Politics. A foul place to work if you are a woman?
After numerous scandals of sexual harassment engulfed Hollywood, the UK Parliament is having its own #MeToo moment. Female Members of Parliament (MPs) have revealed the dark reality of their daily battles against sexism, bullying and discrimination, sharing their experiences in an attempt to encourage other women to speak out. HuffPost UK spoke to 40 women MPs of all parties across different...Read More
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2017 in Review: #MeToo, the revolution has begun
In 2017, I’ve closely followed the national and international stories about powerful male figures and their alleged involvement in sexual harassment. I’ve followed thousands of women from around the world tweeting the hashtag #MeToo to demonstrate the magnitude of sexual harassment. I’ve watched many stories of sexism and discrimination. These stories have suddenly changed their status from...Read More
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2017 in Review: Brexit and the ‘will of the people’
2017 has been a significant year for the UK as the country moves towards Brexit. Unfortunately, the Brexit process has brought out some of the worst aspects of the press in this country. Headlines from the Daily Mail such as ‘Enemies of the People’ in November last year, directed at Supreme Court Judges who had the temerity to ask Parliament to follow the law, have been followed this week by...Read More
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No one is above the Law; who can sue the GDC?
DENTAL BULLETIN, ISSUE 59 Dr Michalak was employed by the Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals until she was dismissed in July 2008. She complained that she had been discriminated against in the course of her employment. Pending the result of the action she brought against her employer, disciplinary proceedings were brought against Dr Michalak in relation to the care of patients and her behaviour towards...Read More
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Success for hairdresser dismissed due to her pregnancy
On 20th November 2017 we received the reserved judgment of the Manchester employment tribunal confirming our client had been successful in her claim for pregnancy related discrimination, among other things. Louise Doyle had been employed by Associated Training Solutions Limited as a trainer/assessor for 1 year 11 months when she was dismissed due to allegations of gross misconduct. The...Read More
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Transgender; it’s not just a label
Over the last few months there have been a number of stories in the press in relation to transgender issues; – Playboy featured its first transgender playmate, a successful model who has appeared in Italia Vogue and catwalk shows; – The Methodist Church appointed its first transgender minister; – A teacher was suspended for referring to a transgender boy as a girl; – A...Read More
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What is direct discrimination?
Section 13 of the Equality Act 2010 (EqA) says that “A person (A) discriminates against another (B) if, because of a protected characteristic, A treats B less favourably than A treats or would treat others.” But what is a protected characteristic? Age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity...Read More
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Need to downsize your staff? Here’s how – Part 2 SOSR Dismissal
DENTAL BULLETIN, ISSUE 41 Some Other Substantial Reason for dismissal (or SOSR dismissal) is not a type of dismissal that is utilised that often. However, it is a tool you can use as an employer if you need to make substantial changes in your business and need to dismiss employees, but one of the other potentially fair reasons does not apply. SOSR Process First and...Read More
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Is your practice compliant with disability laws?
DENTAL BULLETIN, ISSUE 32 Anyone who provides a service to the public has a duty to make reasonable adjustments. This encompasses dentists and dental practices. If you fail to comply with this duty the patient with the disability can issue a claim against you in the County Court for discrimination and seek to recover damages, which can include an award for injured feelings. As if this was not...Read More
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Training Contracts; what they must contain
DENTAL BULLETIN, ISSUE 24 4 Types of Apprenticeship There are currently four types of apprenticeship in England: 1. Contracts of apprenticeship; 2. Apprenticeship agreements – these are applicable to contracts entered into before 26th May 2015 or where there is no approved apprenticeship standard (this is explained in more detail below) and that comply with the legal framework;...Read More
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