Analysis and commentary by Reed Smith attorneys on developments in employment and labor law
This post was written by Joanna Powis.
From 30 June 2014, the statutory right to request flexible working was extended to all employees with 26 weeks’ continuous service. The right was previously limited to employees with caring responsibilities.
It is important to remember that the rules are limited to a right to make a…
Flexible parental leave
The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has today announced plans to introduce a new flexible system of parental leave, as part of what is described as a “radical” shake-up.
Under the reforms, a mother will still be required to take a compulsory 2 week period of leave after the birth of a child, but at any time following that, the parents will be able to ‘opt in’ to the new flexible parental leave system, and to share what remains of the maternity leave period.
It will be up to both parents to decide how they share the remaining period of leave – they may choose to split the leave between them, take it in turns, or take some time off together.
A new statutory payment for parents on flexible parental leave will be introduced, with the same qualifying requirements that currently apply to maternity and paternity pay.…
Continue Reading “Radical” reform of parental leave announced
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, has announced plans to introduce a new type of employment contract – an ‘owner-employee’ employment contract. ‘Owner-employees’ will receive between £2,000 and £50,000 worth of shares (which will be exempt from capital gains tax) in exchange for giving up certain rights, including redundancy rights, the right to claim unfair dismissal and the right to request flexible working or time off for training. Owner-employees will also be required to give 16 weeks’ notice of their return from maternity leave, rather than the current 8 weeks.…
Continue Reading Plans for new ‘owner-employee’ employment contracts announced
The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Games are just around the corner! The Olympic Games take place from 27 July to 12 August 2012 and the Paralympic Games from 29 August to 9 September 2012.
This briefing contains guidance on the issues employers are likely to face as a result of employees who have volunteered at the Games, and those wishing to attend events as spectators or follow the Games at work. Due to the unique circumstances of the event it is important for employers to have clear policies in place well before the Games, and for the policies to be communicated effectively to all staff.…
Continue Reading London Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012: Employee Considerations
