This episode focusses on TUPE transfers, especially concerning migrant/sponsored workers and their rights under immigration law.

Peter Olszewski, in the Employment team and Chris Harber in the Immigration team discuss the importance of early due diligence in managing these often missed responsibilities. They highlight the urgency for sellers to grasp their sponsor licence duties and for buyers to pinpoint sponsored workers even before the acquisition takes place. 

The ripple effects of a transfer can be profound, potentially forcing families to return to their home country if new employers do not assume sponsorship duties. Peter and Chris emphasize the need for empathy, proactive support, and ample communication to ease the burden and provide families with the dignity and time to plan their futures. 

Episode Links

• Visit our website
• Contact us
• Our Employment services
• Our HR training

In this series, Barry Stanton, Managing Partner, is talking to his European colleagues with whom he has worked on numerous projects about five things we should know about employment law in their country. 

In this episode, Barry will be speaking to Daniela Hangarter-Sperling and Julian Leicht from Hangarter Legal, about German employment law. One of the main topics is that of "wet ink" signatures. In an era where digital reigns supreme, learn why Germany clings to this traditional requirement and how it could impact international employers financially. Daniela and Julian clarify the realities of statutory severance entitlements and reveal why many disputes end up in court to avoid the risk of employee reinstatement after protracted litigation and the employee receives a severance which is negotiated between the parties. 

Don't miss this chance to enhance your knowledge with expert advice into German employment law.

Episode Links

• Visit our website
• Contact us
• Our Employment services
• Our HR training

In the latest episode of our podcast, Andy Whiteaker and Helen Goss will discuss protected conversations from the employer's point of view. They address common misconceptions about protected conversations. Many employers mistakenly label discussions as "without prejudice," potentially leading to constructive dismissal claims if not handled correctly. By examining the practical application of protected conversations under section 111a of the Employment Rights Act, the podcast provides best practices for employers to follow. 

Additionally, as the holiday season approaches, the stakes get higher with recent sexual harassment legislation reshaping the dynamics of workplace festivities. Join us as we explore the nuances of conducting protected conversations while ensuring a misconduct-free festive season. As employers prepare for the holiday season, the guidance provided in this episode will be instrumental in managing legal pitfalls and celebrating responsibly. 

Episode Links

• Visit our website
• Contact us
• Our Employment services
• Our HR training

In this series, Barry Stanton, Managing Partner is talking to his European colleagues, with whom he has worked on numerous projects, about five things we should know about employment law in their country.

This episode, we have guest speaker Emanuele Licciardi from Morri Rossetti in Milan. Together, they shed light on the complexities of workplace investigations and performance management within Italy's legal framework. They provide a comprehensive exploration of non-compete agreements, business transfers, and the response to business delocalization, making it an essential listen for employers and legal professionals alike. 

Whether you're an employer in Italy or simply curious about international employment law, this episode delivers essential knowledge and expert advice. 

Episode Links

• Visit our website
• Contact us
• Our Employment services
• Our HR training

In this episode, Andy Whiteaker and Helen Goss, discuss conducting effective workplace investigations and the challenges and legal obligations for HR teams.

Join the conversation where they speak about the intricacies of handling disciplinary actions, grievances, and whistleblowing. They share personal insights from recent complex investigations, offering guidance on preserving independence and when it might be necessary to bring in external experts. 

Through the in-depth discussion, they clarify the essentials of setting clear terms of reference and maintaining confidentiality to protect all parties involved. Exploring the balance between gathering essential information and avoiding unnecessary interviews, especially when external clients or customers are in play.  

By addressing key topics of employment law, investigative procedures, and the challenges of anonymity and recording, this episode equips listeners with the tools they need to conduct effective and fair workplace investigations. 

Episode Links

• Visit our website
• Contact us
• Our Employment services
• Our HR training

Can the "right to disconnect" transform your work-life balance?

In this episode of the Employment Law Pod, Andrew Whiteaker and Claire Taylor-Evans discuss the Labour government's groundbreaking proposal aimed at helping employees unplug from their jobs outside of office hours. They also explore the fascinating trend of "conscious unbossing," where a Robert Walters survey reveals Gen Z's growing preference for individual contributions over the high-stress roles of middle management.

