HR Alert: Rule change on holiday sickness
A RECENT ruling by the European Court of Justice now means that employees who fall sick during a period of annual leave are entitled to take that leave at a later date.
Ask the expert: Long-term absence
We have been receiving a high number of calls on the employment law advice line regarding long-term sickness issues. Long-term sickness can cause major disruption in practices, resulting in costs to cover a temporary replacement, as well as affecting morale as colleagues have to pick up extra work for the absent employee.
New tribunal fees confirmed
The government have advised they are trying to reduce the number of claims brought before employment tribunals by introducing fees for those using the service. These fees are due to be implemented in summer 2013.
Dealing with breach of confidentiality and unacceptable behaviour
A patient has written into the practice with a serious allegation. The practice manager phoned the patient to discuss her letter and she has advised that one of our receptionists has started an affair with her estranged husband.
Don't forget
Changes are being made to the rate of National Minimum Wage. From October 1, the rates will be:
No fault dismissal axed
PLANS to allow companies with less than 10 employees to dismiss workers without giving a reason have been dropped by the government.
Case study: Employment rights of self-employed
BACKGROUND: We often receive calls regarding locums or associates working on a ‘self-employed’ basis. Genuine self-employed people have a contract for services, not a contract of services, as an employee does, and as such they have no employment rights.
Launch of pension enrolment scheme
The new pension enrolment scheme for employers with 250 or more members begins on October 1.