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Author Archive: Samira Cakali

It is time to refresh HR policies and practices for 2021

5

Jan

It is time to refresh HR policies and practices for 2021

By Samira Cakali In , , , , , , , , ,

2020 was a tumultuous year with employers having to respond rapidly to the challenges of the pandemic and it doesn’t look like it is easing any time soon. Culturally the world has shifted too, with the Black Lives Matter movement bringing momentum to improving equality and diversity at work. The end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020 means an end to free movement and has implications for UK employment law.

As we now enter a further lockdown this is a good time to review and refresh HR policies and practices after a fast-paced 2020 and to get ready for the challenges of the new year.

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Wellbeing and mental health of employees

11

Dec

Ensuring the wellbeing and mental health of employees working from home

By Samira Cakali In , , , , , ,

While some people are enjoying working from home, this is not the case for everyone and the negative impacts over several months are taking a toll on some employees.

Employers are unsure of their responsibilities for mental health and how to deal with performance issues, when the boundary between home and work has become blurred, they want to know how best to support their employees’ wellbeing while keeping the business on track in difficult times. This includes knowing what questions you can ask, how to address mental health issues, and how to be fair in disciplinary procedures.

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13

Nov

Keeping your workforce agile and within the law

By Samira Cakali In ,

The viability of many businesses is on a knife edge and flexibility in scaling the workforce up or down at short notice has become increasingly important.

For many employers, keeping their workforce as flexible as possible will be essential for their future. However, the law around zero hours contracts, self-employment, personal service companies and agency workers is complex, and now is the time to take stock of your current arrangements.

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16

Oct

7 pitfalls to avoid when making redundancies

By Samira Cakali In , , , ,

As the Chancellor’s coronavirus job retention scheme enters its final phase and the prospect of a return to normal business seems distant for many companies, employers are having to contemplate redundancies if they are to keep their business afloat.

Getting the redundancy procedure right is crucial, as mistakes can open the door for an employee to bring a claim before an employment tribunal, There has already been an increase in claims, particularly in regard to unfair dismissal relating to redundancy.

Here are some common misunderstandings and mistakes for employers to avoid.

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14

Sep

Addressing Discrimination: bringing change to the workplace

By Samira Cakali In , , ,

In the wake of recent events, there is increased momentum in addressing racial inequalities at work. Whilst this is extremely important, businesses must not forget to take account of employment law and although positive discrimination is prohibited, positive action is lawful and there are plenty employers can do to tackle inequality of all kinds and particularly racial equality.

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13

Aug

5 things to consider during the release of lockdown and return to the workplace

By Samira Cakali In , , , , , ,

Following changes in government guidance, more and more employers are asking staff to come back to the workplace. But what are your obligations as an employer if staff are reluctant or unwilling to return? How should you treat employees who are shielding, pregnant or struggling with childcare?The HSE’s guidance on Working safely during the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak and the Government’s sector-specific guides on working safely during coronavirus (Covid-19) are crucial sources of information.

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30

Jul

3 top tips to avoid a disability discrimination claim during lockdown

By Samira Cakali In , ,

Guest Blog – Kate Dean/Samira Cakali

As the world starts to right itself and the economy starts to meet again, many businesses are in the difficult place of looking at restructures and redundancies.

While many businesses are likely to consider the mental health and well-being of their staff in these, dare I say it, unprecedented times such focus may not particularly be to the physical well-being of staff particularly those who experience other disabilities or long-term conditions.

In this guest blog, I have partnered up with Kate Dean from Enable Disability & Inclusion Consultants to provide you with our three top tips to avoiding a disability discrimination claim.

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10

Jul

Homeworking during Covid-19

By Samira Cakali In , , , ,

Although lockdown is easing, government guidance advises people to continue to work from home if possible.  Meanwhile the media is reporting that some employers are deciding to keep staff working from home.

Homeworking has advantages; it eases the immediate difficulties of making workplaces Covid-secure and, longer term, it can significantly reduce the overheads for a business. Employers bringing staff back to the workplace may wish to take stock of recent homeworking arrangements in preparation for any second spike in coronavirus or a localised lockdown.

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26

Jun

Five Key Elements of a Fair Redundancy

By Samira Cakali In , , , , , , , , , ,

An employee with two years’ service can bring a claim for unfair dismissal. Where an employee with a protected characteristic argues that their redundancy was discriminatory, they can bring a claim regardless of their length of employment.

Even if the need to make redundancies is obvious, employers still need to follow a fair procedure carefully.  This will nearly always involve the following 5 key elements:

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