Exclusivity clauses in zero hours contracts are to be banned so that employees can no longer be tied to a company that may not have any work to offer them. Some firms, including recruitment agencies, have been using exclusivity clauses to prevent an individual from working for another employer, even if the firm has nothing
A further 25 employers have been named and shamed for failing to pay the minimum wage. It’s the latest move in the government crackdown on rogue businesses who fail to treat their staff correctly. The measures were introduced in October last year and several firms have already been named and shamed. In June, the government
A new Bill to help small businesses is being introduced by the government. The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill contains several measures designed to make it easier for small firms to thrive. They include: • Strengthening the rules on director disqualifications and measures to help creditors recoup losses resulting from director misconduct. • Assisting
When setting up a business venture involving two or more people it is essential to have a written agreement so that everyone understands their responsibilities and entitlements. Failure to do so can lead to confusion and the need for legal action, as illustrated in a recent case before the High Court. It involved three people
The problems small firms face with late payments from larger businesses is being tackled in a new set of guidelines put forward by the government. Hundreds of large firms have signed the Prompt Payment Code but many of them don’t always meet the standards required. Overdue invoices have been identified as one of the major
More UK businesses are protecting their brand by challenging trademark applications from rival companies. According to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), 1,775 companies took action to prevent a rival registering a conflicting trademark in the financial year 2013/14 – a 17% rise on the previous year. It is evidence that UK companies are actively protecting
You have two employees both want to work shorter hours, starting late and finishing early. One, a father for school drop offs/pick-ups and his colleague who wants the same flexibility to train for triathlons. What do you do if you can’t agree to both? Previously, employers only have to consider requests from employees caring for
From 30th June 2014 all employees, provided they have 26 weeks’ continuous service, will have the statutory right to request working flexibly. Employers need to be fully prepared. In order to protect against employment claims, we recommend employers have an updated flexible working process in place. Some businesses can easily accommodate flexible working but your
A police officer has lost an unfair dismissal claim after it was ruled that his conduct in making a legitimate complaint had resulted in him becoming “unmanageable”. During his time with the police force, the officer made several complaints about the attitude towards victims of rape, child abuse and domestic violence that he witnessed in
Letting agents will have to publish full details of the fees they charge or face a fine under new regulations being introduced by the government. Ministers say the move will help to ensure a fairer deal for both landlords and tenants. Under the current regulations, agents have to list their compulsory charges to the tenant.