Under the Equality Act 2010, where an employee is claiming that the employer is responsible (vicariously liable) for the discriminatory actions of another employee, an employer can use the “reasonable steps defence” where it can show it took all reasonable steps to prevent discrimination in the workplace.  The usual evidence produced for this defence is: […]

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With the devastating effects that COVID-19 has had on businesses, the economy and us all personally, the vaccination roll-out is the much-needed light at the end of the tunnel. One of the most prominent questions we are being asked is whether being vaccinated can be made mandatory in the workplace to protect staff and customers. […]

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Over recent days, there have been further government announcements which affect employers and employees. The key points to note from the announcements are set out below: 1.    The introduction of the Job Support Scheme (JSS) As you know, the Furlough scheme is coming to an end on 31st October 2020. The ending of this scheme […]

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We are very much open for business, albeit remotely !! We at Hopson Solicitors have put together plans to ensure social distancing compliance and to reduce the impact of the current outbreak for our valued staff and clients the best that we possibly can. FOR OUR TEAM All of our people have the capability, and have been actively encouraged, to work remotely.  Accordingly we are […]

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9am, 23 March 2020 There is new guidance now available for a particular list of vulnerable individuals. This is a much narrower list than the vulnerable person list. As such, we now have a list of those who are classed as extremely vulnerable persons and those who are vulnerable persons. A link to the Government’s […]

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9am, 23 March 2020 On Friday 20th March 2020, the Chancellor announced a Job Retention Scheme (“the Scheme”) which creates “furlough leave”. The purpose of the scheme is to actively try to stop or reduce the number of businesses making redundancies or lay-offs without pay. We have very limited information about the Scheme at the […]

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Over the last couple of days, we have seen more and more being reported about COVID-19 (coronavirus) and suggestions for what employers should do. The most shocking statistic we have seen widely reported is that up to a fifth of the workforce may be on sick leave at one time. Putting this into perspective however, […]

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There is a growing trend towards a vegan lifestyle and beliefs, generally. Also, there are many people who, throughout the month of January, decide to ditch the meat and other animal products after an indulgent Christmas period. An employment tribunal has ruled that ethical veganism should be protected under the Equality Act 2010 as a […]

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The following changes are due to come into force in 2020: 1. Written statement of key terms to be provided to all workers (including employees) Currently, employees are entitled to a statement of terms and conditions (as set out in section 1 of the Employment Rights Act) within two months of them commencing employment. From […]

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In other news…………. POSITIVE ACTION A recent Employment Tribunal case illustrates how employers can inadvertently discriminate against employees whilst using positive action as a tool to boost diversity in the workplace. In this case, a job applicant, a white heterosexual male, successfully brought a claim for discrimination. The employer had incorporated positive action into its […]

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