News and Knowledge

Dominic Raab resigns following bullying report

On the 21st April 2023, Dominic Raab announced his resignation from the position of Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary.   He resigned from all three positions. He has recently faced allegations of bullying and mistreatment of his staff during his time in government. The accusations have raised concerns about the prevalence of…

Workplace mental health adjustments – New ACAS guidance

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall wellbeing, and it affects every aspect of our lives, including our ability to work.   As awareness and understanding of mental health issues continue to grow, it is crucial for employers to create a supportive and inclusive workplace that accommodates employees with mental health conditions. To assist…

Law four-day week blocked by cultural norms

After the trial period of the four-day working week ended, it has been concluded that law firms in the UK currently seem resistant to changes in the structure of employee hours.   Four-Day Week Global recently published the results of the reduced working hours trial, which was a culmination of six months of four-day working…

Huge amount done to support welfare of judges, Lord Chief Justice says

Lord Chief Justice Ian Burnett has spoken up to strongly defend judiciary efforts to ensure the welfare of judges.   Lord Burnett of Maldon stated in acknowledgement of judiciary actions that it has been “more active in this field than pretty much any other organisation”. The GMB union recently announced that it had formally constituted…

Employee Benefits Awards 2023 recognise hybrid working in new category

COVID forced many companies to change their outlook with regard to hybrid working, and it appears that a lot have continued to embrace it post pandemic.   In a newly launched category, the Employee Benefits Awards 2023 which celebrates the reward, benefits and HR community, are recognising companies who have offered effective benefits packages to…

Four-day week trial comes to an end

Starting on the 6th of June 2022, the four-day working week trial undertaken by 70 UK companies came to an end last month.   Believed to be the world’s biggest pilot scheme of its kind, the trial sought to determine whether being paid a full salary to work four days a week instead of five…

Dominic Raab under investigation regarding five more bullying allegations

Raab is under further scrutiny regarding behaviour during his time as justice secretary, Number 10 has stated.   The prime minister’s official spokesman confirmed that claims related to his previous tenure, bringing the total of claims being investigated up to eight by senior lawyer, Adam Tolley KC.       Mr Raab, who was reappointed…

HSE work-related stress report

Work-related stress, depression and anxiety have accounted for the most common category of work related sickness.   This is reported in the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) Report[1]. Social work and education industries have some of the highest work-related stress cases. A total of 914,000 new or long-standing cases were reported last year with 372,000…

Ministry of Justice staff grievances surge, figures reveal

After a pandemic-era fall in the numbers, Ministry of justice staff grievances have exceeded the 1,000 mark in the 2021/2022 financial year.   Figures reveal that they stood at 839 grievances in the 2020/2021 period, rising to 1,078 in the following year. The data was published by MP Mike Freer after receiving a written parliamentary…

Identifying personal injury claims in employment cases – Webinar with Jessica Rowson

Our head of Psychiatric Injury, Jessica Rowson, is presenting a one hour pre-recorded webinar about personal Injury cases in Employment matters.   Available from 1st December for unlimited indefinite viewing This webinar is aimed at all employment practitioners who deal with discrimination cases. It will cover how to identify when a personal injury claim may…