Safeguarding Trust: The Critical Importance of Confidentiality in the Workplace Identifying the Issue with Confidentiality in the Workplace In today’s fast-paced and interconnected business world, the sanctity of confidentiality within the workplace has never been more critical. Yet, despite its importance, many organisations grapple with both accidental and deliberate breaches, risking reputational damage, legal ramifications, and the erosion of stakeholder trust. The question then arises: How can businesses effectively protect sensitive information and uphold the highest standards of discr ..read more

UK Employment Law: Transformations in the UK Employment Tribunal System 2024 Changes in UK Employment Law As we delve further into the year 2024, notable shifts have emerged in the functioning of employment tribunals within the United Kingdom, heralding a fresh chapter in the landscape of legal procedures within workplaces. At Catherine Herries-Smith Solicitors, we recognise the paramount importance of remaining abreast of these developments. Thus, we endeavour to provide a comprehensive examination of the recent evolutions and their prospective ramifications on those engaged with tribunal p ..read more

LGBT+ Work Rights: A Comprehensive Guide Celebrating Progress and Addressing Current Challenges As we commemorate LGBT+ History Month this February, it’s crucial to reflect on the strides made and the persisting challenges faced by LGBT+ individuals in the workplace. The UK’s legal landscape has evolved significantly, particularly since the introduction of protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation in 2003 and gender reassignment in 2010.  The repeal of Section 28, a landmark in LGBT+ history, along with the increasing visibility of LGBT+ figures in public life, marks ..read more

Employee Rights: Navigating Unfair Dismissals Are You The Victim Of An Unfair Dismissal? In the ever-evolving landscape of the UK job market, understanding one’s rights as an employee is vital. Central to these rights is the concept of unfair dismissal – a situation many find themselves in, often without a clear roadmap for recourse. This blog aims to demystify the concept of unfair dismissal, exploring what it constitutes, its impact on individuals, and the pathways available for challenging such dismissals in the UK workplace. What is Unfair Dismissal? Unfair dismissal is a term used in UK ..read more

5 Ways to Protect Your Business from Employment Lawsuits In today’s litigious society, businesses of all sizes are at risk of employment lawsuits. These lawsuits can arise from a variety of employment-related issues, including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage and hour violations. As an employer, it’s essential to take steps to protect your business from these potential legal disputes. Here are five ways to protect your business from employment lawsuits. Employment lawsuit types you could be facing UK businesses can face a variety of employment lawsuits, which can b ..read more

10 Key Employment Rights Every Employee Should Know About What are your employment rights in the workplace? As an employee, it is important to understand your rights in the workplace. By knowing your employment rights, you can better advocate for yourself and ensure that your employer is fulfilling their legal obligations. In this blog post, we will outline 10 key employment rights that all employees should know about, including those employees protected under the Equality Act 2010. The right to a safe working environment All employees have the right to a safe working environment. Employers ..read more

Maternity and Paternity - Your Rights as an Employee Maternity Rights: Supporting Working Mothers As an employee, it is crucial to be aware of your rights, particularly when it comes to maternity and paternity leave. The UK has a robust legal framework in place to protect the rights of working parents, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. In this blog, we will explore the key aspects of maternity and paternity rights, providing you with the information you need to navigate this important phase of your life. One of the most significant milestones in a woman’s life is becoming a mother. To en ..read more

Supporting Employees through Menopause: A Guide for Employers The Impact of Menopause on the Workplace Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. The average age of women beginning the menopause is 51, but symptoms can start many years before – this is known as the perimenopausal stage. While it is a personal experience, it can also have a significant impact on the workplace. Symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating can affect an employee’s productivity and well-being. Therefore, it is crucial for empl ..read more

The Illness Effect: Unravelling the Impact of Long-Term Sickness on the UK Economy Is long term sickness damaging the UK economy? Workplace sickness can have a significant impact on the overall productivity and well-being of employees, as well as on the economy of a country. In the United Kingdom, long term sickness has become a growing concern for both employers and policymakers. The effects of prolonged absences due to illness can be detrimental to businesses, resulting in increased costs and reduced efficiency. It is crucial to explore the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to ..read more

The Growing Prevalence of Quiet Firing in the UK Why Focus on Employee Recruiting? As a business owner, recruiting and retaining staff can be one of the most challenging aspects of running the business. Recruiting and retaining quality employees is a necessary part of any successful business, but it can be difficult to find the right team. With the right strategy and practices, you can make the process of recruiting and retaining staff more effective and efficient. In this blog post, we’ll explore tips and techniques for recruiting and retaining the best staff for your business. Recruiting t ..read more