Latest News

Founding Member of the Workers of England Union passed away aged 79

Dear Members During the week we had the sad news that one of the founding members of the Workers of England Union had passed away. Alan England had been a great support and help when…

Flexible Furloughing

New detailed guidance has been released around how flexible furloughing will work On 29 May the UK Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, outlined further details on the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). He confirmed…

Checking holiday entitlement

When an employee or worker takes holiday, they should get the same pay when they’re on holiday as when they’re at work – whatever their working pattern. Some employers might offer better holiday pay schemes….

Holiday entitlement and pay for furloughed workers clarified

The government has recently issued guidance on furloughed workers’ holiday entitlement and holiday pay during the coronavirus pandemic, a topic employers have long been seeking clarification on. We summarise the key points to note from…

Refusing to return to work because of Covid-19: the potential for discrimination

Changez Khan – Barrister at Farrar’s Building Please take time to read the article below, Changez Khan is the Barrister who represented Stephen Morris, our General Secretary, in his case against his former employer. It…

Update – UK Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Find out if you’re eligible, and how much your employer can claim if they put you on temporary leave (‘furlough’) because of coronavirus (COVID-19).Published…

RIDDOR reporting of COVID-19

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 You must only make a report under RIDDOR (The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) when: an unintended incident at work has…

Coronavirus – COVID 19

The situation concerning COVID 19 is very fluid and is changing by the hour. We are monitoring Public Health England for the latest information. If there are specific issues with your employer then please get…

Statutory sick pay could stymie Covid-19 response

As the number of Covid-19 cases in the UK rose to 40 over the weekend, the GMB union has pointed out the risk, particularly in healthcare, of workers on low pay feeling they have to…

National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage

The rates for the national minimum wage will increase on 1 April 2020. The national living wage rate, for workers aged 25 and over, will increase from £8.21 to £8.72. Statutory rates The rates for…

ETUC News, Latest News 15/01/2020

Rise of the New Trade Unions – Article includes the WEU

In Quentin Lett’s estimable tome, 50 People Who Buggered Up Britain (2009), there was one surprising entry for a writer of such conservative leanings: Margaret Thatcher. The rationale for inclusion was her government’s aggressive attitudes…

Working in winter – five key areas to consider health & safety

The shortest day may be over, but with several months of winter still to go, we can continue to expect the cold temperatures, rain, hail, wind, snow and fog that are usually on offer at…

The 10 employment myths of Christmas

It’s the time of year for festive cheer, but unfortunately Christmas can also prove to be a real HR headache. This article dispels some of the employment myths that circulate at this time of year….

Secret Recordings – Can They Amount to Gross Misconduct?

With the technology available on mobile phones, it is now relatively easy for employees to record workplace meetings secretly. When an employee secretly records a meeting with their employer, the general rule in the UK…