HR Articles

Lawyers say they understand the widespread disagreement over sexual harassment because the boundaries of appropriate behaviour have shifted

At the end of 2018 the Supreme Court considered whether advantageous treatment, that had the potential to be even more advantageous, would constitute ‘unfavourable’ treatment within the meaning of the Equality Act.

Today, the Government has announced that it will introduce a new statutory code of practice which places greater responsibility on employers to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and to act robustly when sexual harassment does occur. The announcement is particularly timely in the midst of Christmas party season, in which employers liability to protect staff from sexual harassment and misconduct extends to such events, as we blogged about earlier this month.

A Dutchman who recently asked a court in the Netherlands to lower his age by 20 years has lost his case. The court found that there was no case law or scope in legislation that would allow such a ruling.

In March 2019, members of an Employment Tribunal will have to decide whether ‘veganism’ will receive the same protection against discrimination as Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

Under the Equality Act (Disability) Regulations 2010 (the “Regulations”), a number of conditions are said not to be impairments. This means that they are not disabilities and do not therefore receive protection under the Equality Act (the “Act”).

Embracing diversity enhances business resilience – and the UK can lead the way, says Clarkslegal’s Monica Atwal

The EAT has handed down its decision in Evans v Xactly finding that, calling an employee a “fat ginger pikey” did not amount to harassment on the facts of the case. The Claimant was employed as a sales representative for Xactly Communications Limited where he was dismissed due to his poor performance.

The Supreme Court has handed down its decision in the ‘gay cake’ case today, finding that a Christian Bakery had not acted unlawfully in refusing to provide a cake endorsing gay marriage. We have previously reported on the case of Lee v Ashers Baking Company and Others, both at the County Court and at the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal.

Last week saw the launch of a new guide aimed at assisting and supporting those who battle mental health issues in the workplace. The guide has been compiled by the CIPD, the UK’s leading professional body for HR and people development, and Mind, the longstanding mental health charity. CIPD’s recent ‘Health and Well-Being at Work’ report, produced in partnership with Simplyhealth, showed increases in work-related stress and mental health.