Female executive directors stay in their roles for only half the amount of time as their male counterparts, according to a recent study. It has led to accusations that some companies may be employing female directors for ‘symbolic’ reasons, rather than for their ability. The 2019 Female FTSE Board Report, published by Cranfield University, studied
A pub manager has won a sexual harassment claim after a senior co-worker engaged in ‘poor taste humour’. The Employment Tribunal judge said the case showed that a person’s dignity can be violated even when there is no ‘malicious intent’ on the part of the perpetrator. Ms J Prewett had worked for Greene King for
The government has launched a consultation on how to ensure greater equality in parental leave entitlements. The consultation will ask whether statutory paternity leave for fathers and same sex partners should be changed, and for suggestions on ways in which the shared parental leave policy introduced in 2015 could be improved. The government is looking
The government has introduced a new set of additions to its ‘Good Work Plan’ which aims to increase the rights of workers. Some of the key elements of the scheme include: workers to be given enhanced rights to tackle unscrupulous employers who do not comply with the law a new body that will enforce holiday
A group of female employees at HMRC have failed to overturn a ruling that they had been discriminated against over pay. The employees provided statistical evidence of the top pay grades. It showed there was a disproportionate number of women at the lower end of the bands, compared to the number of men at the
The government is look for ways to strengthen the law to give employees more protection from sexual harassment. It is launching a consultation and is inviting victims to have their say on what sort of changes would be beneficial. One of the things being considered is how to strengthen and clarify the law to give
An agency worker has lost his claim that he should be entitled to the same number of working hours as a permanent member of staff. Dominik Kocur was employed by recruitment company Angard Staffing Solutions, who provided staff for Royal Mail. Kocur regularly worked alongside permanent members of Royal Mail staff, performing similar duties. However,
New legislation to prevent company bosses misusing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) for former employees has been announced by the government. Ministers say that while NDAs can be used by businesses for several legitimate reasons, there are occasions where they are being abused and those who sign them not made aware of their rights. There have been cases
Two female police officers who were put on restricted duties for giving evidence against a colleague have won their sex discrimination claims. The tribunal ruled that they had been treated in way that would be detrimental to their careers, while male officers in a comparable position were not. The case involved two senior officers, Jane
A dyslexic charity worker was unfairly dismissed after making spelling errors that led to him being denied a new role. James Bulloss had worked as an adviser for the homeless charity Shelter. His role included working night shifts and weekends to work on the phone help lines. After three years he requested to join the