Employment

Guidance for employers on calculating the minimum wage

New Department for Business, Innovation & Skills publication includes advice on what counts and does not count as pay and working hours, on eligibility, and on enforcement.

Employment case law round up

‘Telephonic support to facilitate return to work: what works, how, and when?’

New DWP research report provides evidence that 'telephonic case management' approaches can aid early return to work for people with health problems.

MBA v London Borough of Merton

[2013] EWCA Civ 1562

Second reading of Mesothelioma Bill

In yesterday's parliamentary debate, Minister for Employment says proposed support scheme will make payments to eligible people according to a fixed tariff and according to the age of the person who has the disease, and the payment will be based on roughly 75 per cent of the amount of average civil damages.

Employment case law round up

New support scheme for mesothelioma victims announced by DWP

Proposed legislation will make it compulsory for all active employers’ liability insurers to fund a scheme to pay eligible people who contracted the disease at work, but who cannot trace a party to sue.

New system of shared parental leave outlined by government

Parents to be given more choice and freedom in how they share the care of their child in the 52 weeks after birth.

Maximum fine for breaches of the national minimum wage regulations to be increased

Change will be introduced by 'parliamentary legislation' announces the Home Secretary in yesterday's parliamentary debate on 'Romanian and Bulgarian Accession'.

Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Commencement No. 4 and Saving Provision) Order 2013

New regulations issued in relation to the abolition of Agricultural Wages Committees and Agricultural Dwelling-House Advisory Committees for areas in England, and the repeal of provisions of the Agricultural Wages Act 1948.

Analysis of persistent nature of low pay trap published by think tank

Resolution Foundation report, 'Starting out or Getting Stuck?', shows that only 18 per cent of workers on low pay in 2002 were able to move up the earnings ladder over a sustained period in the next 10 years.

Review of whistleblowing policies and practices published today

Whistleblowing Commission's recommendations include that the Secretary of State adopts a code of practice that could be taken into account in whistleblowing cases before courts and tribunals.

Independent Scotland will guarantee that minimum wage will rise at least in line with inflation

In 'Scotland's Future - Your Guide to an Independent Scotland', the Scottish Government also outlines its proposal to set up a 'Fair Work Commission', and to continue support for the living wage for central government staff and promotion of it for other sectors of the Scottish economy.

Equality and Human Rights Commission calls for action on minimum wage in social care sector

The Commission says employers and public bodies commissioning care need to be more diligent in ensuring the pay of workers who play a vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people complies with the law.

Employment Law Update

Issue 158 of Garden Court Chambers' Employment Law Bulletin is now available.

Survey finds nearly half of zero-hour contract workers have had shifts cancelled without notice

However, study by Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development says that zero-hour workers are happier with their work-life balance than the average worker and the use of zero-hours contracts has been 'unfairly demonised'.

HMRC investigation finds ‘abuse of minimum wage rules’ by social care providers

Reasons offered by employers for not paying the minimum wage included making illegal deductions such as uniform costs; not paying for time spent training or travelling between care jobs; charges for living accommodation; incorrect hourly pay rates; and incorrect use of apprentice rates.