Top Fortnightly Facts
Every fortnight, Knights’ Employment Team publish their Top Fortnightly Facts (TFFs), providing a summary of the key updates in the Employment and HR world. We start by looking at current news headlines and discussion points and finish with some quick-fire points where we touch on any other significant developments.
1. IN THE NEWS – DISCUSSION POINTS:
In our last Top Fortnightly Facts on 30 September 2022, we discussed the Brexit Freedoms Bill and the implications that could have on legislation that has been implemented in the UK in accordance with EU law. The Conservative Party Conference which took place in Birmingham at the start of October shed some further light on what we could potentially see. We also discuss World Mental Health Day which took place this week.
2. QUICKFIRE POINTS:
Below are some quickfire points to note on some other employment items in the news.
- Acas has published new Guidance on suspension from work which makes clear that suspension during disciplinary proceedings should be considered as a serious step and should not be automatic or a ‘knee-jerk reaction’. This is not a new stance and follows the previous case law and best practice in this area. However, the guidance serves as a useful reminder on best practice and points to consider before suspending a member of staff.
- World Menopause Day takes place on 18 October 2022. This is a topical issue in relation to employment law, particularly as The Women and Equalities Select Committee has completed its inquiry into the impact of the menopause in the workplace and called for major reforms in this area, including making menopause the tenth protected characteristic in the Equality Act 2010. It should serve as a good reminder for employers to consider the implications of menopause for their staff and to ensure adequate support is in place.
- Four day working week – the CIPD has published a new Report which sets out employer perspectives on moving to a four-day working week. The report is based on a survey that suggests that one third of employers expect a four-day week to be a reality within the next ten years. However, the report also explains that progress in this area is slow.
CONTACT US
Should you require specialised legal advice on any point in this document or any other employment law assistance, please contact a member of the Knights Employment team at Employment@knightsplc.com and we will be happy to assist you.
This document is provided for information purposes only. This list of considerations is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal advice