March 2009

Age Discrimination And Job Advertisments

Sun, 01/03/2009 - 01:00 — Georgina Smith
Although many businesses are contemplating downsizing, owing to the worsening economic situation, if you are recruiting staff, it is important to remember that the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 make it unlawful to discriminate on grounds of age, including when advertising to fill a vacancy.

Age Discrimination And Selection For Redundancy

Sun, 01/03/2009 - 01:00 — Georgina Smith

In Rolls Royce plc v Unite the Union, Rolls Royce contended that the length of service criterion in collective agreements relating to redundancy, entered into with the trade union, amounted to unlawful indirect age discrimination against younger employees under the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006. The outcome of this case will be important for all employers considering making redundancies.

Animals And Divorce - New Ruling May Set Cat Among The Pigeons

Sun, 01/03/2009 - 01:00 — Georgina Smith
Financial settlements on divorce normally involve making financial provision for any children but, in a recent case, the ex-wife of a wealthy man successfully argued that her love of horses was sufficiently important to her that substantial maintenance should be payable for their upkeep.

Who Decides The Location Of The Funeral?

Sun, 01/03/2009 - 01:00 — Georgina Smith

The general rule regarding a person’s funeral is that the executor of the estate has the right to make any necessary arrangements. Where there is no will, the person granted the letters of administration of the estate has the right.

That seems straightforward and it usually is, but not always. A recent case dealt with the funeral arrangements of a man who died intestate. His divorced parents were jointly entitled to administer his estate.

Tips And The Minimum Wage - Government Launches Consultation

Sun, 01/03/2009 - 01:00 — Georgina Smith
Although all workers are entitled to receive the National Minimum Wage (NMW), bars and restaurants currently operate a wide variety of practices when it comes to dealing with tips and it depends how these are paid as to whether they are taken into account as remuneration contributing to the NMW.

Earlier this year, the Government announced that it wished to end the practice of employers paying staff an hourly rate below the NMW and then using gratuities and service charges processed through the payroll to 'top up' wages in order to comply with the NMW legislation.

Issue 18, March 2009 - Increased Penalties For Breaches Of Health And Safety Law

Sun, 01/03/2009 - 01:00 — Georgina Smith

The Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008, which alters the penalty framework set out in Section 33 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, has received Royal Assent. The Act introduces harsher penalties for businesses that commit certain health and safety offences.

The Act increases the maximum penalty that can be imposed in the lower courts for breaching health and safety regulations from £5,000 to £20,000 and the range of offences for which an individual can be imprisoned has also been broadened.