Workers rights

12 months of 2021: January

It was another year of turbulence for people professionals. Our 12 Days of Christmas countdown reviews what made the headlines in 2021.

Employers warned not to shirk responsibility for contractors

A majority (88%) of off-payroll contractors have been told by firms that they must work through an umbrella company, despite questions about their credibility.

Work the most secure it has been in a decade, CIPD finds

Work has become more secure over the past decade despite the impact of the pandemic.

Soaring cost of living prompts calls for financial support for employees

Yesterday’s eye-watering inflation figures – showing the biggest rise in the cost of living for nearly 10 years – have seen renewed calls for employers to do more to support the financial wellbeing of...

New Acas guidance promises to help make fire and rehire a last resort

Workplace expert Acas has published new guidance encouraging employers to explore all options before resorting to fire and rehire tactics when changing employee contracts.

Amazon: new legal challenge could cost firm £140 million

Law firm Leigh Day has launched a potentially £140 million compensation claim on behalf of Amazon drivers working as 'delivery service partners'.

Would a minimum income guarantee create a fairer workplace? Part two

The Scottish government is considering plans to introduce a minimum income guarantee (MIG).

Would a minimum income guarantee create a fairer workplace? Part one

The Scottish government is considering plans to introduce a minimum income guarantee (MIG).

People are your best asset - treat them with respect

Over the course of this year, we have witnessed the country slowly go back to normal.

Government confirms plans to improve flexible work and carers' rights

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has confirmed its intentions to give UK workers the right to request flexible working from day one of the their employment, as well as...

Are blanket flexible working laws the right thing for UK businesses?

A government move to introduce a day-one right to request flexible working has received a mixed response from campaigners and employers. 

Labour pledges to reform sick pay and ban zero-hours contracts

Labour’s promise to extend and increase sick pay to all workers has been welcomed by unions and charities.