The recent shooting of Cecil the Lion by US dentist Walter Palmer has seen worldwide outcry. As well as kick-starting a debate about the rights and wrongs of big game hunting it has brought into sharp focus the reputational damage that can be inflicted on those involved in media storms. How well do you know … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
When dealing with allegations of misconduct, all employers must understand what procedure will apply, how it will be managed, and by whom, advises Kevin Poulter Issues of misconduct can be difficult for employersto deal with, no matter what their size, sector, orpublic profile. The recent ‘dismissal’ of three judges and resignation of a fourth, involving … Continue reading
The news that fast-food workers in New York State are likely to see their hourly pay rise from a minimum of $8.75 (£5.65) to $15 (£9.69) has sent shock waves though America. But will this unprecedented sector-specific pay increase be followed elsewhere around the world? I have previously considered the impact of the recommendation of the Fast-food Wages … Continue reading
Following trials in Sheffield and Wales, the Fit to Work scheme is rolling out across the rest of the country from this week. The scheme was introduced by the government with a view to keeping more people in work and managing their sickness, rather than staying at home on long term absence. According to the … Continue reading
A wages board in New York State has recommended raising the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $15 per hour by 2018 in New York City and 2021 across the rest of the State. I joined the BBC World Business Report to discuss the impact of the move. Earlier this year, some cities including Seattle, San … Continue reading
Kevin Poulter 