Are good workplace relations the answer to Britain’s ‘productivity puzzle’?

At Acas, we see every day how unhealthy workplace relations can damage businesses, people and the wider economy. Conflict at work, when not managed early or well, is a hidden productivity killer.

Employee wins £5k after colleagues' homophobic remarks

A former removal firm worker has won £5,500 at tribunal after his supervisor and another colleague directed homophobic remarks at him.

How can HR reduce hidden disability discrimination at work?

Greggs, the food retailer, has issued an apology after an employee reportedly stopped a customer from using the disabled toilet unless she proved she was disabled.

Black employee wins £35k after comment implied smoking drugs

Asking a black employee “what are you smoking” is harassment relating to race, an employment tribunal has ruled.

Mother who faced an empty office after maternity leave wins £25k

A former recruiter has won £25,000 after her employer failed to provide return-to-work accommodations after her maternity leave, a tribunal has heard.

How will the Supreme Court's gender ruling impact HR leaders?

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex, and that the legal concept of sex is binary. We asked commentators how this could impact HR.

What do new neonatal leave laws mean for employers?

The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 comes into force in April, providing new rights for staff who care for newborns. Here’s what HR and employers need to know.

Charity unfairly dismissed employee with Long Covid

An employee living with Long Covid was unfairly dismissed from a disability charity, a tribunal has heard.

"People leaders have a duty to guide the correct use of AI"

HR professionals need to help set the guidelines for how AI-enabled tools are used by managers and staff.

Police misconduct investigation spotlights workplace relationships

The chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight police force is under investigation for potential gross misconduct relating to two workplace relationships, the force confirmed on Monday (7 April).

Engineer involved in bribery was unfairly dismissed, tribunal rules

An employment tribunal has ruled in favour of an engineer’s claim for unfair dismissal, despite finding that the engineer had been involved in bribery.

Lecturer wins £30k for discrimination against part-time work

An employment tribunal has awarded £30,000 to a part-time lecturer after deciding that she was unfairly treated compared with full-time workers.