Articles

Here you will find all the latest news from the SCE team. In this section we will feature news about what we have been up to, recent mentions in the press, information about the work we do in the community and lots more.

Monthly Archive June 2016

27

Jun

What the Future Holds for Employment Law Following #Brexit

By Mandy Walton In , , ,

As the nation still reels from the result of the EU Referendum, regardless of how you voted, it’s safe to say the UK now enters a period of uncertainty over Brexit.  Whilst the news reports that negotiations for Brexit will commence shortly, it is predicted that it will take at least two years for the UK to officially leave the EU.  It is therefore likely to be some time before the ramifications of the decision made by the majority of voters is known.

Prior to the referendum, we published an article on what Brexit could mean for employment law. Being part of the EU means that the UK currently has to create legislation which is compatible with EU law.  With that set to change, this gives the Government the opportunity to review currently legislation and decide what, if any, changes should be made.

Now Brexit has been confirmed, here are my top employment law predictions for what changes we could see over the forthcoming years.

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17

Jun

Discrimination Claims and Uncapped Awards

By Samira Cakali In , , , , , ,

The recent headlines in relation to the undisclosed settlement figure between Eva Carneiro and Jose Mourinho and Chelsea Football Club may have been unsettling for some business owners. The prime reason for the large settlement (excluding the issue of reputational damages) was the fact that Ms Carneiro brought claims for sex discrimination (being removed from the first team) and harassment (the use of derogatory language relating to her gender). 

Currently compensatory awards for employees succeeding in an unfair dismissal claim are capped at the lower of, 12 months’ pay or £78,962. This brings some comfort to employers who employ high earners. The position is different for discrimination claims where awards are uncapped and, can lead to the demise of a company.  

So here are our 5 tips to avoid discrimination claims: 

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7

Jun

SCE Solicitors signs up to the Leeds Legal Walk

By Samira Cakali In

Staff from SCE Solicitors have signed up to the Leeds Legal Walk.  Organised by the Yorkshire Legal Support Trust (YLST), the 10km sponsored walk around the sights of Leeds is to raise money for local legal advice services.  

Samira Cakali, Principal of the Firm, says:

“We know from our own experience how valuable the work of legal advice charities are for disadvantaged people. Advice agencies do a fantastic job in preventing homelessness, resolving debt problems, gaining care for the elderly and disabled and fighting exploitation.

We also know how short they are of the funds to continue that work.

The money we raise will help keep the agencies operating and try to ensure their services are as effective as possible.”

Anyone wishing to support this cause can donate via our donation page at:

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/scesolicitors

Any donations would be gratefully received.

The walk takes place on Monday 13 June 2016 at 5.00pm.

6

Jun

Football’s Coming Home…Managing Your Staff During Euro 2016

By Mandy Walton In , , , , , , ,

The majority of the Country will soon be inundated with football talk as Euro 2016 kicks off on Friday 10 June 2016.  With a full month of games, even those with little or no interest in the sport will find it difficult to avoid the frenzy that with comes with such occasions.  Love it or loathe it, many employers will be faced with difficulties during this period, with an increase in last minute holiday requests, sickness absence or staff asking to finishing early.  Perhaps the most problematic for employers will be staff accessing the internet during working hours to keep an eye on the score.  

Here I take a look at some of the key issues employers may face and offer some guidance on managing your staff during this period.

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2

Jun

Discriminatory Dress Codes; Just How Far Can An Employer Go?

By Mandy Walton In , , , , , ,

Over the last few weeks, a few stories have hit the headlines which have, naturally, sparked the interest of many.  These relate to the dress code and appearance requirements of some employers which are potentially discriminatory.  Here I take a look at the reported stories and offer insight into why the requirements are potentially discriminatory.

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2

Jun

Absence Management: Is Your Employee Really Sick?

By Samira Cakali In , , , , , ,

Let’s be honest here, it’s likely that some of you reading this will know of someone who has ‘pulled a sickie’.  As an employment lawyer, I’ve heard all manner of ‘justifications’; “the weather was nice”, “my holiday was refused”, “I knew they’d say no if I asked for time off at the last minute” …  A recent ruling in the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) gives hope to employers everywhere that they can take action against an employee who has ‘pulled a sickie’.

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