Author: Sam Allcock

Recent allegations involving Robbie Williams and Ayda Field have spotlighted workplace sexual harassment.Sexual harassment is a contentious issue with various legal classifications in the UK.Employers are liable for harassment claims, necessitating robust anti-harassment policies.Clear investigative procedures are crucial when handling harassment claims.Training and consistency in addressing harassment are key to minimizing liability.Recent allegations against Robbie Williams and Ayda Field have focused attention on the pressing issue of sexual harassment in the workplace. The legal framework in the UK defines sexual harassment as unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that violates an individual’s dignity or creates an intimidating environment. This encompasses…

James Devine has been recognised as HR Manager of the Month, reflecting his instrumental role at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.Beginning in 2014, Devine brought nearly two decades of NHS experience to the hospital, previously working with the Royal College of Nursing.Devine has significantly contributed to the hospital’s HR processes, praised by auditors and awarded for improving the HR team’s capability.His role as a mentor extends to both junior and senior staff, fostering a culture of positive workplace changes and staff recognition.Devine’s commitment to ethical solutions and strategic integration in HR has garnered admiration from the hospital’s executive team.James Devine…

Barclays, a leading bank, is expected to cut a significant portion of its workforce by 2017 as part of a reorganisation strategy. As many as 30,000 jobs, equating to one in four positions, are at risk as the bank seeks to streamline operations.The focus will be on reducing staff in middle and back office operations to achieve significant savings.Automation within the retail banking sector is a key tactic in reducing jobs and cutting costs.Barclays has a history of reducing its workforce, having already cut 12,000 jobs in recent years.The move has faced denials from Barclays despite numerous reports from credible…

Business and educational leaders unite to criticise new immigration policy changes impacting overseas students.The policy mandates graduates to return home post-study to re-apply for visas, which has met with widespread disapproval.Industry leaders argue the policy will harm the UK’s economy by losing skilled graduates to global competitors.Educational heads warn the policy sends a negative message to potential international students.Calls for a thorough review of the economic impact of international students in the UK are growing.Recent changes to the UK’s immigration policy have been met with strong criticism from both business and education sectors. The policy requires international graduates to leave…

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…