Next, they tackle the troubling issue of faux-poductivity. Discover how employees are increasingly engaging in behaviours that give the illusion of productivity without meaningful output. Drawing insights from a Workhuman survey, they uncover the underlying causes such as burnout, disengagement, and the pressures of an always-on work culture.

Finally, we explore the impact of flexible work environments on employee motivation and engagement. The constant connectivity from mobile alerts and emails can leave employees feeling perpetually on call, negatively affecting their morale and productivity. Together, Andy and Claire discuss how proactive managerial engagement and potential legislative changes could enhance flexible working rights, making them the norm rather than the exception.

Episode Links

• Visit our website
• Contact us
• Our Employment services
• Our HR training

Can new sexual harassment laws reshape your workplace culture? Join Andrew Whiteaker and Helen Goss to break down the critical changes to the new sexual harassment laws in the UK, taking effect on October 26th. Discover how the 'Me Too' movement has led to a mandatory duty for employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the work place. They'll explore why traditional approaches are no longer sufficient and how tailored strategies can foster a safer, more respectful work environment. 

Finally, they discuss the importance of addressing all harassment incidents, no matter how minor they may seem. Encouraging a culture where employees and witnesses feel safe to report concerns is crucial. 

As they wrap up the episode with the benefits of employees taking annual leave, rest is not just beneficial for health and productivity, but also essential for maintaining a positive workplace culture.

Episode Links

• Visit our website
• Contact us
• Our Employment services
• Our HR training

Can a four-day work week truly revolutionise the way we approach productivity and work-life balance?

On this episode of the Employment Law Pod, Andy Whiteaker and Helen Goss tackle this intriguing question and much more. Redundancy is a complex and often emotionally charged topic. The episode begins by discussing suitable alternative roles, emphasizing that what constitutes a "suitable" role can be highly subjective. 

But that's not all—we also shift gears and explore the increasingly popular concept of a four-day work week. Initial scepticism has given way to promising results from trials in the UK and beyond, showing that fewer workdays can actually boost productivity. However, the four-day work week is not without its challenges, Andy and Helen provide valuable insights into how businesses can navigate these challenges.

Don't miss out on this fascinating discussion that could potentially redefine the future of work. 

Episode Links

• Visit our website
• Contact us
• Our Employment services
• Our HR training

Corporate Acquisitions: Employment Insights - Episode 6 

Natalie Wood accompanied by guest speaker Chris Harber, Head of the Immigration team at Boyes Turner, will help you understand right-to-work checks during both asset and share purchases in corporate transactions.

Discover the importance of right-to-work checks under TUPE provisions and similar arrangements, and learn the practical steps new employers must take to verify employee status, especially for those with time-limited visas. Chris shares his expert advice on avoiding the pitfalls and penalties of non-compliance.

Their conversation delves into the role that accurate right to work documentation plays in corporate transactions. Sellers will find out how maintaining meticulous right to work records can enhance their credibility and potentially avoid the need for indemnity policies. Meanwhile, buyers will learn the essential due diligence steps to verify all right to work checks, with practical tips on acceptable forms of documentation and how to correctly record and store these checks. 

This episode features practical advice for employment law challenges and protecting your investments during corporate acquisitions. 

Episode Links

• Visit our website
• Contact us
• Our Employment services
• Our HR training

Are businesses truly retaining their best talent during redundancies, or are they overlooking crucial steps in the process? This episode of the Employment Law Pod, hosted by Helen Goss and Andy Whiteaker, promises an enlightening discussion on the finer points of redundancy law, starting with the essential concept of selection pools. Using the compelling case of Valimulla v Al-Khair Foundation as a springboard, we dissect why consulting on proposed redundancy pools is indispensable, even for seemingly unique roles. As pandemic pressures ease, companies are reevaluating their structures, making our insights timely and critical. 

In the second half, we explore the potential overhaul of collective redundancy consultation rules that might come with a Labour government. Reflecting on the Woolworths' collapse, we untangle the term "establishment" and its ripple effects across multi-site organizations. Initially, UK courts interpreted "establishment" to mean the whole company, a stance that sent shockwaves through the business community. 

Join us for a thorough analysis that equips both employers and employees with the knowledge to navigate these complex legal landscapes. 

Episode Links

• Visit our website
• Contact us
• Our Employment services
• Our HR training