by Julian PowellWLS The Pears Article
Claire Cole (Head of Employment) and Ellie Matthews (Paralegal) at Hallmark Whatley Hulme Solicitors consider the debate to change the legal definition of the word ‘sex’ to ‘biological sex’ in the Equality Act 2010. The UK Government are currently consulting on whether the legal definition of the word ‘sex’ should be changed to ‘biological sex’. The aim for this is to create a distinction in...by Julian PowellApril 2021 changes – what employers need to do
Assess whether IR35 applies to your contractors and review their contracts Reforms to the IR35 rules on off-payroll working in the private sector come into force on 6 April 2021 after being delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rules are aimed at reducing tax avoidance for contractors employed via personal service companies. Under the new rules, it is the responsibility of the...by Julian PowellHow the March 2021 Budget affects employers
BUDGET 3 MARCH 2021 Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a three-step plan in the Budget which intends to “protect jobs and livelihood” as the pandemic continues. A summary of the main points for employers is as follows: Furlough extension The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until the end of September 2021. Although furloughed workers will continue to receive 80% of their...by Julian PowellCovid – 19 tests and vaccines
Can an employer require an employee to have a COVID- 19 test? If an employee does not agree to take a COVID-19 test, an employer cannot force them to do so. ACAS recommends that if an employer wants to test staff, they should consider discussing the following issues: How will the testing work; How will staff obtain their test results; What should staff do if they test positive for...by Julian PowellRedundancy– Tips for Employers
As employers start making plans for redundancies which may be necessary once furlough ends on 31 April 2021, we highlight some issues which should be factored into the planning process A fair redundancy process – action points Explore all other alternatives before redundancy (eg job share; salary reduction; salary freeze; changing bonus arrangements) Have a clear rationale and explanation of...by Julian PowellSummary of Extended Furlough Scheme on 5 November 2020
From 5 November 2020 the furlough scheme is being extended to coincide with the new national lockdown restrictions. The Job Support Scheme will not come into force on 1 November 2020 as originally planned. It is unlikely that the Job Support Scheme will come into force until the end of the extended furlough scheme on 3 December 2020. The terms of the extended furlough scheme are as follows:...by Julian PowellHR for Business Dec 2020 What’s on the horizon for 2021?
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which was due to close at the end of October 2020 has been extended until 30th April 2021. This was welcomed by employers who were able to furlough employees from November 2020 even if they had not previously made use of the scheme. Currently the scheme covers 80% of furloughed...by Julian PowellCOVID 19 – Update – Property Transactions
Update 25/03/2020 A Government spokesperson said: “Home buyers and renters should, as far as possible, delay moving to a new house while emergency measures are in place to fight coronavirus. “If moving is unavoidable for contractual reasons and the parties are unable to reach an agreement to delay, people must follow advice on social distancing to...
by Natalie SmithCOVID 19 – Hallmark Whatley Hulme Statement
Business Continuity Given the impact of COVID-19 is being felt across the world and the UK, we are doing our utmost to ensure that we continue to provide you with the advice and service that you need whilst prioritising the health of our clients, our employees and their families. We have in place plans to deal with business continuity and some staff are working remotely, as we continue in our...
by Julian Powell