Whether it’s real or the work of mischievous hackers, an outburst on Twitter today, seemingly from the troubled retailer’s own employees, highlights a problem many employers may face in the coming years. HMV’s 62,561 Twitter followers received a twenty minute tirade of messages from workers in the process of being dismissed. Initially light-hearted, the missives soon … Continue reading
The ‘social media police’ are out in force in the civil service The Guardian recently reported that 116 civil servants in the Department for Work and Pensions have been disciplined since 2009 for their use of social media at work, of which 11 have been dismissed. The DWP has stated that access to social media … Continue reading
I was recently asked by the Daily Mirror to comment on a high-profile story involving the sacking of pundit John McCririck from Channel 4 Racing. Here’s what I had to say about his case: What rights do older workers have? If, as Mr McCririck claims, he has been employed by Channel 4 on rolling contracts … Continue reading
Last week, the business secretary Vince Cable announced that more reforms were planned to make it ‘easier for firms to hire staff while protecting basic labour rights’. Further details of the consultation are available HERE. This is the latest development in the coalition Government’s systematic review of employment law since it took office and follows the … Continue reading
The Tribunal reform is already taking effect. Here is the proof The Tribunal Service has just published some interesting statistics, breaking down the claims, awards and averages over the twelve months to 21 March 2012. Contrary to what we might be told by Vince and the BIS team, the effects of Tribunal reform already seem … Continue reading
Employment analysis: The Court of Appeal has ruled employees on long-term sick leave have a right to carry over their holiday allowance without seeking permission from their employer. Kevin Poulter, an associate in the employment department of Bircham Dyson Bell LLP, advises that reviewing contractual allowances and policies in this area will be essential to … Continue reading
Could the threat of an equal pay audit lead to businesses settling defendable disputes prior to tribunal hearings? Kevin Poulter, an associate in the employment department of Bircham Dyson Bell LLP, predicts what the proposals will mean for employers. Pay Review for Sex Bias Firms The Equality Act 2010 included a provision requiring equal pay … Continue reading
How can companies ensure business secrecy while encouraging employees to use social media? Kevin Poulter examines the case The rise in the use of smartphones and social media means that there is an increased risk of employees leaking sensitive or confidential information about a company and placing it firmly in the public domain. Most employers … Continue reading
Can the iconic shop dictate employees’ make-up? Harrods’ motto is Omnia Omnibus Ubique – All Things for All People, Everywhere and its status as a luxury brand has stood for over 150 years. More than 300,000 visitors pass through its doors every day. It is not unfamiliar with controversy which, in recent years, has centred more on … Continue reading
Kevin Poulter 