It was Facebook’s 15th birthday this week. Each year its users get a little personalised video of their photos and memories – a thank you for all that personal data maybe? So we thought we’d do the same for Mark Zuckerberg’s baby. And after a quick look back at all the controversy, we’re wondering if … Continue reading
Category Archives: Solicitors Journal
Dating apps booming despite sevenfold rise in reported crimes
The number of reported crimes involving sites such as Tinder and Grindr has increased sevenfold in the last two years, according to figures released from 30 police forces across England and Wales. Only 55 crimes were reported to the police in 2013, rising to 204 in 2014 and again to 412 last year. Crimes of … Continue reading
Social media misconduct – no formal guidance but some sensible rules
Although the EAT has not yet provided guidance on dealing with social media-related conduct issues, there are some elements of a recent decision that employers can learn from, writes Kevin Poulter An employee dismissed for posting ‘banter’ on Facebook several years before initially succeeded in his claim for unfair dismissal, but that decision has now … Continue reading
Radical reform of Employment Tribunals needed
Last month, the Law Society declared that the employment tribunal system is in urgent need of a complete overhaul. But can the complexity and cost of the current system be resolved? The Law Society’s new and ‘efficient’ employment tribunal structure proposes that all disputes would be dealt with in a ‘single jurisdiction’ consisting of four levels. Simple claims, … Continue reading
Work experience extends beyond tea-making
Summer is here and, like many firms, we have been hosting work experience and vacation scheme students for the past few weeks. You can spot them by their black suits, typically wide-eyed youthfulness, and a willingness to help out with just about anything. ‘Photocopying? There’s nothing I enjoy more. And pagination, too? Oh, you spoil … Continue reading
Forcing companies to publish men’s and women’s pay won’t give the full picture
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 PPR is a long-awaited step in the right direction
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
Riding the social media roller coaster of ‘good taste’
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
Standing proud – Pride in London and Pride in the legal profession
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
LLPs must remain alert to legal challenge
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