Punishing strikers violates human rights, Supreme Court rules

Punishing employees who have taken part in strike action goes against the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), a Supreme Court judgement ruled this week (16 April).

UK work immigration changes: What HR needs to know

UK employers face major measures designed to stem a post-Covid-19-pandemic spike in immigration. Here is a whistlestop summary of major changes that HR teams should know about, and the ways to...

"Non-feminist" employee loses tribunal for discrimination

A Environmental Agency employee who described himself as a “non feminist” has lost his tribunal claim for discrimination, victimisation and unfair dismissal.

"Employment law isn’t working for anyone": HR responds

The employment tribunal process encourages opportunists while doing nothing to tackle workplace abuse, radio presenter Libby Purves wrote in The Times last week (14 April). 

Thorntons amps up family-friendly policies

Law firm Thorntons has introduced new family-friendly policies, including trebling paid maternity leave and upping paternity leave to 12 weeks.

Gender-critical teacher loses unfair dismissal claim in pronouns tribunal

A teacher has lost his employment tribunal claim that he was unfairly dismissed from New College Swindon for refusing to call a student by their preferred pronouns.

Sexual harassment legislation: How can HR get ahead?

A new act is set to strengthen employers’ obligation to prevent sexual harassment of employees in the workplace.

Male teaching assistant wins sexual harassment tribunal after 'Speedos' comment

A female headteacher sexually harassed a male teaching assistant by repeatedly commenting on his “fit” body, an employment tribunal ruled.

Minister Hollinrake: changes to employment law April 2024

Speaking exclusively to HR magazine, Kevin Hollinrake MP, minister of state for business and trade, shared insight into the changes to employment law that came into force on 6 April 2024.

How should leaders communicate the new flexible working law to employees? 

Most (70%) employees are unaware of their right to request flexible work adjustments from day one. How can employers communicate this to employees in a clear, inclusive way?

Calling pregnant employee ‘emotional’ was discrimination, tribunal rules

Describing a pregnant employee 'emotional and tearful' is pregnancy discrimination, an employment tribunal ruled.

Raising awareness of HIE

As an HR professional, I have supported many employees as they have navigated through difficult, childbirth-related situations that have understandably impacted their work.