The Supreme Court has delivered its ruling on the landmark Pimlico Plumbers case, upholding previous decisions that an ostensibly ‘self employed’ plumber was in fact properly classified as a ‘worker’ with valuable employment rights under UK law (including discrimination protection and holiday pay). The case has been closely monitored because of its impact on organisations
Employment rights
New Rights for Zero-Hours Workers
By Michael D. Smith on
A quick reminder that new rules in place as of 11 January 2016 give greater protection to zero-hours workers, protecting them from dismissal and suffering from a detriment if they seek to work for another employer while engaged under a zero-hours contract.
Background
A great deal of debate took place at the time of the 2015 UK General Election regarding the status of zero-hours workers. These are individuals who are engaged under a contract with the employer, under which they are not guaranteed any hours of work. Concern was expressed during the General Election that employers were exploiting these contracts. One of the concerns was the use by employers of exclusivity clauses in zero-hours workers’ contracts which meant that, even though the employer was not required to provide workers with any work, those same workers were prevented from working for another employer.
Continue Reading New Rights for Zero-Hours Workers
Q & A – What does the new “employee shareholder” status mean for employers?
By Laura H. Juillet on
From 1 September 2013 new and existing employees can now give up certain employment rights in return for shares in their employer.
We take a look at some of the matters employers will want to consider when deciding whether to make use of this new status.Continue Reading Q & A – What does the new “employee shareholder” status mean for employers?