Employment law expert Kevin Poulter has said legislation forcing larger employees to publish gender pay gap information is a ‘step in the right direction’, but could become a ‘noisy distraction from the real issues.’ David Cameron announced this week that he will go ahead with plans to force firms to release data on differences between … Continue reading
The fact that the register is voluntary could be its biggest selling point, argues Kevin Poulter This week, the Law Society welcomed a new president to its hallowed halls, as Jonathan Smithers took up the challenge of overseeing the profession through what can only be a period of challenges, old and new. Over at the … Continue reading
Sold as an end to ‘golden goodbyes’, a cap on redundancy payments for public sector workers is set to be introduced by legislation following promises made in the Queen’s speech. But the true impact will be felt much further. The Guardian reported that: A legally binding £95,000 cap is to be imposed on redundancy payments … Continue reading
Emojis, the ever-expanding range of pictorial icons used to supplement text-messages and social media, are entering workplace vocabulary. Is it time for businesses to embrace ‘text speak’ or should the office be emoji exempt? The news that 76% of U.S. workers use little yellow faces in their day-to-day work-related emails is at odds with the … Continue reading
It is no secret that social media offers a world of opportunity, from simple communications to sophisticated marketing. Sometimes, however, those opportunities are best left undiscovered, as one law firm found out all too well. Most of us will look at the message above, perhaps screwing our faces slightly or gently shaking our heads. On … Continue reading
It is reassuring to know the Bar will, even without a clear mandate, stand shoulder to shoulder alongside their solicitor colleagues The last weekend of June saw Pride in London and in many cities around the world. The legal profession joined the annual pageant from Baker Street to Whitehall. Maybe it was the glorious sunshine, … Continue reading
A solicitor providing services to an LLP through a service company was permitted to bring a claim. What does this mean for law firms and LLPs generally, asks Kevin Poulter In Garry Abrams Limited and another v EAD Solicitors LLP and others, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) ruled that the employment tribunals do have jurisdiction … Continue reading
When will reports of the elite getting the country’s top jobs become a thing of the past? ‘By ‘eck. Did tha si news that them wiyan accent are missin’ tha chance wi top jobs? Dunt semuch f’me prospects int’ City.’ Not quite my softened Yorkshire accent, but one that is certainly familiar to me. News … Continue reading
Supermarkets aren’t obliged to dispense free produce from their back doors, why should lawyers? It’s taken a short while for the recently installed justice secretary to get to grips with the challenges he will face in office, but oh, how he has come out fighting. Laying down the law like only a Lord Chancellor can, … Continue reading
New research suggests that City firms are becoming less rigid in their approach to flexible working, but how far will the rules bend? According to recruitment firm Astbury Marsden, 34% of men working in the City say they enjoy some flexibility over the hours they work, either through flexi-time, working a certain number of hours annually … Continue reading
Kevin Poulter 