News – JFH Law

Alcohol and Work Events – are they a good mix?

Employers have a duty of care towards their staff whilst they are at work. What many employers fail to recognise is that this duty of care is not just limited to the physical place of work; it is a much wider definition. It can include any event that takes place in connection with one’s employment. We all know that alcohol reduces a person’s inhibitions, but what if one of your employees...Read More

Employee’s right to request Predictable Hours – What do you Need to Know

In 2017, in the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices it was identified that there was an imbalance in flexible working; employers used it to their advantage, often without considering the effects on workers. Workers on zero hour contracts were required to be available for work at short notice but were not guaranteed any work in return. As a result of that review, the Workers...Read More

Part 1 Working Time Regulations – Is rolled up Holiday Pay now legal?

In 2006, the European Court of Justice ruled that rolled up holiday pay was illegal. It directed all EU countries to implement measures to ensure such practices stopped. The Government drafted guidance for employers that stated rolled up holiday was illegal but never gave any time frames for employers to phase it out. The result being many workers are still paid rolled up holiday pay. Fast...Read More

Supreme Court: New guidance on Informed Consent

Informed Consent Principle 3 of the GDC standards for dental care professionals states; 3.1. You must obtain valid consent before starting treatment, explaining all the relevant options and the possible costs3.2. You must make sure that the patients (or their representatives) understand the decisions they are being asked to make3.3. You must make sure that the patient’s consent remains...Read More

Direct Line ordered to pay £65,000 to menopausal employee in discrimination claim

A recent case in the employment tribunal could prove very important in the way employers respond to employees who are impacted by menopausal symptoms. Mrs Lynskey took her former employer, Direct Line, to the employment tribunal alleging that she had been constructively dismissed and subjected to discrimination and harassment. Background Mrs Lynskey began working for Direct Line...Read More

The Online safety bill – will it keep us safe?

The online safety bill will have its third reading in the House of Lords in the coming days. The bill is incredibly broad in its scope and the intention is that it will make a number of internet services safer for individuals, particularly young people. The bill introduces a duty of care for online platforms that have a significant number of users in the UK; which target UK users; or where...Read More