Workers' rights

Employers urged to step up as crucial modern slavery role still unfilled

Last week’s appointment of a new home secretary, Suella Braverman, has highlighted a crucial and legally necessary role in the fight against modern slavery still remains vacant.

News

UK set for collision course with UN over strike action

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has reported the UK government to the United Nations (UN) over its attempts to derail strike action in the country.

HR priorities for next prime minister

Today, Liz Truss became the new leader of the Conservative party and the prime minister of the UK. Here we examine which HR issues should be at the top of her agenda.

Zero-hours workers claim better work/life balance

Workers on zero-hours contracts think the benefits outweigh the negatives, despite calls for them to be banned by campaign groups.

What does the Menopause in the Workplace inquiry mean for businesses?

A recent report by the Fawcett Society found that 44% of women said their menopause symptoms affected their ability to do their job and one in 10 had actually left their job due to their symptoms....

IR35 and zero-rights employment continues

The government has confirmed it will not align tax status and employment rights for the foreseeable future – this was one of the key takeaways from its long-awaited response to an employment status...

Uber ruling prompts new government guidance on workers' rights

Following the 2021 Supreme Court ruling that found Uber drivers are classed as workers under UK law, the government has launched new guidance on employment status.

Office workers discouraged from taking leave

Over half of employees (60%) have said their employer actively discourages them from taking time off, according to new research.

Strikes and industrial unrest: FAQs

It is being widely reported that various parts of the UK economy face the threat of industrial action over the remaining months of 2022.  In the last 20 years, it was 2011 that saw the largest number...

Low paternity pay makes fathers reluctant to take leave

Low paternity pay meant just a third of eligible new fathers took paternity leave in the last year.

GMB v Bolt: Is the gig finally up?

This month, trade union GMB has pledged to launch legal action against app-based taxi company Bolt regarding the status of its workers.

Plans to scrap agency cover ban for strikes slammed

Proposals allowing employers to use agency workers to carry out the duties of striking staff have been branded unworkable, according to experts.