Author: Sam Allcock

An employment tribunal has ruled in favour of 82 former employees of SSB Group who were made redundant without prior consultation.In a recent decision, Employment Judge Lancaster in Leeds awarded protective compensation to 82 former staff members of SSB Group. The ruling comes after the employees were made redundant, allegedly without the necessary consultation. This follows a prior decision, earlier in the summer, where nine other staff members were similarly compensated.The tribunal determined that each affected employee would receive a protective award covering a span of 90 days, starting from 29 November 2023, the date when the first redundancy was…

Iceland is transforming its brand through innovation with its ‘Brands on Ice’ initiative, fostering a fresh wave of product ideas.The ‘Brands on Ice’ programme is backed by a substantial £100,000 investment fund to encourage groundbreaking product ideas.This initiative aims to shift Iceland’s perception from just a frozen food store to a comprehensive supermarket offering.A wide variety of brands, both emerging and established, are given a platform to showcase their innovative products.The focus is on affordability and uniqueness, offering shoppers something they cannot find elsewhere.Earlier this year, Iceland launched its ‘Brands on Ice’ initiative, a programme designed to infuse innovation into…

Redundancy is a challenging prospect for employees, with 21% of employers anticipating layoffs. Understanding one’s rights and financial landscape is crucial.Redundancy entitlements are not uniform and depend on various factors such as age, job role, and tenure.Tax implications on redundancy pay can be significant, affecting the actual amount received.Evaluating personal finances, budgeting effectively, and managing debt are essential steps post-redundancy.Considering long-term financial strategies, including retirement and pension management, is important during this period.Facing redundancy can be daunting, but understanding entitlements is crucial. Employees may qualify for statutory redundancy pay, which depends on several factors, including tenure and role. Resources like…

‘Office icks’ refer to habits in the workplace that some find displeasing, prompting discussions on whether these behaviours are grounds for dismissal.The concept of ‘office icks’ has emerged with the arrival of Generation Z into the workforce, highlighting generational differences in workplace expectations.A focus group of office workers identified common ‘icks’, and HR expert David Rice provided insight on the potential disciplinary actions for each.Although some behaviours may irritate colleagues, only a few are considered serious enough to warrant dismissal.It is crucial to understand company policies and employment contracts to navigate these situations appropriately.’Office icks’ have become a topic of…

Minster Law, a leader in personal injury law, makes a strategic promotion by appointing Stuart Hanley as director of legal practice.Hanley, with Minster Law since 2012, will report directly to CEO Shirley Woolham.His extensive experience and commitment to diversity in legal practice are highly valued.Minster Law’s recent business transformation enhances profitability and strategic partnerships.Hanley is set to lead collaborations and engage with key legal stakeholders.Minster Law, an influential firm in personal injury, has announced a pivotal promotion. They have elevated Stuart Hanley to the position of director of legal practice. Hanley, who has been part of the firm since 2012,…

A former employee of a law firm has received a conditional ban after being convicted of assaulting colleagues during a work event.The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has imposed restrictions on Ian Bond, a former case progression officer at Patterson Law, a firm specialising in motoring law located in Devon. This decision follows Bond’s conviction for assaulting two colleagues in a nightclub after a work dinner.The incident, which occurred on 1 October 2021, involved inappropriate and sexual touching of two colleagues by Bond in the early hours of the following morning. This behaviour prompted a formal complaint, leading to an internal…

A recent study reveals the vast amount of time Britons spend on screens, highlighting a significant aspect of modern working life.The research indicates that over a typical career span, Britons dedicate 25 years solely to online work, exacerbating concerns about screen time.About 76% of an adult’s waking hours are now consumed by digital interactions, as indicated by recent findings.There is a growing awareness of the health implications of prolonged screen exposure, including eyestrain and sleep issues.Expert advice offers strategies to manage screen time effectively, aiming to improve work-life balance and health.In a detailed study, it was found that Britons spend…

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for well-being in today’s fast-paced world. By establishing boundaries, prioritising self-care, and making time for personal interests, individuals can enhance their quality of life. Incorporating mindfulness and reflection practices further aids in maintaining equilibrium between work and personal life. Delegating responsibilities and creating a strong support network are crucial steps towards balance. Scheduling downtime and limiting digital connectivity are also vital components of a balanced lifestyle.In the modern era, balancing work and personal life requires more than just good time management. It is about creating an environment where one can thrive in both…

A tribunal has ruled in favour of a solicitor who claims unfair dismissal after exposing alleged biased work allocation at a law firm.In a significant legal development, a solicitor has been granted permission to pursue a claim of unfair dismissal against Irwell Law, following allegations that he was penalised for raising concerns about biased work allocation. The tribunal, led by Employment Judge Cuthbert in Manchester, dismissed the law firm’s application to strike out the claim, allowing the solicitor’s pursuit of justice to continue.The solicitor, Mr M Broomhead, was employed by Irwell Law until August 2023. He accused the firm of…

The Court of Appeal has dismissed the objections raised by a convicted felon regarding the conduct of his legal representation in a recent drug-related trial.Reece David O’Flaherty, sentenced to 54 months in prison for possession of cocaine with the intent to supply, sought to appeal his conviction by criticising his legal team. His complaints centred on their alleged failure to challenge case aspects and their overall trial performance. However, the court found no merit in these criticisms.O’Flaherty contended that his counsel’s ‘negative advice’ affected his prospects for acquittal. He criticised their ‘timidity and passivity’ during the trial and failure to…