Aidan Squire explains everything you need to know about the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage, and the key differences between the two. As an employer you need to know the minimum wage you must pay your workers, which is set by law, at different rates depending upon their age and if they’re an apprentice. And there are two key terms to understand – the National Minimum Wage […]
As a business owner you don’t need to fear the Spring and Summer School Holidays, and the spike in requests for employee holiday leave that naturally occurs. It is possible to successfully deal with multiple requests for time off, and in this blog Quality HR solicitor Aidan Squire will show you how. “Employee holiday leave can cause real grief for small businesses,” says Aidan Squire, a specialist HR solicitor at […]
In this ultimate guide for employers we detail the various times in the workplace where a contract of employment can give the employer protection. The face of employment law in this country was changed by legislation enacted from the early 1970s onwards, creating a body of law which is now principally aimed at protecting the employee. Before this, the contract of employment was the definitive expression of the agreement […]
To help small business owners better understand the question of when to suspend an employee, we have drawn up this best practice guide. Suspension is largely used as a tool by employers to deal with a serious allegation of misconduct against an employee. Medical grounds, or risks posed to a new employee or an employee who is an expectant mother are other times where suspending an employee can be used. But […]
One the 1st April 2018 the national minimum wage rates (NMW) and national living wage (NLW) are set to increase. To help the Essex based businesses we work with to comply we’ve drawn up this handy whistle stop guide to the new rates, and reminder of the workers who are, and are not entitled: 2018 minimum wage rates Age Current rate Rates from April 2018 25 and over […]
Deciding to dismiss an employee is a huge step for any business owner. It can be incredibly unpleasant, and often rather risky. But there are some sensible steps you can take to ensure the process is as painless as possible, and to protect yourself against unfair dismissal claims by employees. Top of the list is timing. This is because claims for unfair dismissal by employees must be lodged with an […]
A contract of employment is the same as a job description, right? Wrong. There are distinct differences between the two. In fact, a good job description should form the heart of an employment contract. Not only because it serves as a solid foundation for the interview and employment process, but also because it protects your business and your employees. Let us explain a little more… Why business owners should always […]
You’ve had your eye on a business acquisition for some time now. It seems to be the perfect fit for your expansion plans, and with some strategic changes could offer real potential. You have exciting plans to streamline the workforce to reduce overheads and the restructuring of operations to enable more efficiency. Job done. Or is it? UK and EU Law protects employees when a business changes hands. TUPE (otherwise […]
Commission, Bonus or Overtime? Should you or shouldn’t you include it in your holiday pay calculations…that is the question. First let’s rewind a little though, to re-cap on current entitlements for UK workers. As we advise the business owners we help, employees are all entitled to a week’s pay in respect of each week of their statutory 5.6 weeks’ (or 28 days’) holiday entitlement. A regulation that’s part of the […]
What should be in your firm’s contract of employment? That’s a question we’re asked a lot as employment law solicitor Billerciay. Of course, there are statutory obligatory terms, as well as non-obligatory contract terms. But, we also go a step further for the businesses owners we advise. Instead of simply viewing the Contract of Employment in straight forward contractual terms we also suggest that firms consider using additional contract terms […]