We are living in uncertain times at the moment. I am writing this message to all our clients and to potential new clients with watersrule to reassure you that we will remain available to you for advice and legal support over the coming weeks and months, providing “business as usual” as far as we can.
The number of people unemployed in Scotland has risen by 18,000 in the last three months according to official figures. Worryingly, this indicates that Scotland is bucking the UK trend with the number of unemployed falling throughout the country.
The pay level for the considered adequate standard of living is not being met by many employers outside of London with one in four jobs failing to pay the living wage. 23% of jobs outside of the nation’s capital failed to pay the living wage with 19% not paying the wage in the city.
A landmark case from Europe’s highest court has redefined the definition of employment with the court ruling that in the eyes of the law time taken to travel to and from work each day should count as working time.
The Scottish Government are to consider scrapping the controversial employment tribunal fees stating that the fees serve only as a “restriction to justice”.
HMRC and the Department of Business and Innovation and Skills (BIS) are to launch a crackdown on companies not paying the minimum wage.
Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, have been accused of creating a hostile culture for workers following a New York Times report.
A Sikh postman working for Disney has won a legal case over claims that he was forced to work out of sight of visitors so that they would not see his beard or turban.
Despite having one of the best female employment records in Europe, gender inequality is still proving to be a major issue in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
The UK Government have warned that they will change the strike law in the UK in order to prevent strikes with a minimal turnout from unions.
According to an investigation by the BBC only ten of Scotland’s 50 biggest employers are actually paying workers the living wage.
A vicar has lost his appeal to bring an unfair dismissal appeal against the Church of England after a court ruled that he was employed by God.
A new law that grants Sikhs permission to wear their turban in all workplaces has come into force in the UK.
An open letter signed by more than 400 barristers and 40 QCs has condemned the government for increasing the fees of employment tribunals.
The University of Aberdeen is to offer at least 150 members of staff offers of early retirement in a bid to reduce costs by £10.5 million in the next few months.
The national minimum wage has increased to £6.70, the biggest real term rise in seven years.
Sports Direct is facing a multi million pound claim from 300 employees after they were excluded from a bonus scheme offered by the company due to their zero-hour contract status.
According to a report from the Bank of Scotland, the Scottish economy is set to have a successful 2015, following a productive 2015, albeit at a slower rate. The report also had positive news for those seeking and in employment, with employment rising at one of the fastest rates in 17 years.
The Scottish job economy has been bolstered by an increase in employment and a rise in salaries in the last 5 months according to the Bank of Scotland Report on jobs.
Research from The Herald Scotland has shown that companies are bracing themselves for a landslide of claims regarding holiday pay following a ruling by the Employment Appeal Tribunal.
An oil employer of 25 years has been awarded over £30,000 after it was deemed he was dismissed unfairly by Scotoil Services.
“No reasonable grounds”
David Williamson, 25, was fired for apparent harassment of staff. However an employment tribunal found that the Aberdeen based firm had “no reasonable grounds” for his dismissal. The judge also found that Scotoil had failed to thoroughly investigate complaints made by two employees that a Polish contract worker was unable to follow safety instructions when it came to cleaning high pressured equipment.
Judge McFatridge said the firm had “failed to distinguish” between “legitimate comment” and alleged “racially motivated bullying and harassment” branding investigation and subsequent dismissal as unfocused and unfair.
Employment Law Advice and Assistance in Scotland
For specialist legal advice in relation to employment law contact Watersrule Solicitors.
The recent European Court of Justice decision in May in the case of Lock v British Gas has established that staff who receive part of their earnings in commission should have this taken into account when holiday pay is calculated, not merely basic pay.
Failure to meet your legal responsibilities may lead to your disqualification as a director of your company. This can have significant and long-terms negative effects on both your personal and professional life.
From 1st October 2014 a new provision in the Equality Act 2010 (Section 139A) gives Employment Tribunals additional powers to compel employers to conduct equal pay audits where they have been held to have breached equal pay laws or to have discriminated because of sex in non-contractual pay, unless one of the exceptions in the Equality Act 2010 (Equal Pay Audits) Regulations 2014 apply, such as discretionary bonuses.
When they have a greivence in the workplace, over one in ten employees prefer to negotiate a compromise agreement with their employer rather than go to an employment tribunal.
A UK equity and debt crowdfunding platform called “Funding Tree” has been launched this week. The platform seeks to support small and medium-sized businesses through “every stage of their life cycle”, from seed capital to Series A and B rounds.
A preliminary EU court ruling has determined that severe obesity in the future may be classified as a disability under EU law.
At this time of year, everyone looks forward to a new start. While we are all trying to get fit, lose weight, save money, read more books or give up a treasured vice, few of us actually follow through with our vows!
