Articles

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Author Archive: Samira Cakali

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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24

May

3 tips to managing difficult employees without it affecting your own mental health

By Samira Cakali In , , , , , , ,

As mental health awareness week draws to an end for another year, I thought I would put thoughts to paper in respect of something, I personally feel, gets left out of this important discussion – the mental health of managers. So here at my thoughts.

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Returning from Furlough Leave

15

May

Steps Businesses should take during Covid-19, and how to get their staff back into work after returning from Furlough Leave

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

As businesses look at re-opening after lockdown and returning to some form of “new normal” we thought it would be a good idea to provide employers with guidance to returning to a safe environment as we continue to battle Covid-19.

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12

May

COVID-19 furlough scheme update and other key updates for employers

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

As the lockdown continues, the Government has extended access to its coronavirus job retention scheme and employers are settling in to a new way of working. Business life may have drastically changed, but employment law still applies.

You should check the Government website for the latest guidance in conjunction with this article, as the guidelines on the coronavirus (COVID-19) are changing daily. The guidance and the Treasury direction are inconsistent in places. You should speak to your solicitor for specific advice for your business.

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