-nature of this type of ‘economy’ and the resulting creation of new employer-employee relationships....
A Dutchman who recently asked a court in the Netherlands to lower his age by 20 years has lost his case. The court found that there was no case law or scope in legislation that would allow such a ruling....
In March 2019, members of an Employment Tribunal will have to decide whether ‘veganism’ will receive the same protection against discrimination as Christianity, Islam and Judaism. ...
As the High Court has just ruled against the Independent Workers of Great Britain on their judicial review application against the Central Arbitration Committee, which had held that Deliveroo riders were not workers or employees entitled to collective bargaining, this reminds that we are going through a significant period of change. So many more people are now part of the gig economy and the law does not yet recognise they have rights to do things like choose union representation for collective bargaining....
Whatever the shape of Brexit, or no Brexit, the opportunity to do more business around the wider world has figured large in the national debate, and is still a core issue of concern in the proposed Brexit deal....
It’s less than four weeks until Christmas and the Christmas party season is about to begin. The office party is often a mixed blessing – an opportunity to boost morale and perhaps celebrate a successful year yet also a melting pot of workers letting their hair down, with potential for accidents, injuries, threats and claims....
In Awan v ICTS Ltd the EAT found an implied term that where an employee is contractually entitled to long-term disability benefits, they will not be dismissed for continuing incapacity. The Claimant had a contractual entitlement to a long-term disability benefit plan for the duration of his employment....
Under the Equality Act (Disability) Regulations 2010 (the “Regulations”), a number of conditions are said not to be impairments. This means that they are not disabilities and do not therefore receive protection under the Equality Act (the “Act”). ...
Earlier this month, the Government published its latest report showing the representation of women on the boards of FTSE 350 companies. The report shows a rise above 30% representation on FTSE 100 boards and a rise to 26.7% of representation across FTSE 350 boards....
Last year a Tribunal found that private hire drivers engaged by Addison Lee were workers and not independent contractors (see our blog on this previously). Addison Lee’s appeal against this judgment has now been dismissed....
Most people at work will be more affected by Artificial Intelligence in the future than they realise. ...
According to various media reports[1] a Swedish microchip company called BioHax is in talks with several high-profile legal and financial UK companies to implant employees with microchips....
The Court of Appeal recently confirmed that an ambiguous letter of acceptance of resignation from an employer did not vary the original termination date by agreement. JLT Speciality v Craven concerned a bonus advance of £500,000 which was agreed to be repayable if the Claimant resigned “on or before 31 December 2016”. ...
A district judge, is trying to raise £10,000 to fight a Court of Appeal decision that judges cannot be classed as workers by requesting donations towards her cause. At the point of writing just over 25% of the target funds have been raised. ...
Embracing diversity enhances business resilience – and the UK can lead the way, says Clarkslegal’s Monica Atwal...
Technology used ethically can help retain valued staff by spotting potential problems which could cause them to quit...
The government has confirmed this week that it is considering reintroducing fees for employment tribunal claims. Following the introduction of fees in 2013 (which ranged between £390 and £1,200), the total number of tribunal claims dropped from approximately 80,000 to roughly 20,000 per year....
The Parental Bereavement (Pay and Leave) Act, which received Royal Assent earlier this year, is expected to come into force in 2020. The Act introduces a new statutory right to time off work for employed parents following the loss of a child, enabling the parent to grieve and easing recovery. ...
Michael Sippitt, Clarkslegal’s Chairman, has been recognised as the only employment lawyer in the Thames Valley region to be ranked as an “eminent practitioner” in the 2019 edition of Chambers and Partners guide. Michael Sippitt has proven track record in employee relations, crisis management and contingency planning and provide organisations with strategic support that is both commercial and practical. ...
Clarkslegal is delighted to announce that Chambers and Partners has recognised the firm for the following practice areas; Construction, Employment, Litigation and Real Estate....