May 2014 news

It’s May and things are hotting up – that’s the weather, not HR/employment law news. The Easter holiday slowdown seems to be continuing as, similar to last month, there is not a lot to update you on. However, this gives us the opportunity to remind everyone again of the impending extension of flexible working to all – don’t forget to amend your policies! We also bring you news of the success so far for ACAS Early Conciliation and give you a link to an ACAS discussion paper on Zero Hours contracts. Finally we have our case update. This covers, firstly, disability discrimination, unfair dismissal and the importance of accurate correspondence. Secondly, we cover when a Court is likely to order the inspection and imaging of ex-employees’ computers and to finish we update you on a rare case when it may be fair to dismiss a whistleblower.

• Events round-up
• Government reforms (1): True flexibility is here (nearly!)…
• Government reforms (2): ACAS early conciliation
• Zero hours contracts: ACAS discussion paper
• Case update (1): Disability discrimination & unfair dismissal – correspond carefully
• Case update (2): Confidential information – post employment protection
• Case update (3): Whistleblowing – when is it fair to dismiss?