Author: Sam Allcock

After a protracted seven-year legal battle, a Sikh postman at Disney World has prevailed in a discrimination case, compelling Disney to amend its dress code policies.Gurdit Singh, the postman, was initially restricted to behind-the-scenes roles to obscure his beard and turban from customers.Singh felt these policies were humiliating and a breach of his religious freedoms, prompting legal intervention from the ACLU and the Sikh Coalition.The policy reversal signifies a significant victory not only for Singh but potentially for all religious minorities at the corporation.Disney’s amendment aligns with its professed commitment to diversity and equality.After seven years of persistence, Gurdit Singh,…

A lawsuit alleges inappropriate bag searches at Apple retail stores, raising significant workplace concerns.Employees claim these searches occurred when they went on breaks or left the store, aiming to prevent theft.Complaints were directly addressed to CEO Tim Cook, describing the process as embarrassing and demeaning.Emails from employees suggest a culture of distrust fostered by the search policy, affecting worker morale.Court proceedings continue to explore whether these practices warrant compensation for affected employees.A lawsuit in the United States has been filed by plaintiffs Amanda Friekin and Dean Pelle, challenging Apple’s practice of conducting bag searches on retail employees. These checks were…

The TUC has collaborated with Epilepsy Action to introduce a guide focusing on epilepsy in the workplace.This guide serves as a critical resource for trade union representatives assisting members with epilepsy.Employers will also find the guide valuable in creating an inclusive environment for employees with epilepsy.The publication stems from the social model of disability, viewing epilepsy as a non-barrier to employment.Despite existing legal protections, workers with epilepsy still face prejudice, highlighting the guide’s importance.The collaboration between the TUC and Epilepsy Action has led to the release of a comprehensive guide aimed at supporting individuals with epilepsy in the workplace. Designed…

The HR sector is recognising and celebrating its unsung heroes through the HR Manager of the Month award in 2015.Each month, an outstanding HR professional will be honoured for their exceptional contributions to the field.Nominations are encouraged for individuals who have achieved success, gone the extra mile, or made a significant impact in HR.The initiative culminates in a prestigious annual award, recognising the ultimate HR Manager of the Year.Winners will be celebrated at a gala dinner in March 2016, highlighting their invaluable contributions.In an effort to highlight the often-overlooked efforts of HR professionals, the HR Manager of the Month award…

The Welsh Government’s February update highlights concerning sickness absence rates within the NHS in Wales.A rise in overall sickness absence to 5.5% is reported, contrasting with the lower 4% rate in the police force.Public Health Wales NHS Trust achieves the lowest sickness absence rate at 3.3%, without additional measures.Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust faces the highest absence rates, with 9.2% among ambulance staff.Stress-related absences among ambulance staff are predominant, linked to workload and care targets.The latest update from the Welsh Government reveals a troubling increase in sickness absence rates in the NHS across Wales, with the overall figure rising to…

Bereavement is an inevitable part of life, affecting everyone at some point, yet it remains a challenging issue within workplaces, often seen as a ‘taboo’ topic. Recent guidelines aim to support employers in managing bereavement leave more effectively.Many employers lack a formal policy for bereavement leave, making it crucial to seek guidance from organisations like ACAS.Legislation provides for unpaid leave for dependants, yet many employers offer paid special leave, highlighting the importance of clear policies.Experts advocate for compassionate leave policies to aid employee recovery and ease managerial duties during sensitive times.New ACAS guidelines offer best practices for managing bereavement, with…

The 2015 survey by Activ Absence reveals customer satisfaction and valuable feedback.100% of users reported significant improvement in absence management.Customers praised the intuitive and user-friendly software interface.A prize draw was held for participants, adding an element of appreciation.Codel Software is committed to further enhancements based on user feedback.The Activ Absence Management Survey of 2015 demonstrates a high level of customer satisfaction, with all participants indicating that the software significantly enhanced their ability to manage absences effectively within their organisations. Users consistently reported improvements in their organisational operations as a direct result of the software.Several customers highlighted the software’s ease of…

Recent research sheds light on the alarming rate of workplace absences due to stress and depression in the UK.The British Heart Foundation reports that stress and depression account for 36% of all workplace absences.This equates to a loss of 80 million working days and £9 billion annually.Workplace stress exacerbates various health conditions, including respiratory diseases and coronary heart disease.Employers are encouraged to create a supportive work environment to mitigate these risks.Recent research highlights a concerning trend in workplace absences in the UK, with 36% attributed to stress and depression. This significant percentage translates into a staggering 80 million working days…

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) significantly impact workplace productivity and employee health, highlighting the essential role of line managers in managing these conditions.MSDs remain the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK, necessitating awareness and proactive measures from employers to mitigate productivity loss.Effective self-management of MSDs by employees is crucial, though often unsupported by workplace adjustments, despite legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010.A supportive work environment and informed line managers can enhance employee wellbeing, reduce the burden of self-management, and improve work engagement.Education on MSDs is vital for both managers and employees to foster understanding, avoid stigma, and promote inclusive…

HR managers should anticipate increased absenteeism during major sporting events like the Six Nations.The 2015 Six Nations has already commenced, prompting a potential rise in employee sick days.Different companies adopt varied strategies to handle absenteeism stemming from such events.Evaluating the cost implications of absenteeism is crucial for businesses.Modern absence management systems offer significant advantages over traditional spreadsheet methods.With the arrival of the 2015 Six Nations, businesses are warned of the usual uptick in absenteeism linked to major sporting events. The opening match saw Wales and England in a competitive stand-off at the Millennium Stadium, marking the beginning of increased employee…